Personal safety

Personal safety and property security are everyone's responsibility. University Police urge faculty, staff and students to help keep our campus safe. Good security habits can help police safeguard university and personal property. If you observe unusual, suspicious or criminal activity, call University Police. Our officers are also available to conduct educational programs.

To develop good safety habits, follow these security tips:

Vehicle safety

• Always lock your vehicle
• Store valuables in trunk or out of sight
• Look in your vehicle before you get in
• Have your keys in hand before you get to your vehicle

Safety on campus

• Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace.
• Stay in well-lighted areas.
• Never work alone in an office or classroom on campus at night. Use the buddy system.
• If you feel you are in danger, attract attention anyway you can. Don't be reluctant to scream and run.
• Fifteen blue light phones are located around CSU's main campus for your convenience. Picking up any of these connects you instantly to University Police.
• University Police, Student Health Services and the Counseling Center are all excellent resource centers for safety information.

Campus apartment safety

• Lock your door when you leave your room, even if you will be gone only for a minute. It takes about eight seconds for someone to walk into an open room and remove an item.
• Notify Residence Life staff and University Police promptly of any suspicious person loitering in the vicinity of your building or room.
• Never leave purses, wallets, jewelry and other valuables unattended in laundry rooms or pool areas.
• Make a list of your valuables with a description and serial numbers and keep it on file. Write your name on or in textbooks to reduce theft.
• Never prop open any exterior entry door.
• Never let a stranger into your room.
• Never light candles or use open flames in your room.

Off campus

Off-campus crime is addressed by the agency or jurisdiction where the crime took place, and University Police are often advised. University Police are also in daily contact with Columbus Police via radio and are alerted to daily bulletins of crimes within the jurisdiction.