Crime Prevention Tips

Providing a secure campus is of the utmost importance to the university. The university, through various crime prevention programs, has made every attempt to provide a safe, secure environment for students and staff. Students and staff must also assist the university, being responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

The Bringle Lake Village dormitory opened in August of 2011 and the first class of freshmen dorm students arrived on campus. Students live on campus all year long and their safety is paramount. Campus safety is promoted through regular maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the prompt replacement of non-operating lights and the trimming of bushes and hedges from building entrances and walkways. 

The Bringle Lake campus has numerous security features. All buildings at the Bringle Lake campus are equipped with video cameras inside and outside the buildings. There are now eight emergency phones (Blue Boys) on the walkways and in the parking lots by the main parking lot and the BLV Dormitory has one phone in each of its parking lots. These phones have a blue light at the top of the device and are easily seen in the parking lot. To use a Blue Boy phone, simply push the call button and you will be connected to a police/security officer on campus.

Fire alarm/evacuation drills are conducted every semester. Fire alarm drills are conducted at least once a semester at the BLV dormitory. A police/security officer is on duty 24 hours a day and will assist any student or staff in getting to their vehicle safely. Security will also assist in opening locked car doors and providing jump-starts when needed. The UPD has an I.D. Program to help protect property from theft by engraving driver’s license numbers on personal property. Engravers are available for check out at the UPD which is located in the Central Plant Building at the Bringle Lake campus.

Throughout the academic year the Student Services Office provides educational workshops and programs on topics ranging from anxiety/depression to domestic/dating violence and numerous other subjects. For a complete schedule of workshops/programs, contact student services at 903-223-3062.

Safety Check Points

• Walk with friends in lighted areas.
• Always lock your car.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• Before entering your vehicle, have your keys out and check the interior of the vehicle.
• Never leave personal property unattended.
• Carry personal items in a backpack or similar device to keep your hands free at all times.
• Report any suspicious activity or person to UPD officers – Dial 6611 from any phone at the Bringle Lake campus or 903-334-6611 from you cell phone.
• Alter your route of travel between home and campus. Whether walking, jogging, biking, etc., vary your routine.
• Engrave valuables with your driver’s license number. An engraver is available from UPD which is located at the Central Plant building.