All students, employees, and campus visitors are encouraged to take responsibility for their own security and the security of others. The following common-sense practices help protect everyone on campus:
- Walk with a Friend: Especially at night. If a companion is unavailable at night, you may call Campus Safety and Security (434.544.8102) or use the LiveSafe app to request an escort. You can also use SafeWalk within the LiveSafe app to invite friends, and family, or security to virtually follow your location on a real-time map.
- Know the People You Visit: whether on or off campus.
- Secure Your Residence/Office: Close and lock ground-floor windows when you are not in your campus residence or office.
- Vehicle Safety: If you bring a vehicle to campus, keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked at all times. If you leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk where they can not be seen by others.
- Notify Security When Working Late: If you are working in an academic building or office at night or during weekend hours when the area is usually locked, notify Campus Safety and Security (434.544.8100 or dial “0” from any campus land-line telephone) so that officers are aware of your presence in the event of an emergency.
- Be Aware of Substance Use: recognize the risks of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Sexual assaults and other violent acts occur more often when people are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Emergency Assistance: Anyone needing emergency assistance on campus can reach the Campus Safety and Security Office at any time by dialing emergency extension 5555 from any landline telephone on campus, by dialing 434.544.5555 from a cell phone or off-campus phone. Dial 911 for local police and fire emergency assistance at off-campus locations.
- Prohibited Items: Firearms or weapons of any type, including concealed weapons for which the carrier has a legal permit, are strictly prohibited on campus. Weapons include but are not limited to firearms (e.g., Airsoft guns, BB guns, handguns, paintball guns, pellet guns, rifles), bows and arrows, explosives, knives, martial arts weapons, metal knuckles, and stun weapons. Possession or use of a realistic facsimile of a weapon is also prohibited on campus. Contact Campus Safety and Security immediately to report the presence of weapons on campus. (Exceptions to this policy may be made when a legitimate, authorized, classroom-based need exists.)
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to security alerts, safety announcements, and other information about crime prevention and enhancing personal safety provided on campus. Knowing safety precautions and resources can make a difference in a crisis.
