Safety on campus

Safety is a top priority at UA, as evidenced by the wide variety of educational programs and safety services in place to help protect, inform and empower our students:

• University police — Our 40-member police force is on duty 24-7, patrolling the campus on foot, and from bikes and vehicles. Their training meets and exceeds state requirements for all police officers, and many of our officers take specialized training relevant to working with college populations. Our officers have full law-enforcement authority from the state of Ohio, and they work closely with Akron city police and other area law enforcement agencies.


• Residence hall security — Residence halls are locked around the clock. Nearly all require swipe cards for access. Security desks are located at the entrances and are staffed 24 hours. Residence hall personnel receive specialized training in security and safety procedures. UA police officers assigned to the residence halls visit them daily and in the evenings, and get to know individual students and groups.
  
  


• Parking lot security — UA police regularly patrol parking facilities and emergency phones are located in all decks and near most lots. Parking Services personnel also monitor UA's parking facilities. Motor vehicle assistance is available for students who lock themselves out of their cars, need battery jumps or other, similar assistance.


• Campus Patrol/Escort Service — For more than 25 years, student volunteers in UA's Campus Patrol program have escorted students to and from their cars, residence halls and classrooms. The free service runs from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. during fall and spring semesters. Call 330-972-7263 to request the service.


• Emergency phones — More than 230 emergency phones are strategically positioned across campus, on pedestrian walkways, inside parking decks, at building entrances and in 60 elevators on campus. The blue phones automatically and instantaneously connect users to the University Police Department, which responds immediately to all activated emergency phones, even if no words are spoken.


• Z-Alert Service — Our newest service sends emergency text messages to students' cell phones, e-mail addresses or both. Alerts are sent if the campus closes or if another immediate safety action must be taken. Students are not charged by the University for the service, but must sign up for it. Standard text fees from the student's cellular service carrier may still apply. Sign up for Z-Alert. Z-Alert is also available via Twitter.


• Safety education programs — UA police deliver a variety of educational programs for students, ranging from basic safety to rape-prevention, self-defense and drug and alcohol awareness. Presentations are made to students in the residence halls, fraternities and sororities and at orientation.