IU provides many measures to keep students safe on campus

In most cases, it’s the number one concern for parents of incoming students: Will my student be safe on campus? At Indiana University, there are a number of measures that have been put into place to ensure the answer to this question is yes.

Residence halls are equipped with a key card entry system and locks on individual dormitory doors. To enter most residence halls, students must swipe their IU ID card and use their personal key to get into the room. ID cards only work for the residence hall where the student lives. Additionally, residents are urged not to allow others in who do not have a key card. If a student is without his or her ID or can’t get into the dorm, he or she will need to contact an RPS staff member at the center desk of their residence center.

There are also cameras in and around the residence halls to monitor who is entering and exiting the halls. Similarly, students can expect to see Residence Assistants and police officers on rounds regularly within the halls, circulating the dormitories to ensure that residents are safe at all hours.

While rounds are not intended to “get students into trouble,” students should be aware there are consequences for students found participating in illicit activities in the residence halls.

Outside the dormitories, the campus infrastructure is designed to keep students safe en route to classes, campus buildings and the dorms. Campus sidewalks and parking lots are well lit and equipped with emergency stations. These stations flash a blue light when a button is pressed and alert IUPD there is an emergency in the area.

For students who do not feel safe walking at night, the IU Safety Escort Service provides safe rides to and from campus buildings and student housing, both on and off campus. The service is free. Students who wish to utilize the service should call 812-855-SAFE and a safety escort van will meet them. They must then show their student ID before boarding.

Finally, the campus is equipped with the IU-Notify Messaging System, which serves to notify students and faculty of emergencies. Students can sign up to receive text messages and emails from the system, and the notifications are also posted online and on campus and cable television. Warning sirens are posted outdoors as well to notify residents in the event of an emergency.

Ultimately, individual safety depends on the students themselves to make smart decisions and keep themselves out of unsafe situations. However, parents may be assured that Indiana University staff work hard on campus and in the community to ensure students are safe throughout their time at IU.