Returning to Campus: Personal Safety Tips
August 20, 2021
Dear Great Dane:
UPD and Off-Campus Student Services are here to help ensure your safety and security on and off campus.
In the beginning of each academic year, we share information with students on how to remain safe while on and off campus. This summer, the City of Albany has seen a spike in violent crime, including some serious incidents that have occurred in areas of the city where our students live or frequently visit. While the city is working closely with community partners to address this issue, we strongly encourage you to review the information below and keep it in mind as you return this fall. It is important that we all remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and others, both on and off campus.
Personal Safety Tips:
- Walk in groups: When possible, walk in groups of three or more. Data show that being with a group of people can help keep you safer than traveling alone.
- Stay in well-lit areas: Do your best to travel in places that have good lighting.
- Be aware of your surroundings: As you are walking, always be aware of who is around you. If you notice someone following you, move to an area where there are more people and call for help.
- Parties/Social gatherings: Avoid attending/hosting large gatherings with individuals you do not know and be mindful not to enter houses or apartments belonging to strangers.
- Alcohol: If you are of legal age and choose to consume alcohol, do not become over-intoxicated. Individuals who overindulge are less aware of their surroundings and statistically more likely to become a target of a crime. Avoid consuming drinks from opened containers if you did not make them yourself. This includes juice, punch, mixed drinks, etc. Although the drink may appear fine, if you did not make it you don’t know what’s in it.
- Respect boundaries: Be aware of cues that indicate someone might want more physical, sexual, or emotional space. Take actions that respect others’ boundaries. Please visit 'Recognizing Boundaries' poster for tips.
- See something, say something: Be sure to carry your cell phone with you and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see something that doesn’t feel/look right.
Dial 911 in the event of an emergency off campus.
If you need our help on campus, contact UPD at 518-442-3131 or 911 from any campus phone.
Visit the UPD website and be sure to follow us on social media for more tips on how to stay safe!
Stay safe and healthy,
Paul Burlingame
Chief of Police
Luke Rumsey
Assistant Dean of Students
Off-Campus Student Services