Emergency text alerts, a safe-ride service, a network of emergency phones, a healthcare facility and training are all part of the University’s comprehensive health and safety program. With the start of a new semester, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to become familiar with the many resources and training opportunities available to promote campus health, wellness and safety.

“It is our goal to provide a safe and secure environment in which all our students’ endeavors may be fully realized,” said Shannon Ellis, vice president for Student Services. “We are committed to providing information, services and programs that will help students stay healthy and safe, and be knowledgeable participants in basic crime-prevention practices.”

University police officers patrol campus, walking and bicycling around campus, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provide escorts upon request, but they want to remind the campus community to use common sense and precautions.

“Safety on and around campus is of utmost concern to the University,” said University Police Services Director Adam Garcia. “As we work to strengthen law-enforcement presence on campus, it is important for individuals to take charge of their personal safety and reach out to a friend or colleague and encourage them to do the same. Together, we can further the sense of community and culture of safety at the University of Nevada, Reno.”

The University provides many safety-related services, including a network of 107 emergency “blue-light” phones in the University’s parking garages, across the main Reno campus and in the Redfield Campus parking lot. Each phone allows quick access to “911” emergency assistance with the push of a button.

Campus Escort Service provides safe transportation by van to any location on or within a two-mile radius of the main campus. The service provides rides 5 - 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Rides can be requested by calling (775) 742-6808 or with the Nevada Campus Escort app on either Android or iOS.

University Police Services offer cadet and reserve officer programs, providing escort services to fellow students walking to and from University buildings after dark.

All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for the University’s Emergency Messaging System. Messages are sent to all enrolled cell phones in the event of an emergency or unexpected closing at the University.

University Police want to remind motorists and pedestrians to stay alert, obey posted speed limits and traffic laws and use caution while traveling through adjacent roads or on the University.

Police Services also encourage everyone to report incidents and cooperate with investigations when an issue of safety is involved. Introduced last fall, the new “See a Crime, Send a Text” program offers a quick-tip, crime-reporting option. Anyone can text UNRTIP and a message to 50911. UNRTIP must be first, and all reports are confidential.

“Please take advantage of the services and programs,” Garcia said. “The ultimate responsibility for your safety rests with you.”

A particularly bad flu season is still going strong and healthcare professionals urge students to get the flu vaccination this year. The Student Health Center offers the vaccination to students for free, along with a number of other medical services including a campus pharmacy.

“We are definitely seeing cases of the flu,” said Cheryl Hug-English, director of the Student Health Center. “However, most cases have been relatively mild, and students are recovering quickly. The best protection against it is to get vaccinated. Staying home from work or school when ill is also a key factor in helping to prevent the spread of the flu.”

The Joe Crowley Student Union and the Student Health Center are partnering all week to provide free vaccinations from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Student Union’s Second Floor Blue Fish Bowl.

Students can subscribe to the Live Fit on Campus monthly newsletter and read the Student Health 101 online magazine for access to information and tools needed to make healthy food choices and stay fit.

For more information about safety programs, tips, classes and training opportunities, visit University Police or call (775) 784-4013.

Safety tips

• If you are the victim of a crime, please report it to the police immediately.
• Contact University Police by dialing 334-COPS (2677) or 911 if you observe a suspicious person or situation.
• If you know you are going to be studying or working late on campus, plan ahead how you will get home safely.
• Never walk alone at night. Travel in groups of two or more and always travel in well-lit, heavily traveled areas.
• Have a friend walk with you or meet you at a location the two of you can walk from safely. Try to walk in with a group.
• ALWAYS – ALWAYS lock your doors and windows.
• Use Campus Escort by calling (775) 742-6808, or University Police by calling (775) 334-COPS (2677) or (775) 745-6195.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Carry a whistle or noise maker. This can serve as a reminder to exercise caution, and can alert someone in the area that you need help. Whistles are available free of charge at University Police Headquarters – on the ground floor of the Fitzgerald Student Services Building.
• Be alert! Look around you; be aware of who is on the street and in the area. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise.
• If listening to music, keep the volume low so you can hear what is going on around you.
• If you exercise at night or in the dark, do so with a friend and wear bright reflective clothing.
• Follow your intuition… trust your feelings.