Safety and security
Learn how the University of Nevada, Reno keeps students, employees and facilities safe.
Resources to keep you and your data safe
University Police Department
University Police Department (UNR PD) is stationed right on the University of Nevada, Reno campus in the Fitzgerald Student Services building. Registered students, faculty and staff members will receive emergency information by text or email through Emergency Alerts. Emergency information will also be posted to the UNR PD Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites. UNR PD strives to maintain our campus as a safe place to live, study and work by embracing the "Community Oriented Policing" philosophy, which includes open and honest communication between the Police Department and the population we serve.
Police safety programs
Women's Self Defense Classes
Police Services Offers two options for Women's Self Defense training: If you are a current student and would like information on the Girls on Guard drop-in class at the E.L. Wiegand Fitness center, please see their drop-in class schedule.
If you are a current student and would like information on enrollment in the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) academic course, please email unrpd@police.unr.edu or look for the class during registration periods.
If you are a campus-recognized group looking for a private class, please fill out the UPD Training Request Form.
This form below is intended for community members or University staff and faculty without an E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center Membership that wishes to take part in our community self-defense classes.
*If you are under 18 years of age, parent or guardian consent is required.
Victim advocacy program
Victims of crimes may request a free victim advocate through University Police Services. Victim advocates are professionals trained to support victims of crime. Advocates offer victims information, emotional support, and help finding resources and filling out paperwork. Sometimes, advocates go to court with victims. Advocates may also contact organizations, such as criminal justice or social service agencies, to get help or information for victims.
Emergency alerts
As part of the University of Nevada, Reno’s emergency preparedness planning, the University’s students, faculty, and staff will receive emergency text and email message alerts in addition to traditional methods of notification. The University employs text and email messaging as another technological solution for communicating swiftly and effectively with our campus community in the event of an emergency on campus.
Campus SafePack app
Get the Campus SafePack App for quick access to Campus Security, a personal safety toolbox, campus maps, on-campus support resources, and more!
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act
The Jeanne Clery Act is a federal statute codified at 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), with implementing regulations in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at 34 C.F.R. 668.46. The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. See the University’s Clery Reports.
Campus Security Authority: If you work or do business on a college campus, you are considered a Campus Security Authority, and as such, you are required to report any information you are aware of that is criminal in nature. For more information about this, please contact University Police Services. Visit instructions on how to report criminal information.
Workplace safety policy, training, resources and reporting
The health and safety of group members is a major responsibility of all supervisors. Supervisors must assure the development of standard operating procedures, provide documented task-specific training, and work to provide equipment and resources necessary for a safe workplace. Environmental Health & Safety is prepared to offer guidance to assist researchers and other supervisors in fulfilling this responsibility. See the Laboratory Supervisor Safety Responsibilities Policy for more details.
The University recommends that all employees complete Information Security Training through the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Information Security Training is necessary to ensure that every University employee has the same understanding of what information security is and how each piece of information should be handled.
Courses offered
- P-101: Privacy and Data Protection
- PCI-101: PCI Essentials for Account Data Handlers and Supervisors
- S-123: Baseline Information Security Training for IT Professionals
- S-141: Security Awareness Essentials
Every employee will receive an invitation to complete sexual harassment and discrimination training online. Employees will receive their initial invitation within the first 6 months of their employment and again every two years to fulfill NAC Code 284.496.
All employees should be aware of the services that the Center for Civil Rights and Equal Access provides and have a general idea of related policies and reporting procedures. As a University employee, are now a mandated reporter of discrimination, harassment, and assault related to age, disability, gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, or religion, or have been subjected to unwelcome sexual advances.
The University of Nevada, Reno operates in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Guidelines can be found in the following publications:
- NSHE Policies and Procedures
- NSHE Prohibitions and Penalties
- University Administrative Manual
- Rules for State Personnel
Employees are additionally referred to the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers free and confidential assistance for substance abuse issues. Health insurance policies additionally typically include coverage for substance abuse treatment. Employees should contact their health insurance provider to find out what specific benefits are offered.
The BCN Workers’ Compensation office offers free office ergonomic evaluations, training and employee education on reducing risk factors. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the task and tools to the user to maximize productivity while reducing discomfort, fatigue and injury. The application of sound ergonomic principals can reduce the incidents of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or injuries. For more information please contact us via email at: BCNRisk@unr.edu or by phone (775) 784-4394.
The BCN Workers’ Compensation office oversees work related injuries and illnesses. In the event of a work-related injury or illness employees have the right to seek medical treatment and file a workers’ compensation claim. Injuries and illnesses need to be reported to the BCN Workers’ Compensation office as soon as possible. For more information on what to during a work-related injury or illness please contact us via email at: BCNRisk@unr.edu or by phone (775) 784-4394.
The Environmental Health & Safety Department provides leadership and services that assist in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the entire University community, help achieve regulatory compliance, and promote environmental sustainability. EH&S offers in-person and online training courses on dozens of subjects which your role at the University may require you to complete. Topics range from laboratory safety to defensive driving to fire extinguisher training. For a complete list, see the EH&S Training Matrix.
Are you an expert in safety or best practices for using specific materials and equipment? Your expertise would be put to good use on an EH&S Safety Committee:
- Institutional Biosafety Committee
- Laboratory Safety Committee
- Nevada Safety Committee
- Radiation Safety Committee
- Accelerator and X-Ray Safety Advisory Committee
- Laser Safety Advisory Committee
