The Office of Campus Safety support personal safety programs to help ensure your safety on campus. Below are some suggestions for safety on campus.
Safety in public places:
- Avoid walking alone and using shortcuts through unfamiliar, deserted areas.
- Look confident and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone.
- Travel in well-lit areas and away from bushes, doorways and buildings.
- If you have to stay late, move your car closer to a building and by a well-lit area.
- Have your keys ready so you can enter your car or residence quickly.
- Check in and under your vehicle before entering.
- Lock your car as soon as you enter or leave it.
- Keep windows and sunroof closed.
Safety indoors:
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly the general campus layout, exits, rooms and offices.
- Be alert in confined spaces such as washrooms and stairwells.
- Before you leave an area, check for strangers.
- Have a friend join you if you plan to stay late.
- Be alert.
- Don’t use headsets which distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
- Use exits closest to your mode of transportation.
- Don’t leave a purse, computer or other possessions out of your site, even for a short time; mark personal items with your initials or student number.
- Don’t give your locker combination to others, and always spin your lock past the last number.
Personal safety:
- Be responsible.
- Know how and where to get help.
- If you’re on campus late, request an escort to your vehicle or on-campus residence through our Campus Walk service.
- Travel with crowds or with an individual you know.
- Report strange incidents or suspicious behaviour. For example, if someone is loitering near your vehicle, leave immediately and contact Campus Security at 905.721.2000 ext. 2400 or 905.721.3211.
- Trust your instinct.
- Use common sense.
Running safety:
- Run with a friend or in a group.
- If you run alone, let someone know the time and route of your run.
- Plan your route carefully, use familiar routes and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency phones, pay phones, populated areas and businesses along your route.
- Always carry ID, your medic alert ID (if applicable) and emergency cab or bus fare.
If you think you’re being followed:
- Look behind you.
- Go to the nearest well-lit, populated area.
- Vary your speed and change direction.
- Attract attention.
- Call 911.
- Report suspicious people or incidents to Campus Security at 905.721.2000 ext. 2400.
General safety:
- Never risk personal injury to protect property or personal belongings.
- Never admit you are alone, either in person or on the phone; mention that someone else is present.
- Wait in well-lit areas for public transit and sit near the driver.
- Be alert to others watching you and keep your distance.
- Refuse to give your name, address or phone number to strangers, unless for legitimate purposes.
- Trust your instinct.
- If you feel at risk, take action.
If an assault occurs:
- Call for assistance ASAP.
- Contact Campus Security at 905.721.2000, ext. 2400 or 911
- Ask any staff member for help.
- Record as many identification indicators and details about the suspect as possible, as soon as possible.
