Safety Information
Safety is a shared responsibility
Emergencies
In the event of an accident, injury, mental health crisis, or other type of emergency, call 911 first and then contact your CA, the CA on duty, or the security monitor on duty for additional support.
Building Security
Each residence hall/apartment building's front door is locked 24 hours a day, as are doorways leading to residential spaces. Access to these areas, including dining halls, requires an activated U Card or key/fob issued to residents when they first move in.
A courtesy phone is located outside every residence hall and apartment building entrance to allow guests to call residents from outside the building when they arrive. This phone can also be used to call 911 in case of an emergency.
All of our buildings also have security cameras (monitored by the Department of Public Safety), fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, alarms, and more.
Building Staff
Each residence hall and apartment has a 24-hour Information Desk. Staff support emergency response, resident services, and policy enforcement. Phone numbers are posted at the desk for the staff members who are on duty.
- Community advisors are on duty weekdays from 4:30 pm – 8 am and 24 hours a day on weekends. These upper-division students are available to help residents and they have extensive training to handle emergencies.
- At least one Residence Director is on duty and available 24 hours a day.
- Housing partners with the University Department of Public Safety to provide emergency services. Additionally, on-duty security advisors conduct rounds each day, and they are in direct radio contact with the University of Minnesota Police Department.
There are steps each resident can take to minimize risk for themselves and their neighbors.
In your room
- Always lock your door! This is very important whether you step away for a short time or going to sleep. Locking your door will protect against unauthorized individuals from entering your room and loss of property.
- Check to see who is at your door before opening it. Do not open the door without looking.
- Utilize your online portfolio at http://myu.umn.edu to keep track of your possessions in case of theft.
In the building
- Be aware as you enter the building and residential spaces. Do not prop open building doors (even during the day), and do not let others follow behind you as you enter, also known as tailgating. An open door is the main way unauthorized individuals gain access to otherwise secure areas.
- Know where to go for help. If you have any concerns, find your Community Advisor or the CA on duty. You can also go to the Information Desk, security monitors or call UMPD (via 911) if needed.
We encourage you to report potential crimes directly to the police and incidents that occur in University housing to the local Housing & Residential Life staff.
Should you be the victim of a crime, follow the steps below:
- Call 911 (emergency) or 612-624-COPS.
- Contact your CA or the CA on duty.
- Fill out a police report and an incident statement.
Harassment, Threats, or Stalking
If you are in an emergency situation or feel that there is an immediate threat, call 911. If you receive harassing calls or need to have calls traced for any reason, contact the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-COPS. Report any harassment, threats, or stalking to the police and your CA or RD. You may also request to have your information suppressed through the information desk.
Residents (and anyone in the UMN community) who experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment can also contact The Aurora Center. The Aurora Center staff and advocates are available to provide confidential support and advocacy, and they can share information about your options (including whether to file a report with the police).
Bias Response & Referral Network
The Bias Response & Referral Network (BRRN) responds to reports of bias incidents on the Twin Cities campus. BRRN provides support resources to impacted parties, promotes education and dialogue, and affirms the University's commitment to equity and diversity, free speech, and academic freedom.
By reporting incidents involving harassment, intimidation, or discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression YOU become part of the solution.
Missing Persons
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2008, all students must register a confidential contact with Housing & Residential Life. The confidential contact does not have to be a parent of a student unless the student is under the age of 18 or not emancipated, in which case the contact information must then be a custodial parent/guardian. This is the only individual who will be contacted by the University or police in the event that a student is reported missing.
This confidential contact will be updated as to the progress of the investigation into the missing person report. In the event that a student is under 18 years of age and has not been legally emancipated, the missing student’s parent/guardian will also be contacted.
The University of Minnesota Police Department will immediately conduct a thorough investigation into all missing person reports.
Fire Alarms
When the fire alarm sounds, residents are required to leave the area in alarm at once using the nearest stairwell exit. In the event of a fire:
- Call 911 to report the fire.
- Close your door as you leave.
- Evacuate and stay clear of the fire.
Evacuation From Fire Areas
- Feel door from top to bottom. If it is hot, do not proceed.
- If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
- If visibility permits, exit via stairwells. Stay as low as possible if smoky conditions exist (crawl if necessary).
- Never use elevators! You may become trapped.
- If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and go down another set of stairs.
- If trapped in a room, do the following:
- If possible, call 911 and report your situation and location.
- Wedge wet towels or clothing under the door jam to keep smoke out.
- Keep a soaked towel over your head.
- Stay low. Breathe fresh air near a window.
- Open the window and signal with a bed sheet to firefighters.
False Alarms
Activating the fire alarm under false pretenses or tampering with alarm and life safety equipment is a violation of state and local law. It is viewed as disregarding the safety and rights of others. Criminal action, as well as disciplinary action, will be taken against individuals who violate this policy. Any student found tampering will be assessed a $100 fee.
Tampering With Fire & Life Safety Equipment
Tampering with, unnecessary use or misuse of, or removal of a fire extinguisher or fire alarm equipment, including smoke detectors and sprinklers, and automated external defibrillators will result in serious disciplinary action since such acts may endanger the lives and safety of others.
Tampering or damaging sprinklers are expensive. Avoid hanging objects or hitting the fire sprinklers.
Severe Storms & Tornadoes
Be alert for these signs, generally from March through September:
- Severe thunderstorms with frequent lightning
- Power failure
- Heavy rain
- Hail
- Strong straight-line winds
- Roaring noise
- Funnel clouds
A warning indicates that a severe storm has been sighted or detected by radar and may be approaching. Sirens will sound. If you hear sirens sounding:
- Seek shelter immediately in the lower levels of the building, or an internal hall/apartment way, and away from windows.
- Use only stairwells. Do not use elevators. Remain in a sheltered area until the local authorities sound the clear signal and the hall/apartment staff indicates that it’s okay to return to your room.
Automated External Defibrillators
Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs are life-saving devices to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are located in the lobby areas of all of the residence halls and apartments.
Campus Services
Working together, we can all foster a safer climate on and near campus. There are resources across campus to provide support, tips, and additional information on alcohol and drug abuse prevention, crime, health emergencies, sexual misconduct prevention, transportation safety, and more.
Safe Campus624-WalkGopher ChauffeurRave Guardian App Aurora Center