Safety Information & Protocols
Safety is a shared responsibility
The University of Minnesota has a comprehensive and layered approach to safety. In addition to the housing-specific measures described on this webpage, all residents are encouraged to review the Safe Campus website and learn about campus-wide programs like 624-WALK, Gopher Chauffeur, GopherTrip, and the Rave Guardian app. You can use these services when traveling to and from your residence hall/apartment or anywhere on or near campus.
Emergencies
In the event of an accident, injury, mental health crisis, or other types of emergency, call 911 immediately and then contact your CA, the CA on Duty, or your community's Information Desk for additional support.
Seconds count in an emergency, so don't wait or assume someone else will call.
Housing & Residential Life Safety Upgrades
Turnstiles are being installed in Pioneer Hall to ensure only residents who live in Pioneer Hall or have a meal plan can enter the secured area. Guests will need to be escorted through the turnstiles and throughout the buildings at all times. The University will consider security enhancements at the entrances of other buildings in the future, and please review our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about the turnstiles.
When entering Pioneer Hall, there is a video monitor in the lobby showing a live feed of those entering and exiting the building’s entrance. This is the only building that currently has this publicly viewable monitor, but all of our buildings have surveillance cameras that are monitored by the UMN Department of Public Safety (DPS). The University is considering whether to add live feed monitors in other buildings in the future.
The fire protection system in Centennial Hall is currently being upgraded. This is a routine process, and there are no issues with the current system. Please review our Frequently Asked Question webpage for more information about the Centennial Hall Fire Protection Project.
Safety in our on-campus Gopher community
As a staff, we consider maintaining the safety of all those who live in, work at, and visit our communities to be one of our most important jobs. This is a responsibility we take seriously.
The exterior entrance doors to all our buildings are locked at all times as are the interior doors that are the entrances to our residential areas. Residents and staff must use their U Card/key fob to enter these doors.
The turnstile access at Pioneer Hall provides an additional measure to ensure only one person enters the building with each U Card tap. Those with access to Pioneer will be able to tap their U Card to escort guest(s) through the turnstile.
There is a courtesy phone at each building's entrance. Guests must be escorted at all times, so guests can use these phones to contact residents when they arrive. These courtesy phones can also be used to contact 911 if there is an emergency.
Surveillance cameras are located at the entrances to all of our buildings and the interior public spaces. These cameras are monitored by the UMN Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS determines when video footage may be accessed for investigative purposes.
There is a monitor in the Pioneer Hall lobby showing the live feed of people entering and exiting the building. The University is considering whether to install monitors in other buildings. Visit our FAQ page for more information about this project.
Bathroom locks are located on the entrances to all of our community bathrooms. Student room keys or a passcode (Sanford Hall) will open the community bathroom doors in the vicinity of each student room. Review the Bathroom Lock FAQ page for more information on this project.
All buildings have emergency exit doors. These doors are locked and have alarms as they are only to be used if there is a fire or other emergency.
Some buildings have secondary exit doors that should only be used when necessary. These doors lock to prevent people from using them to enter the building, but residents and guests should check after exiting to ensure the door has securely closed and locked behind them.
- Information Desks: Information Desks in the lobby of all our buildings are staffed during the day and night throughout the academic year. In addition to being available to answer questions and check items out, the students and full-time staff members who work at these desks will report any emergencies to the University of Minnesota Police Department.
- Community Advisor on Duty: Community Advisors (student-peer staff) are on duty weekdays from 4:30 p.m.-8 a.m. and 24 hours a day on weekends. They monitor what is happening in their assigned areas and are available if there are any problems. Residents can reach the CA on Duty by using the phone number posted at the Information Desk (reminder: call 911 first if there is an emergency requiring police, fire, or medical response).
- Residence Director on Duty: Each of our buildings has a Residence Director (a full-time staff member who works and lives in the building). At least one of these staff members is on call at all times.
- University Security: University Security staff conduct rounds each day, and they may be seen monitoring public spaces. They will report any issues to the University of Minnesota Police Department, part of the UMN Department of Public Safety.
Residents’ Responsibilities
As a resident, you are also responsible for helping protect the safety of our community. Below are important actions that you must do to protect your home on campus and our entire Gopher community.
We understand that it can feel uncomfortable to talk with peers or report information about concerns in the building. However, we all have a responsibility to keep our buildings as safe as possible.
Call 911 immediately and then the Community Advisor on Duty if you witness suspicious or problematic behavior. This includes an unauthorized individual being in the building or someone vandalizing or damaging the building.
It is easy to assume that someone else will make a report when something is happening, but it is better for there to be multiple reports rather than none at all.
One of the largest ways unauthorized individuals enter our buildings is by tailgating residents as they enter/exit (meaning they follow someone into the building who used their U Card/fob). The locks on the front doors of our buildings can only be effective if all authorized individuals (residents and staff) commit to 1) using their U Card/fob every time they enter the building, and 2) stopping others from entering the building without doing the same.
While it may feel awkward or rude to stop someone from following you or to not hold the door open for another person, remember that all residents should expect this, and it will only take them a few seconds to use their U Card/fob—just like you did.
Whenever you are sleeping or not in your room, lock the door that is the entrance to your unit. It only takes a few seconds for someone to open an unlocked door and steal a laptop or other valuables, so lock your door any time you exit, including when visiting a neighboring room, using the community bathroom, or doing laundry.
There are emergency exit doors in our buildings. While these doors may be used during move-in, they are not to be used as an entrance/exit during the school year.
By accepting your housing contract, you agreed to follow Housing & Residential Life’s Community Behavioral Standards. Among other items, these policies state 1) all residents must escort their guests at all times and 2) you are responsible for your guest's actions (even if you are not present).
Escorting guests makes it easier for you, your neighbors, and our staff to know when someone is in the building who shouldn’t be.
Tampering with, 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.
It is expensive to fix/replace damaged sprinklers and damage caused by the fire sprinklers.Residents should avoid hanging objects or hitting the fire sprinklers as this can damage them..
If your smoke detector requires a new battery, please complete a Fix It request. If it is beeping after hours, contact the CA on Duty.
Find more information on our Community Behavioral Standards under Policies, Section 11: Tampering.
The University does not provide insurance or cover the damage costs for your personal property. It is recommended that you ensure you have personal property insurance. You or your family’s homeowner’s insurance can cover your items. If not, you may want to speak with your provider about purchasing renter’s insurance. It can be inexpensive, and many companies provide discounts for customers who have more than one type of insurance.
Safety and Emergency Protocols
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
You should do the following if the alarm sounds in your building:
- Feel the 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 have their case processed through the Student Conduct process and could be assessed a fee or restitution.
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
Understanding Warning, Watches, and Sirens
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 hallway, 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.
Please note: The outdoor warning sirens are tested at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month during tornado season. The sirens will sound at this time, but it does not mean there is a storm watch or warning in effect.
It is important that you promptly deactivate and replace your U Card if it is lost.
If you are unable to get into your building, contact the Info Desk or your CA on Duty. We encourage residents to preemptively add the phone number to their building’s Info Desk and CA on Duty to their phone contacts.
Find more information on our Community Behavioral Standards page under Policies, Section 8: Keys, Fobs, and U Cards.
View Active Shooter Response guidance and protocols on the UMN Department of Public Safety website.
Automated External Defibrillators (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.
The AED has information about its use. There is more information on the Department of Emergency Management website about locations. training, and use.
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/or an incident statement.
Find more information on reporting crime on the UMN Department of Public Safety website.
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 conduct a thorough investigation into all missing person reports.
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 from the University’s directory through MyU.
Housing & Residential Life staff want to help if you observe or experience sexual misconduct in your residential community. Report any incidents to your building’s Information Desk (for incidents occurring 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or to the CA on Duty (for nights/weekends).
Reminder: Call 911 first for any incidents requiring police, medical, or fire assistance.
Campus Resources
- The Aurora Center is available to help residents (and anyone in the UMN community) who experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. 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).
- UMN Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) accepts reports of discrimination, sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence), nepotism, and related retaliation. Please note: EOAA is not a confidential reporting resource. Once EOAA becomes aware of information that may violate the University’s discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, or retaliation policies, staff may have an obligation to take some responsive action to prevent further misconduct from occurring.
A bias incident is an act of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation that is motivated in whole or in part by bias based on an individual’s or group’s actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Housing & Residential Life staff want to help if you observe or experience a bias incident in your residential community. Report any incidents to your building’s Information Desk (for incidents occurring 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) or to the CA on Duty (for nights/weekends).
Reminder: Call 911 first for any incidents requiring police, medical, or fire assistance.
Campus Resources
- 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.
- UMN Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) accepts reports of discrimination, sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence), nepotism, and related retaliation. Please note: EOAA is not a confidential reporting resource. Once EOAA becomes aware of information that may violate the University’s discrimination, sexual misconduct, nepotism, or retaliation policies, staff may have an obligation to take some responsive action to prevent further misconduct from occurring.
Campus Safety Resources
Working together, we can all foster a safer climate on and near campus. Resources are available 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.