Download our "Protect Yourself On and Off Campus" poster!

The three basic rules for personal safety are:

  1. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
  2. Give the impression that you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
  3. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't look or feel right, it might not be.

Protect Yourself in Residence Halls:

  • Lock your door, even if you are only leaving for a minute.
  • Lock your door when you are sleeping, napping or leaving for an extended period.
  • Keep your Cardinal Card and room keys secured. Immediately report stolen or missing Cardinal Cards & keys to Housing Services and Campus Police.
  • Secure your valuables. Keep money, wallets, jewelry, handbags or other valuables out of sight.
  • Never admit strangers into your room or hall. When in doubt, request a Catholic University ID.
  • Never Prop open exterior doors.
  • Immediately report suspicious persons or activity to the Campus Police. Report any strangers loitering in or around resident halls.

Protect Yourself when working or studying after normal business hours:

  • Never remain alone in isolated or unoccupied areas, including classrooms, libraries and other buildings. Notify the Campus Police of your location and expected departure time.
  • Make sure all outside entrance doors are locked.
  • Keep your area locked. Don't let anyone else in the building.
  • Call for an escort if necessary.

Protect Yourself On and Off Campus:

  • Stay alert, confident, and aware of your surroundings. Walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you. Trust your instincts.
  • Avoid alleys, short cuts and vacant lots. Stick to well-lighted, busy streets.
  • Walk with a companion whenever possible.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Use ATM's during daylight hours only.
  • If you are being followed, abruptly change directions, stay in a well lighted area, and seek safety in a public building
  • Make noise, attract attention to you and the person that is following you.
  • If on campus, locate the nearest emergency telephone. Off campus, dial "911"
  • After dark, or when there's concern for your personal safety, call the Campus Police for an escort at 202-319-5111
  • Use the campus Shuttle/Loop Bus Service
  • Know the location of emergency telephones

Social Network Accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat)

  • Be aware of what you post on the Internet.
  • You never know who is looking at your information.
  • It could be stalkers, future employers, recruiters, family, etc.