The University of Colorado at Boulder and the city of Boulder have developed several programs -- on campus and off -- over the last two decades to help ensure the safety of university students, and campus officials want students to learn about them.
Emergency phone kiosks, improved campus lighting and a variety of programs have been put in place to help keep the CU-Boulder campus safe.
"The safety of the campus community is a continuing priority, and we strive to enhance our programs and activities to provide a safe environment," said Chief Joe Roy of the University of Colorado Police Department. "We always welcome comments and suggestions from the public on safety-related topics."
Scattered across the main campus, east campus, Williams Village and in the Regent Drive and Euclid Avenue Autoparks are more than 50 emergency phone kiosks. The phones connect to the CU Police Department and can be used to report crimes in progress, suspicious persons, medical emergencies or concerns about personal safety.
The CU-Boulder police force has 40 full-time officers to respond to reports of emergencies and crimes. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For police, medical and fire assistance, students should call 911. For non-emergencies they should call UCPD at (303) 492-6666.
In addition to police patrols, the CU NightRide program, formerly NightRide/NightWalk, managed by the University of Colorado Student Union, provides free, nighttime escorts to CU-Boulder students, staff and faculty around campus and anywhere within the Boulder city limits. Created in 1985, the program is based at the University Memorial Center and can be reached by calling (303) 492-7233.
Students can learn more about personal and campus safety through various campus sources including "Ralphie's Guide," an extensive guide to student life at CU-Boulder, residence hall advisers, housing orientation, the CU Police Department, the campus catalog and the Committee on Personal Safety.
CU-Boulder also has resources available to victims of sexual assault and acquaintance rape. The Office of Victim Assistance, at (303) 492-8855, has trained professionals available to privately discuss incidents and to support the reporting of assaults to authorities.
The CU Rape and Gender Education Program, known as COURAGE, uses interactive education, peer-facilitated programs and campus-wide campaigns to raise awareness about sexual violence. For more information about COURAGE call (303) 492-4339.
CU police and administrators work closely with the Boulder police and city staff to promote student safety throughout the city.
Boulder officials offer these tips to help students enhance their safety:
o Remember to use the buddy system. Don't walk home alone and don't leave friends alone while out at night.
o Remember to close and lock your doors and windows.
o Report all suspicious activity and persons off campus to police by calling 911 in emergencies or (303) 441-3333 in non-emergencies.
o Remember the original date-rape drug is alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment and the ability to recognize dangerous situations in time to escape.
For more tips on off-campus safety visit the city of Boulder's Web site at .
Additional CU-Boulder support programs cover everything from laboratory and radioactive materials safety to pedestrian and traffic safety. Students interested in learning more about self-defense can enroll in classes at the Student Recreation Center. Call (303) 492-5258 for more information.
For more information about campus safety visit .