Keeping Safe

Kent State University continues to be one of the statistically safer college campuses when compared with others with similar populations and geographic areas, but we want students to be informed and proactive in order to stay safe. Informed and proactive students are the first line of defense in keeping the campus a safe and secure place to live and learn.

Safety Tips for Your Student

  • Lock your door at all times– even if you go down the hall for just a few minutes to visit a friend. Do not prop security doors open.
  • If a key or access card is necessary to enter the building, do not let anyone without the key or card into the building– no matter how nice they look or act. Tell them they will have to contact campus security or the resident assistant.
  • Be especially aware of security during vacation periods when there are fewer people around.
  • Report all broken locks, lights or other potential security problems as soon as possible.
  • Never leave your keys in your vehicle. Keep your car locked at all times, even when you are in it.
  • When going to your car, have your keys ready and scan the area. It is not safe to stand by a car while you look for your keys. Before entering your vehicle make sure it is unoccupied–check the floor, front, back areas, and even under your car.
  • Don’t leave valuables in plain sight– keep them in the trunk or under the seat. Remove radar detectors, GPS systems, CD’s, and adapter cords that may attract thieves to your vehicle.
  • Park in well lit areas.
  • Never offer or accept a ride from someone you don’t know or trust.
  • If you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station, sheriff’s department, or fire station. If this is not possible, go to the nearest public phone and call 911 for help.
  • Be aware of who and what is around you. Walk with confidence. Hold your head up and your shoulders straight. Look at the people you encounter. Most of all–follow your instinct. If you think you’re in danger, try to get out of the situation and report it to the police.
  • Do not impair yourself with alcohol or drugs. Do not drink from open bottles or cans at parties. If you believe your beverage has been tampered with, do not drink anymore of it. If you believe you consumed a tampered beverage, tell a friend and seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you are approached while walking, cross the street or change directions. If you are being followed do not go home. In either case, go to a place where there are other people as soon as possible. If you decide to run, run as fast as you can and scream to get attention or help.
  • If at all possible, walk with someone else. Always walk in well lit areas. Avoid alleys and deserted parking lots. Take special precaution in parking structures, stairwells, elevators, bathrooms, and dark areas with shrubbery or objects an assailant can hide behind.

Online Safety Tips for Your Student

  • Don’t believe everything you read when chatting online. People very often misrepresent themselves.
  • Never give out personal information on line to strangers (home phone number / address / credit card numbers)
  • Never rush to meet someone you met online. Quick dates can be dangerous. If you are being pressured to meet you should become suspicious!
  • Talk on the phone before you meet. Play it safe. You make the call. Meet in a public place. Feel the other person out before getting together.
  • Tell your parents or friends about your plans. If the other person wants to keep it a secret be suspicious.
  • Meet in a public place whenever possible. Avoid going to the person’s home until you know each other.
  • Tell someone where you are going. Let them know if there is a change in plans or you will be getting back late.
  • Consider bringing a friend. Remember, you really don’t know the other person that you are meeting.