Lehigh University:

With a new environment and challenges around every bend, freshmen often forget some basic safety rules to keep them healthy, happy and safe in, around and off campus.  "Safety and security at Lehigh are everyone's concern," says Edward Shupp, chief of the Lehigh Police Department.  "The University has a full police department, bike patrols, campus escorts and shuttle buses.  However, these tools are not intended to be a substitute for common sense and an awareness of what is going on around you."  Chief Shupp recommends following these steps to ensure that students stay safe and productive from their freshman to senior year at Lehigh:

IN YOUR RESIDENCE HALL, FRATERNITY, SORORITY, OR OFF-CAMPUS HOUSE:

• Do not leave your room or apartment unlocked or any window opened even for a short time.
• Have your key in your hand when entering your building, room, or apartment. Do not waste time searching for your key outside.
• Do not allow anyone to follow you into your building. Report any suspicious behavior to the University Police immediately.
• Don't display or keep large amounts of money in your room. If you have to keep valuables in your room, make sure that you secure them properly.
• Never open your door to an unidentified person. All legitimate repair and professional people are required to display proper identification. Report any suspicious persons to the University Police immediately.
• Mark your valuables: Take advantage of the free engraving tool to identify your stuff.
• Take valuable property home with you when on break or vacation.
• Always keep your keys in your possession. Do not lend them out to friends or hide them in your hall, under a mat, etc. 

IN THE LIBRARY, ACADEMIC BUILDINGS, OR LABORATORIES:

• Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night. Study in groups if possible.
• Do not leave your valuables unattended while in class, the library, etc even for a short while. Keep all possessions in view.
• Avoid using stairs in remote sections of a building.
• Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time.
• Always tell a friend or roommate where you are going, how long you will be gone, and when you will return.
• Report any suspicious behavior to the University Police immediately.

WHILE WALKING ON AND OFF-CAMPUS: 

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings and all possibilities.
• Show as little fear as possible. Fear is self-defeating.
• Don't carry large amount of cash with you. Carry a checkbook or credit card.
• Do not carry a purse if you don't have to. Carry any valuables in your front pants pocket.
• If you have to carry a purse, carry it close to your body with your hand on the clasp to make the purse harder to grab.
• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with groups of people.
• Walk in well-lit areas and walk mid-point between curbs and buildings. Avoid short cuts through alleys, parks, and vacant lots.
• Avoid using outdoor ATM's. If you have to use an ATM at night, try to use one in a well-lit, populated store.
• Cross the street if someone is following you on foot, or change directions. Always head for well-lit, populated areas. Report any incidents to the University Police immediately.
• Take advantage of the Take a Ride Around Campus Safely (T.R.A.C.S.) bus service and safety escort service when walking at night.  The TRACS bus service provides transportation to and from University buildings and neighborhoods adjacent to campus from 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. 
• Familiarize yourself with the emergency blue light phones around campus.   At Lehigh, the 100+ emergency blue light phones are placed strategically around campus outside residence halls and academic buildings.  Read the instructions during non-emergency times so that you are prepared if you need them.
• Use the emergency blue light phones around campus to notify police if you find yourself in trouble.