Crime Prevention:
The People, Places, and Things of Campus Safety

Law enforcement agency information concerning registry of sex offenders may be found at:

Never walk or jog alone at night
If you do walk or jog at night, do so with at least one other person or in groups
Should you find yourself walking alone at night, avoid secluded or dimly lit areas. Stay away from wooded areas or locations where shrubs or buildings might provide cover for assailants.
If you feel you are being followed, yell or scream and move toward a public, well lit area, or try to reach a Campus Emergency Phone. Emergency phones, which automatically connect with the University Police, are located in 34 areas on the campus.
Should you be a victim of a hold-up, don't resist or endanger your own safety. Call the police immediately to report a crime.
Always be aware of what is going on around you. Be alert to your surroundings and possible safety concerns whether you are in your place of residence or moving about the campus or city.
Never accept a ride from a stranger

Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact with another person without the consent of that person.
It is never acceptable to use force in sexual situations. Acquaintance assault or date rape is a crime.
You have the right to say "NO" to any undesired sexual contact. State your limits clearly and firmly. Don't assume that your date or acquaintance automatically knows how you feel.
If you feel unsafe or think you may be at risk, leave the situation immediately.
If you attend group gatherings or parties; go with friends you trust.
Be particularly aware that alcohol and drugs can interfere with a person's ability to make clear decisions and communicate effectively.

Keep your residence hall room door locked whenever the room is unoccupied, if you are in the room alone, or if you are sleeping.
If you feel unsafe, do not open your residence hall room door unless you can identify the person seeking entrance.
Report suspicious persons or activities in your residence hall to the University Police at 464-5430.
Never prop open exterior doors to residence halls.
Never allow unescorted visitors in the residence hall.
If your residence hall room key is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to residence hall staff. Never leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in your room.
Do not keep large amounts of cash in your room.

Keep your apartment door and windows locked whenever you are in your apartment alone, whenever the apartment is unoccupied, or if you are sleeping.
Do not open your apartment to anyone unless you can identify the person seeking entrance.
Report suspicious persons or activities around your apartment building to Valparaiso City Police Department at 462-2135.
If your apartment key is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the landlord and the Valparaiso City Police Department.
Never leave your keys lying around in your apartment when you are not there.
When entering your apartment at night, have keys readily available.
Do not keep large amounts of cash in your apartment.

Protect the safety of your personal property and valuables. Don't allow your property or valuables to be unattended at any time.
Make a list of your valuables including make, model, and serial number.
Mark your personal property and valuables with a permanent identifiable marking. Contact University Police for information on how to permanently mark your valuables.
Help protect the property of others and of the University. Report all suspicious activity to the University Police Department.

Keep your automobile locked at all times. Keep doors locked when traveling alone.
Don't park your automobile in secluded or dimly lit areas
Do not keep valuables in plain sight in your automobile.
When walking to your automobile at night, have your keys readily at hand.
Always check the back seat before getting into your car.
Never offer rides to strangers or hitchhikers.

Keep your bicycle securely chained and locked when not in use. The University Police Department can advise you on types of locks and chains that are considered most secure.
Do not park or store your bicycle in unsafe or dimly lit areas.
Register, engrave, or permanently mark your bicycle with an identifying number and record that number and the bike's serial number with the University Police.