As we approach midterms and it begins to get darker earlier, I wanted to share a few important safety reminders that will help us work together to make the University of Iowa as safe as possible for students, faculty, and staff

Your safety is our top priority and a team effort. The UI Department of Public Safety works closely with the Iowa City Police Department and other area law enforcement to make our community a secure place to live, work, and learn.

We want you to be #HawkeyeSafe and also feel empowered to play an active role in campus safety. Please continue to look out for one another, make yourself familiar with our campus safety services, and help reduce the opportunity for crime to occur by reporting your concerns.

Our department provides a variety of services and training opportunities to assist those on campus, including:

• NITE RIDE: Free late-night transportation service for people of all genders available from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Express rides available for $1.
• Rave Guardian App: Free mobile application that allows students to select a virtual guardian to escort them during their walk home, send anonymous crime tips to the UI Police Department (UIPD) via text message, and call the UIPD with a panic button. Sign up using your UI email address to gain access to campus-specific features.
• Hawk Alert: Hawk Alerts are triggered by an event that is currently occurring on or imminently threatening the UI campus. The UI Department of Public Safety initiates Hawk Alerts for any significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on the campus involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and employees. Text message is the fastest way to receive an alert. Keep your settings up to date, and track updates on the emergency website.
• Violent Incident Survival Training: The goal of this training is to mentally prepare students, faculty, and staff to recognize, assess, and respond to threats of violence they might one day face. Violent Incident Survival Training is based on a flexible set of principles—“Run, Hide, Fight”—that can be adapted to any violent situation. Learn more about our community training programs.
• SHOUT (Students Helping OUT): SHOUT provides trained student ambassadors to patrol during student-sponsored events, student gatherings, and in downtown Iowa City during high-traffic weekend hours with a focus on bystander intervention and overall safety. SHOUT students can arrange safe transportation, help students who become separated from their group, and provide public education about the Rave Guardian app and other safety services.
• Threat Assessment Program: The Threat Assessment Program is dedicated to the early identification, assessment, and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community. Help keep our community safe by reporting warning signs and concerning behaviors.

Visit the UI Department of Public Safety website to learn more about steps you can take to be #HawkeyeSafe.

Thank you for working with us to make our campus safe and secure. Please continue to share your concerns, and let us know how we can be of assistance.

Scott Beckner
Assistant Vice President and Director
UI Department of Public Safety