Crime Prevention

Your Safety, Our Priority

Creating a safe and secure campus is a shared responsibility. University Public Safety is committed to providing a learning environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can live, work, and study with confidence.

Crime prevention begins with awareness, preparedness, and community involvement. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, everyone can help reduce risks and contribute to a safer campus.

How to Stay Safe on Campus

Personal Safety Tips

• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid walking alone at night whenever possible.
• Use designated campus walkways and well-lit areas.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and readily accessible.
• Trust your instincts and report suspicious behavior immediately.
• Share your location with friends or family when traveling late at night.

Residence Hall Safety

• Lock your room and residence hall doors.
• Never allow unknown individuals to enter secured buildings.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in common areas.
• Report lost or stolen keys immediately.
• Know the emergency evacuation procedures for your residence hall.

Vehicle Safety

• Always lock your vehicle and close all windows.
• Remove valuables from plain sight.
• Park in well-lit, designated parking areas.
• Report suspicious activity in parking lots to Campus Safety.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you see something that does not seem right, say something.

Examples of suspicious activity include:

• Individuals attempting unauthorized access to buildings.
• Unattended bags or packages.
• Vandalism or property damage.
• Threatening or unusual behavior.
• Theft or attempted theft.

Emergency

Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

Non-Emergency University Public Safety

Phone: (507)537-7252
Email: security@smsu.edu 

Crime Prevention Programs

The Campus Safety Department offers a variety of crime prevention initiatives, including:

Safety Awareness Workshops

Educational programs covering personal safety, situational awareness, and emergency preparedness.

Active Threat Preparedness

Training sessions designed to help students and employees respond effectively during critical incidents..

Campus Safety Escorts

Escort services available for students and employees traveling across campus during evening hours.

Protect Your Property

Electronic Devices

• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Register devices with campus property registration programs.
• Back up important files regularly.
• Never leave laptops, tablets, or phones unattended.

Bicycles

• Use a high-quality U-lock.
• Secure bicycles to approved bike racks.

Online Safety and Cybersecurity

Protecting yourself online is just as important as staying safe physically.

• Never share passwords or account credentials.
• Be cautious of phishing emails and suspicious links.
• Verify requests for personal or financial information.
• Report cybersecurity concerns to the Information Technology Help Desk.

Community Responsibility

Campus safety is a partnership. Every member of the college community plays a role in preventing crime and promoting a secure environment.

You can help by:

• Reporting safety concerns promptly.
• Looking out for fellow students and colleagues.
• Following campus policies and procedures.
• Participating in safety training and awareness programs.

Together, we can maintain a campus environment that is safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning.

Contact University Public Safety

University Public Safety Department
Building: Founders Hall 108
Phone: 507-537-7252
Email: security@smsu.edu 
Emergency: 911

Available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week to assist the campus community.