Crime Prevention

Take a moment to review the safety tips below!  While we do our best to deter crime on and around our campus, we can’t be everywhere at once.  We rely on our campus community to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

As always, if you believe you may be in immediate danger or witness something suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 911.  If you’re on campus, call 312-329-4357 or dial “HELP” (x4357) from any campus phone to reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Personal Safety Tips
On-Campus and While Taking Public Transportation

• Remain aware.  Avoid wearing headphones, walking while distracted by electronics, and other actions which could leave you unaware of what’s happening around you.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a particular location or situation, leave.  If you feel you may be in danger, don’t hesitate to call 911.
• Don't walk alone, especially after dark. Travel with friends you can trust or call Public Safety for a safety escort if you’re on or near campus.
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
• Take the long way if it's safest. Choose well lit, busy streets. Avoid dark, low-traffic areas like vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, deserted streets and wooded areas.
• Don’t feel obligated to be “friendly.” If a stranger approaches you with a request that makes you uncomfortable, be prepared to say “no” and walk away.  If they become aggressive or attempt to follow you, move to a safe, well-populated area and call 911.
• Don’t show valuables to a stranger. Avoid strangers asking for change, selling merchandise, playing games of chance, or asking to use your phone. These are often ploys to either scam you out of your money or provide an opportunity for robbery.  If it requires you to expose your money or other valuables to a stranger, avoid it.
• Keep your purse or wallet secure. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Hanging it across your body is better than over one shoulder. Wallets should be carried in an inside coat pocket or front pant pocket. Avoid back pockets which have a tendency to attract pick-pockets.
• If you're being followed, walk or run to the nearest well lit, populated area and call 911.
• Don’t sacrifice or risk your life for personal property.  If you’re threatened by someone demanding your personal property (“mugging”), give them what they want and call 911 as soon as it’s safe to do so.  Don’t sacrifice your physical safety to retain your cell phone, wallet, or other valuables.
• Stay awake. Never fall asleep on any public transportation.        
• Plan ahead. Check bus or train arrival times to avoid waiting for extended periods of time.
• Be cautious when sitting or standing near exits. Criminals look for victims sitting near easy escape routes.
• Never leave personal property unattended anywhere on campus. This includes common areas, lounges, the library, and any other area where you can’t control who has access.
• Always lock your room. Keep your room secure even if you are just going to another area of your floor. Theft is common in residence halls, and is one of the most preventable crimes on campus.
• Record the serial numbers of your valuables.  If a valuable item doesn’t have a serial number, you can write or inscribe your driver’s license number in a discrete location.
• Be careful with your campus keys and ID Badge. Do not leave them unattended or lend them to anyone.
• Never prop doors open. Watch for people trying to enter doors behind you before they close (“piggybacking”).