Security

The security dimension of the wellbeing model highlights our need to keep ourselves safe, deal with threats and anxiety, and have a healthy relationship with money. These facets all help provide you freedom from fear. In this chapter, you will learn about ways you can keep yourself safe on campus. Financial security information can be located in the financial wellbeing chapter of this book.

University Resources

As a University of Minnesota student, you have access to a variety of free resources to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

• Safe Campus website: the University’s comprehensive website for all aspects of staying safe on campus
• Rave Guardian Campus Safety App: This app provides a “virtual escort” to your destination. Enter your destination, and choose whether to share your location along the route with a few select friends or family. If you don’t arrive at your destination, and the allotted time expires, Public Safety will be notified.
• Call 624-WALK: A uniformed member of University Security will meet you and escort you where you need to go. It is recommended that you call about 30 minutes prior to when you would like to leave to ensure a lower wait time.
• Gopher Chauffeur: Provided by Boynton Health, this service provides free, safe rides home for all students in the evenings and early mornings. A wheelchair accessible van is available. Download their app to schedule a safe ride home. Check out their website for specific hours of operation and instructions for downloading the app.
• Part-time Parking Program: If you aren’t on campus enough to warrant a full-time parking contract, you can purchase a use-based contract that allows you to park a certain number of times. Use this to park in a lot or garage nearby on nights you need to stay late or walk alone.

Safety Tips

Navigating a large urban institution like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities can be an adjustment. Here are some tips for being aware and alert on campus:

• Lose the headphones. If you are listening to something through your headphones, you might miss important clues as to what is happening around you. Keep your ears clear and open, so you are alert to your surroundings.
• Put your phone away. Being distracted by your phone can make you an easy target by making it seem like you are not paying attention. It can also make you less aware of your surroundings, which can lead to trips, falls, or not being attentive to traffic.
• Walk with purpose. If you walk confidently, at an even pace, and with purpose, you will give off the signal that you are aware of your surroundings and know where you are going. Choose well-lit paths, avoid standing still, or wandering.
• Watch for vehicles, transit, and bikes. Our campus is a busy place filled with vehicles, trains, buses, cars, and bikes that may not be able to see you, especially in the dark. Utilize and pay attention to crosswalks and traffic signals and always look carefully before crossing the street to avoid injury.
• Check out the Safe Campus website for more safety tips and resources for keeping yourself, your belongings, and others safe
• The Center for Spirituality & Healing provides additional support regarding how to attend to your security. Click on the Security icon on their wellbeing model to learn more.