The Public Safety Department encourages you to join us in our efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for you. Crime prevention and security awareness are self-serving qualities. That is why we always encourage all of our community members to; "Plan to Be Safe".
The following suggestions are offered for your safety and well-being:
Residential Safety
- Residence halls are locked 24/7 and can only be accessed by your ID card swipe. It is also important to advise Public Safety if you lose your ID card. Public Safety can issue a temporary card to you and keep your flex account from being used improperly. Please help us by not propping doors open and not allowing unknown persons to enter with you (tailgating).
- Get acquainted with your neighbors on your floor and in your building as quickly as possible. Every resident has a role to play in security. Part of that role is to know who belongs and who doesn't.
- Report unescorted guests to your residential assistant or Public Safety.
- Use your residential door locks! You (and your roommate) have been issued unique keys that only open your room. If you or a roommate lose a key, contact Public Safety. A temporary lock can be installed to protect you and your belongings until a permanent replacement can be issued. If you are out of sight of your door, you should lock it to protect your belongings.
- Always lock your door. Whether you are at home, "just down the hall for a minute", or out of the building, always keep your door locked. Ask your roommates to do the same. If your roommate is taking a nap when you leave - lock the door.
- Report suspicious activity to Public Safety (217-464-8888)
- Know, and use, at least two pathways out of your residential area, this pre-planning can help you in the event of an emergency impacting the building.
- Be assertive where safety and security are concerned. You have both rights and obligations in this regard. You have a right to expect your neighbors to follow good security practices and to do things which protect your interests. You have an obligation to do the same for them. Know who is on the other side before opening the door.
General Safety
- Park in well-lit areas, secure your belongings out of sight or in the trunk
- Avoid traveling alone, especially at night. Stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Stay alert and aware of what is going on around you
- Trust your intuition (gut feelings), if something does not feel right avoid it.
- Use Safe Rides/Safe Walks to move to and from areas on campus after dark
- Remain alert to changing weather
- Make note of emergency exits and other safety resources such as blue light emergency phones
- Cross streets at marked pedestrian crossings and please, look up from your personal electronic device and ensure traffic has stopped before entering the street!