Safety tips from an RA

Resources:

  • Keep these phone numbers in your cell phone in case of emergency:
    • SHU Public Safety: (973)761-9300
    • S.O.P.D: (973)763-3000
    • SHU Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): 1-877-655-7278
  • Call Public Safety for use of the CASE van or the Emergency Security Escort Service.
    • CASE: Campus Area Security Escort is available daily between the hours of 5pm and 2am.  This escort service was designed to provide a safe transportation alternative for those traveling the streets around campus in the evening hours and is available for one-way transportation only.  Those wishing to use the CASE van should respond to the Public Safety building and request a ride at the service window.
    • Security Escort Service: Public Safety provides emergency 24 hour Escort Services within the confines of the main campus.  Request for escorts are made by contacting Public Safety.  This service is available to all members of the SHU community.
  • Take a defense course so you can protect yourself in case of emergency.
    • RAD: The Rape Aggression Defense course is a self defense program designed to empower women by educating them about risk awareness, risk avoidance, risk recognition, and risk reduction.  RAD is an intensive program that utilizes martial arts as a practical means of defense in a variety of circumstances.  This class is open to all female students, employees, staff and faculty who will receive training and instruction manuals at no cost.  If you have any questions regarding the program, please email Sergio Oliva at Sergio.oliva@shu.edu or contact him at (973)275-2814.
  • Be aware of the Blue Light Emergency Phones
    • There are 27 blue light emergency phones located on campus.  Pressing the black button on these boxes will connect the caller with Public Safety immediately whereas pressing the red button will connect the caller directly to the S.O.P.D.  A map of phone locations is available at http://www.shu.edu/offices/public-safety-emergency-phones.cfm

Self Protection:

  • Do not walk alone on or off campus after dark.
  • If you must walk alone:
    • Do not listen to headphones.
    • Do not text and walk.
    • Have your cell phone ready to dial 911 in case of emergency.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not walk off with strangers, even if they are asking for your help.  If they need help, advise them to call public safety.
  • If being threatened with a weapon, use your best judgment regarding whether to comply or fight.
  • If you are able to yell for help, do so.
  • Inform someone that is not with you of where you are going and inform them again when you get there so that somebody is aware of your whereabouts.

Author: Cheryl McCloskey

Former Assistant Director for Housing Operations & Marketing at Seton Hall University. I handled room assignments, meal plans, billing, social media, and supervise the RHD for Turrell and Ora as well as the Housing Operations Coordinator. Wife to Ryan, dog mom to Lucky McLovin'. Seton Hall MASC '12, Sacred Heart University '01 and '03 MAT. Go Pirates!