General Safety Tips

• Don't walk, jog, or run alone if you can avoid it. Walking, jogging, or running with a friend or in a group will significantly decrease your chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
• Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Use the after-dark walking routes or the Crimson Ride.
• Know the location of Emergency Phones. More than 200 bright blue emergency phones have been placed around campus. Each phone provides a direct line to UAPD.

• Always lock your car doors even while you are inside your vehicle.
• When parking, make sure your doors are locked and your windows are closed.
• At night, park as close as possible to lights and activity.
• When returning to your car, get a friend to go with you if possible. From a distance, look around and underneath your vehicle before approaching
• Always check the back seat and back floorboard before entering your vehicle.
• When driving, never stop for hitchhikers or broken-down vehicles. To help a stranded driver, call the police.
• If you think you are being followed by a person in another vehicle, call the police and drive to a well-lit, busy public place.
• When you arrive home, have your keys in hand as you leave the car.

• Always follow the Housing and Residential Communities (HRC) Community Living Standards.
• Always lock your door. If you live in a suite or apartment, lock the exterior door and your personal bedroom door.
• Do not leave expensive personal items in the common areas of a suite or apartment.
• Do not allow people you do not know to piggyback or follow you into your residence hall. Everyone who lives in that residence hall will have access so there's no need for you to let anyone in.
• If you see someone you do not recognize in your residence hall, contact an RA immediately.
• Require proper identification from any maintenance workers who want to enter your suite or room.

• When you enter your residence, close and lock the door immediately. Use deadbolt locks and keep windows locked when not in use.
• Be smart about your keys. Don't leave them outside or in hiding places. Don't lend them to anyone.
• If you lose your keys, have your locks changed.
• Have the locks changed before you move into a new residence.
• Get to know your neighbors and find ones that you can trust in an emergency.
• Never open your door to strangers. Install and use peepholes in exterior doors.
• Require proper identification from utility or repair people.
• If a stranger knocks on your door asking to use your phone, keep your door locked and offer to place the call yourself. If the situation seems suspicious, call the police immediately. Be able to describe the person when you report the incident to the police.
• Make sure all entrances are well-lit.
• Avoid placing visible banners or signs with Greek lettering on the exterior of your apartment or dwelling. This sends a signal that college-aged occupants live in the apartment or dwelling and may be away for weekends, breaks and holidays when burglars are looking for an easy opportunity.
  
  

Living Off Campus

Off-Campus Resources (OCR), a functional area within the Office of Dean of Students, oversees the off-campus housing search website, housing fairs and programming for UA students about leases, landlords, and successful community living.

Visit OCR's website to learn about your rights as a tenant, your obligations to your landlord, and tips for personal and home safety.

• Make sure to secure your area, office and building when leaving.
• Keep purses and other valuables locked in a drawer or other secure location during the day while you are working.
• Do not let anyone you don't know piggyback or follow you into your office. Everyone who works there should have access.
• If you see a person that you do not know if your building, call UAPD at 205-348-5454.
• If you find a door that is propped open or that you can't secure, call UAPD at 205-348-5454.

When you have the opportunity to experience places outside of Tuscaloosa for both domestic and international travel, you should review these travel suggestions before your trip.

Before You Go

• Research basic information about your destination.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend.
• If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
• Locate routes, attractions, and essential services before you leave.
• Faculty and staff should consider using a vehicle from UA Fleet Services. These vehicles are well-maintained and include roadside assistance.

International Travel

• You need a current, valid passport if you are traveling outside the United States. Visit the U.S. State Department’s website to apply for or renew your passport.
• In addition to a passport, you may need a visa to visit some countries. Contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting to learn if you need a visa.
• If you plan to drive in another country, check to see if your driver’s license is valid abroad. You may also need an International Driving Permit or a translation of your U.S. driver’s license.
• Find the local U.S. consulate or embassy’s address and phone number by visiting the U.S. State Department’s website.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get travel advisories from the U.S. State Department for the country or countries where you will be traveling.
• Research basic information about the country you will be visiting. Check with the U.S. State Department to see if there are any warnings or advisories you should consider before traveling.
• Become familiar with some basic words or phrases in the language of the country or countries you plan to visit.
• Make photocopies of your passport, airline tickets and visa. Carry one set of copies with you in a safe place and leave another set of copies at home with a trusted family member or friend.
• Check with your insurance provider to see if you need additional travel health and accident insurance. Learn more about how to protect your health while traveling abroad.
• Some countries have restrictions on the things you can bring with you or take home with you.
• There may be restrictions on certain items that you are allowed to bring back into the United States from other countries. You can find a list of prohibited items on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website.
• If you plan to use your mobile phone while traveling abroad, check with your service provider to ensure your plan offers coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
• Plan for the possibility that your mobile phone will be damaged, lost or stolen. Write down names and telephone numbers of important contacts and keep this information in a safe place separate from your phone.

Getting Packed

• Bring enough prescription medication with you to last the duration of your trip. Keep all prescriptions in the container provided by your pharmacy as confirmation the prescription is valid.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair with you.
• Don’t pack or bring any prohibited items, such as weapons, sharp objects or dangerous substances.
• Limit the amount of cash and credit cards that you carry to only what is necessary.
• Don’t pack or bring valuables.
• Place a luggage tag that includes your name and phone number on all of your bags.
• Remember the rules about what you can carry on an airplane and what must be placed in your checked baggage. Visit the Transportation Security Administration’s website for information.

At the Airport and in the Air

• Never leave your baggage unattended.
• Don’t let anyone other than airport staff members handle your luggage.
• Don’t accept packages from strangers.
• Report any suspicious activities.
• Follow all safety and security rules and instructions.

On the Road

• Plan your route in advance.
• Never drink and drive, and don’t ride with anyone who has been drinking.
• Don’t drive if you feel drowsy. Take a break every three to four hours.
• Don’t text and drive.
• Be aware of road conditions and your surroundings. Check the weather and traffic before you depart.
• Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
• Keep your car’s doors locked. Keep valuables and luggage out of sight.
• If you have car trouble, only accept help from police or other authorized personnel.

In Your Hotel

• Seek hotels that have room access via interior hallways and with controlled access during the evening hours.
• Keep your room door locked at all times and use deadbolts or other added hardware as an added measure of protection.
• Ask visitors to meet you in the lobby or other public spaces in your hotel.
• Use the hotel safe to store your valuables.
• Don’t get into an elevator alone with suspicious strangers.
• If you feel unsure, ask the hotel staff about safety and security policies.

Out and About

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Don’t take more cash or credit cards than you need.
• Don’t accept rides from strangers.
• Avoid large crowds, demonstrations or public confrontations.
• Keep a low profile.
• Don’t drink too much.
• If you are with a group, stay with the group and never leave anyone behind.
• Stay in well-lit and well-traveled places.
• Don’t show your cash or other valuables.
• Don’t discuss your travel plans with strangers.
• Find the location of the nearest police station, hospital and other safe places.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.
• If you are robbed, don’t resist. Call the police as soon as you are able.

Online communities can be great tools to express yourself and learn about others around you, but keep in mind both the benefits and the risks.

Bad things that happen in actual relationships, such as harassment and stalking, also occur online. It is not a good idea to put your date of birth, Social Security number, or campus-wide identification number (CWID) on any websites for everyone to see. Never disclose when you will be away from your residence. Additionally, be mindful of what you write or post on social media — something written in jest may not be perceived as such by others. In short, be careful and use good judgment.

As part of your college experience, you may at some point consume alcohol. If you're going to drink, be responsible. Consuming too much alcohol impairs a person's judgment and hinders the ability to make good decisions.

Here are a few things to remember if you plan to drink while you're a UA student.

• In Alabama, possessing and consuming alcohol is illegal for anyone under the age of 21. You could face criminal charges or University disciplinary action if you are under 21 and get caught possessing or consuming alcohol.
• Fake IDs are illegal. You could face criminal charges or University disciplinary action if you are caught using a fake ID to gain admittance to a bar or to buy alcohol.
• Driving Under the Influence is not tolerated on campus. If you are stopped while driving and it's determined that you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or another substance that impairs your judgment, you will be arrested, face jail time and receive University disciplinary action.
• Drinking too much may have severe consequences. You are more likely to become the victim of a crime when you are drunk.
• If you drink so much at a bar or party that you become a danger to yourself, others, or property, you could be arrested for public intoxication, face jail time, and receive University disciplinary action.
• If you plan to drink at a bar or party, ask a friend to go with you and stay with you the entire time.
• Do not leave your drink unattended. If you must leave your drink, do not consume it when you return, instead, get a new drink.
• Never accept a drink from a stranger.

The University of Alabama is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from illegal harassment based on race, color, religion, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or veteran status.

Individuals who report concerns of illegal harassment or a hostile environment are protected from retaliation. For further information, please consult the University Harassment Policy. To report harassment or retaliation or to find more information on related issues, please visit the University’s UACT website.

The University expects all individuals who live, work, teach, or study here or who visit campus to contribute positively to the environment and refrain from behaviors that threaten the freedom or respect that every member of our community deserves.

The University is committed to providing an environment free from sexual misconduct which, among other things identified in UA’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, includes gender-based assault, harassment, exploitation, dating and domestic violence, and stalking, as well as discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and related retaliation.

The University encourages individuals to immediately report acts or threats of sexual misconduct referenced above to UAPD or local police authorities. All law enforcement agencies can be contacted by calling 911. UAPD may be contacted at 205-348-5454.

In addition to UAPD, individuals can report sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, the Office of Student Conduct, or a Designated Harassment Resource Person. Confidential reporting is available, among other places, through the University’s Women & Gender Resource Center. Anonymous reports can be made via phone or email to the EthicsPoint Hotline.

For more information on the Sexual Misconduct Policy, sexual misconduct reporting options, available accommodations, safety, support, helpful resources, the criminal process, confidentiality and protection from retaliation, please visit the following websites:

• UAct
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Title IX Office
• Women & Gender Resource Center

The University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy also contains detailed descriptions and definitions for the following offenses under UA policy as well as federal and Alabama law: dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, sodomy, fondling, incest and statutory rape.

Sexual Misconduct Risk Reduction and Prevention

Anyone can be impacted by sexual misconduct. Risk reduction strategies are steps that an individual can take to lessen the likelihood that they and others will be impacted by sexual misconduct.

Some safe and positive options for bystander intervention include:

• Making up an excuse to get the individual out of a potentially dangerous situation.
• Letting a friend or co-worker know that an individual’s actions may lead to serious consequences.
• Never leaving an intoxicated individual’s side, despite the efforts of someone to get that individual alone or away from you.
• Using a group of friends to remind someone behaving inappropriately that their behavior should be respectful.
• Taking steps to curb someone’s use of alcohol before problems occur.
• Calling the authorities when the situation warrants.

Safety is paramount in active bystander intervention. Usually, intervening in a group is safer than intervening individually. Also, choosing a method of intervention that de-escalates the situation is safer than attempting a confrontation. However, there is no single rule that can account for every situation.

Common sense, situational awareness and trusting one’s instincts will reduce the risk of sexual misconduct. The tips below are provided to help students decrease the potential chance of sexual misconduct:

• If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Do not leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
• When you are with someone, communicate clearly to ensure he or she knows your limits and/or expectations from the beginning. Both verbal and nonverbal (body language) communication can be used to ensure the message is understood.
• If you go on a date with someone you do not know very well, tell a close friend what your plans are.
• You have the right to say “No” even if you first say “Yes,” and then change your mind; have had sex with this partner before; have been kissing or “making out”; or are wearing what is perceived to be “provocative” clothing.
• Always have extra money to get home. Have a plan for someone you can call if you need help.
• If you feel uncomfortable, scared or pressured, say “Stop it” or leave and call for help.
• When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other and leave together.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• If possible, avoid being isolated with a person you do not know or trust.
• Travel with a friend or in a group.
• Walk only in well-lit areas after dark.
• Avoid walking alone after dark or during late hours.
• Keep the doors to homes, apartments and cars locked.
• Know where phones are located.