The University of Colorado at Â鶹¹ÙÍø and the city have developed several programs -- on campus and off -- over the last two decades to help ensure the safety of university students, and campus officials urge students to learn about them in their first few weeks of school.
Emergency phone kiosks, improved campus lighting and a variety of programs have been put in place to help keep the CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø campus safe.
"Campus safety continues to be a priority, and we do everything we can to make CU a safe learning and living environment," said Chief Jim Fadenrecht of the CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø Police Department. "We are always interested in hearing from people if they have concerns, too."
Scattered across the main campus, east campus, Williams Village and in the Regent Drive and Euclid Avenue Autoparks are nearly 50 emergency phone kiosks. The phones connect to CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø police and can be used to report crimes in progress, suspicious persons, medical emergencies or concerns about personal safety.
The CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø Police force has 40 full-time officers to respond to reports of emergencies and crimes. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition to police patrols, NightRide/NightWalk provides free, nighttime escorts to CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø students, staff and faculty around campus and anywhere within Â鶹¹ÙÍø city limits. Created in 1985, the program is based in the University Memorial Center and can be reached by calling (303) 492-7233.
Students can learn more about personal and campus safety through various campus sources including "Ralphie's Guide," an extensive guide to student life at CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø, residence hall advisers, housing orientation, the CU police department, the campus catalog and the Committee on Personal Safety.
CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø also has resources available to victims of sexual assault and acquaintance rape. The Office of Victim Assistance, at (303) 492-8855, has trained professionals available to privately discuss incidents and to support the reporting of assaults to authorities.
The CU Rape and Gender Education Program, known as COURAGE, uses interactive education, peer-facilitated programs and campuswide campaigns to raise awareness about sexual violence. For more information about COURAGE call (303) 492-4339.
CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø police and administrators work closely with the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Police and city staff to promote student safety throughout the city.
City of Â鶹¹ÙÍø records show that, in the last school year, there were 14 non-stranger sexual assaults reported by women who attend school in Â鶹¹ÙÍø, according to Jennifer Korbelik, university liaison for the city.
Â鶹¹ÙÍø officials offer these tips to help students enhance their safety:
* Remember to use the buddy system. Don't walk home alone and don't leave your friend alone while out at night.
* Remember to close and lock your windows and doors when you leave the house and when going to bed. Report all suspicious activity and persons to police.
* Remember the original date-rape drug is alcohol.
For more tips on off-campus safety visit the Web site at .
Additional CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø support programs cover everything from laboratory and radioactive materials safety to pedestrian and traffic safety. Students interested in learning more about self-defense can enroll in classes at the Student Recreation Center. Call (303) 492-5258 for more information.
For more information about campus safety visit .