Over a year ago, Student Union launched the Campus Safety Task Force to address the lack of security students felt after active shooter events and began working on ways to help make students feel safe and prepared for emergencies. In light of recent events in the St. Louis area, we understand that many students have safety concerns on and around the Washington University campus. Although the University works hard to keep students safe, we want to remind you of the many resources offered so you can be even more secure. Wash. U. has its own police department, WUPD, that patrols 24/7. Even with WUPD patrols, every student on campus should always be aware of where they are, when they’re going and who they’ll be with. If you know that you are going to be somewhere that is unsafe or if you are going to be out late, make sure you understand what resources are available and have a backup plan ready.

WUPD can be reached at 314-935-5555, 24/7.

If you need transportation on campus from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., then call Bear Patrol. They can be reached via the WUPD number: 314-935-5555. Make sure to say: “I feel unsafe. I want Bear Patrol to take me home.”

If you are walking somewhere late at night, always try to stay near pathways with blue emergency lights.

Wash. U. also offers students free access to the SafeTrek app. This app has you hold a blue button as you travel. If your finger is released, and the alert is not stopped within 10 seconds, the police will be called and your info and location will be shared with the police.

If you are staying on campus late and live off campus around the neighborhood, check the Campus2Home schedule online. Campus2Home runs around Skinker-DeBaliviere, Loop South, north of Loop and south of Danforth Campus. You can track the shuttle using the WUSTL app under the “Transportation” section.

You can get a free metal alert whistle from WUPD office after filling out a form on their website.

If none of the above is an option for any reason, then consider these alternatives:

Finding a building, well-lit area, other students or yelling to attract attention.

Calling 911 if, for some reason, WUPD is unavailable.

Circulators: If you are close to a Circulator stop, stay inside an academic building and use the WUSTL app to track the location of the Circulators. Once you deem it safe enough and the Circulator is close, then take the shuttle to a safer and more populated area, like the South 40.

If you need mental health support, please remember that help is available through Student Health Services. You can schedule an appointment 24/7 by using the online student portal, or by calling 314-935-6695 during normal business hours. You can also reach out to your Residential Life staff, academic advisors or campus clergy.

We encourage you to reach out to any one of us if you feel there is anything that can be done better to make students feel safer. Our contact information is located just below. We have a direct line of communication with WUPD and Emergency Management, so we are here to represent and advocate for your interest and security. Thank you for your time, and please exercise caution because your safety is paramount.

Brian Adler, Chairperson | 310-600-9785 | brianadler@wustl.edu

Lucy Liu, Senator | 314-277-1971 | yimingliu@wustl.edu

Joey Vettiankal, Senator | joeyvettiankal@wustl.edu

Jeffrey Lee, MPH | ying-chiang.j.lee@wustl.edu

Kyle Jeter, Vice President of Programming | 860-692-8404 | programming@su.wustl.edu