Campus Safety FAQ

Emergencies and reporting

What number do I call in an emergency?

911, always first. Then, if you can, call Campus Safety at (715) 555–0191 so an officer can meet responders and guide them on campus (Campus Safety & police).

Is Campus Safety open around the clock?

Yes, 24 hours a day, every day, from the ground level of Millwright Hall. Its licensed officers coordinate with the Porter Falls police and fire departments, whose stations are both within a mile of campus.

What do the blue-light phones do?

Press the button and you are connected straight to Campus Safety dispatch, which can see where you are.

How do I report a crime that is not an emergency?

Call (715) 555–0191, stop by the business office, use the online reporting form, or report anonymously through the tip line and the mobile safety app.

I am worried about someone, but it is not a crime. Who do I tell?

Use the behavioral-concern (CARE) referral, which goes to a support team rather than an enforcement response.

Can I report something that happened off campus or a while ago?

Yes. Campus Safety will take the report and help you reach the right agency if it is not theirs.

Alerts and closings

What is PorterAlert?

The university’s emergency notification system: text, voice call, email and campus building speakers. Every student and employee is enrolled automatically using the mobile number and email on file (emergency alerts).

How do I make sure alerts reach me?

Keep your mobile number current in MyPorter, and add a second number or a text-only preference there. Students can also add a parent’s number (emergency notifications).

What triggers an alert?

Only an immediate threat to health or safety on or near campus: a severe weather warning, a hazardous-materials incident, an active threat or a building evacuation. Routine announcements go by ordinary email.

How will I hear about a snow closing?

Not through PorterAlert. Closings and delayed starts go out by campus-wide email, the homepage banner, the campus app and local radio and TV, usually by 5:30 a.m. for a morning call (weather closings).

How often does Porter close for weather?

One to three closings or delays a year, almost always in December, January or February. Residence halls, dining and the library generally stay open.

Is the alert system tested?

Yes — a full-system test each semester, announced ahead of time.

Free safety services

Can someone walk me home at night?

Yes. The safety escort service sends a trained student officer on foot or an officer in a marked vehicle, dusk to dawn during the semester, anywhere on campus and the immediate blocks around it. No one asks why; waits are usually under ten minutes (safety escort).

Is there a late-night ride?

SafeRide, a request-based van, runs 6 p.m.–2 a.m. within the campus boundary and two blocks beyond; book it in the ParkPorter app (parking & transportation FAQ).

Where is lost and found?

At the Founders Union information desk, open whenever the building is open. Found Porter Cards are deactivated and returned to the Porter Card Office (lost and found).

Can I register my bike or laptop?

Yes, free. A registered serial number is how a recovered item gets back to you (bike registration).

Will someone check my room over break?

Campus Safety offers vacation checks for residence hall rooms and nearby houses over breaks. Request one online before you leave.

Can my floor or club get safety training?

Yes. Personal-safety and active-threat education sessions, naloxone training and AED training can be requested for a class, floor or organization.

Sexual misconduct and support

Who can I talk to after a sexual assault?

You choose: Campus Safety, the Title IX Coordinator or a confidential advocate. Starting with a confidential advocate keeps every option open (Title IX & sexual misconduct resources).

Will talking to someone start an investigation?

Not if you talk to a confidential advocate or the counseling center. Most other staff are required to pass a report to the Title IX Coordinator, who reaches out and explains your options.

Can I get help without filing a complaint?

Yes. Supportive measures — a schedule, housing or job change, or a no-contact directive — are available without a formal complaint or naming anyone.

Is there 24-hour support?

Counseling’s 24-hour line is (715) 555–0117, and the Title IX page lists national 24-hour hotlines. Call 911 if you are in danger.

Can I be punished for reporting?

No. Retaliation against anyone who reports or takes part in a process is itself a violation.

Crime data and preparedness

Where can I see crime statistics?

In the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, published by October 1 each year, with three calendar years of statistics and the university’s safety policies. A free paper copy is available from the Campus Safety business office (annual security report).

What is the daily crime log?

A public list of every crime reported to Campus Safety in the last 60 days, with the nature, date, time, general location and disposition. Inspect it in person during business hours; older entries take a couple of business days (timely warnings & crime log).

What is a timely warning?

A notice required by federal law when a reported crime is an ongoing threat to the campus community. It describes the incident and area in general terms and omits identifying details.

What should I do in an active-threat situation?

Run, hide, fight: leave if there is a safe path out, secure yourself in a room and silence your phone if there is not, and act against the threat only as a last resort. Building coordinators walk new occupants through evacuation routes each fall.

What fire-safety rules apply in the halls?

No candles, halogen lamps, open-coil appliances or smoking, and no extension cords without a surge strip. Each hall’s fire systems, drill count and fire log are in the annual report.