Personal Safety

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Only carry essential cash/credit cards with you.
  • Be familiar with the location of all emergency phones on campus.
  • If you are concerned about walking on campus late at night contact Safewalk for an escort across campus.
  • Try to stay in well-lit, higher traffic areas.


Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a crime. It can happen to anyone, male or female. Most often sexual assault is a crime perpetrated by someone we know, and is called ‘date rape’ or ‘acquaintance rape’. Regardless of the title that is given to the assault, it is still sexual assault when there is non-consensual sexual behaviour, and it is illegal. It is an act of violence and power, not an act of passion.

The following are a few ways to increase your safety against sexual assault:

  • Consider taking the: RAD self-defence course.
  • Set your limits. Know before you start a date exactly what you are looking for that evening.
  • Be assertive.
  • Stay in control of yourself. Limit alcohol and drug use.
  • Use a buddy system. When out for the evening, stay with friends and watch out for each other. Don’t leave a party with someone you don’t know very well.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Do NOT be afraid to cause a scene. If you need to get out of a situation don’t worry about being polite or not drawing attention to yourself.
  • Stay sober, and watch out for dates that try to get you drunk or high.
  • Do not assume that you know what your date wants. Communicate clearly.

If you are sexually assaulted:

  • Get to a safe place.
  • Get help. You may wish to contact the Police, or Campus Safety. Call someone that can give you support at this time, whether that be a friend, family member, or rape crisis line.
  • Get medical assistance.
  • Report to the police. You can decide later if you would like to file charges, but by giving the information to the police now you improve your case against the rapist, and alert police to the situation.
  • Get ongoing help and support, such as counselling.
  • Remember: You are not to blame. Sexual assault is a crime. Nobody deserves to be raped.

    Sexual Assault Awareness Committee

Office Safety

  • Always keep your purse, wallet, backpack or briefcase out of sight. Many thefts are simply thefts of opportunity.
  • Keep laptop computers secured with a cable lock while at work. Never leave an unlocked laptop computer in an unattended office. When you leave work, ensure that your laptop computer either goes home with you, or that you have it securely locked away and out of sight in your office.
  • Take ownership of your work area. If there are people in the halls who don’t belong, ask them who they are looking for, or if you can help them. If you are concerned, call Security Services to report suspicious persons.
  • Always lock your office when you leave, even if you are only leaving for a minute.
  • Security Services has stickers available for your telephone with our phone number on it. In an emergency, you will be able to contact our department without delay. Contact Campus Safety at 966-5555 for stickers that you may need.


Residence Life

Living in residence, either on or off campus, is a very positive way to meet people and get involved in University life. To ensure that your residence experiences are the safest they can be, we recommend the following tips:

  • Never prop open doors or leave them unlocked. This gives an easy way for someone who doesn’t live in your residence access. Remember that this is your house while you are at university.
  • Don’t let people that you don’t know into the residence. You live there, and if you aren’t sure that they do then you have the right to make sure the door is secured behind you. If they do live there then they will have a key or will be able to gain access at another time.
  • If you see someone who does not belong in your residence take action. If you are comfortable doing so, ask the person whom they are looking for or where they are going. If you are not comfortable doing so, then contact your Resident Assistant or Campus Safety with a description of the person.
  • Any suspicious person or activity can be reported to Campus Safety at 966-5555 and we will respond immediately.

Visit the Residence Office Website