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Topic of the Month- August 2007
Safety Tips for College Students
Outdoor Safety
• Walk in groups, never alone at night. If you find
yourself w alking alone at night, call Campus Police
for an escort.
• When you must walk alone, act self-assured and confident that you know where you are going.
• Be alert to what is going on around you.
• Know where the emergency phones are on campus
• Keep car doors locked while driving or when parked.
• As you approach your car, check around and under the car and in the back seat. If you notice anything suspicious, go back inside and call the police.
• Have your key ready before you reach the door— home or car.
Indoor Safety
• Know your neighbors and call them if you feel
nervous or something seems out of the ordinary
• Keep doors and windows locked at all times
• Don’t open the door of your home to strangers,
especially if you are alone. Offer to make an
emergency call while someone waits outside.
Check the identification of any sales or service
people before letting them in. Don’t be
embarrassed to phone for verification.
• If you come home and see a door or window open
or broken, don’t go in. Call the campus police from a
public phone or neighbor’s home.
ON-LINE
(FACEBOOK, MY SPACE, ETC.)
 • Be careful what you post online. Predators love
these sites. Avoid posting your cell phone number,
address, date of birth, class schedule, etc.
• Use privacy settings, but understand they are not
fool-proof.
• A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t want a
future employer, police, professor, stalker, or
your grandma to see it, don’t post it.
Social Situations
• Watch your alcohol intake and never have sex with
someone who is under the influence– this may be
considered sexual assault.
• Always watch your drink being poured (even
non-alcoholic drinks), and never leave your drink
out of your site.
• Never drive when you have been drinking or
ride with someone who is driving under the influence.
For some people, even one drin k can put you over the limit.
• Check out a first date or a blind date with
friends. Insist on going to a public place like a
movie, campus activity, or restaurant. Don’t
spend time alone in an apartment without others
present.
• Don’t leave a party, concert, game, or other social
occasion with someone you just met or don’t know well.
• Talk openly about sex and your boundaries. Make
it clear before you get into a sexual situation what
your limits are.
• Be wary of anyone who puts you down, or tries to
control how you dress or your choice of friends.
• Most of all trust your instincts. If it feels wrong it
probably is.
If You Are Raped
• IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!
• Go to a friend’s house or somewhere you can get
emotional support.
• Seek medical treatment at either the Student Health Clinic or a
local emergency room. DO NOT douche, bathe,
shower, eat or drink anything, or change clothes before you go.
• Call UT Tyler Campus Police (903-566-7302),
the University Health Clinic (903-566-0278), or
the East Texas Crisis Center (903-595-5591). You
do not have to proceed with prosecution in order to
receive services.
• Follow-up with an advocate. You have rights as a
student. Call Wellness and Prevention Education Services
(903-566-7067) to speak with an on-campus advocate.
• Seek counseling. The Student Counseling Center
(903-566-7254) and Wellness and Prevention Education
Services offer free, confidential counseling with a
Licensed Professional Counselor to all currently enrolled students.
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