4. Always carry your DragonCard with you.
Carry your DragonCard with you at all times while on campus, as it is the only way to access campus buildings and use Drexel’s ferries.
5. Use Drexel transportation services and escorts on foot.
Drexel Real Estate and Facilities offers shuttle bus service Monday through Friday between University City Campus and Center City Campus, between Center City and Queen Lane Campus, and through University City Campus to Vidas Athletic Complex (the Powelton/Spring Garden route also works on weekends). To travel, just present your DragonCard. If you travel on foot, Public Safety offers foot escorts within University City patrol boundaries upon request, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request an escort, use the Drexel Guardian app (see below for details), call 215.895.2222, use a blue light emergency phone, or ask any police or security officer on patrol.
6. Download the Drexel Guardian app.
Drexel Guardian is another way to connect directly to the Public Safety Communications Center. You can call for help via one-touch dialing, send suspicious activity tips via text message, set security timers, activate a GPS locator during an emergency, and more. Search for “Rave Guardian” in the Apple App Store for iPhone or Google Play Store for Android phones and sign in with your Drexel email address.
7. Protect your belongings: Theft is the most common crime on campus.
Most crimes on campus are unattended robberies. Protect your valuables and use the free DPS service to register your property (bicycles, laptops, skateboards, cell phones, larger headphones) by taking them to the Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch Street for registration. Always lock your bike securely (Let Sergeant Santiago show you how!). And if you’re buying, selling or trading items with someone you met online, you can use the Drexel Police Headquarters as secure space for transactions.
8. Be aware of your surroundings.
Sounds simple, right? But it’s easy to get distracted, especially at the start of a new school year. When you’re moving around campus, it’s important not to look at your phone, remove your headphones, and be aware of your surroundings. Always cross at crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and make eye contact with approaching drivers before exiting. If you have any safety concerns, feel free to call DPS using your phone, the Guardian app, or a blue light emergency phone for assistance or to request a foot escort. For more situational preparedness tips, consider attending a “Your Safety is Our Goal” or “Self-Awareness for All” workshop (details can be found in the Community Commitments section of this newsletter).
9. Be a good neighbor and citizen.
Everyone plays a role in promoting public safety and developing a positive relationship between the University and the community at large. Be sure to dispose of trash and recycling properly, and let Drexel Real Estate and Facilities know if you see anything that needs maintenance. Offer to help if you see a new student or colleague who seems confused or asks for help, especially in these first few weeks. The Dragon Volunteers program is also a great way to get involved beyond our campus boundaries. It’s the little things that go a long way to building safe and healthy communities.
10. Take care of yourself.
The start of a new academic year always brings new challenges and stresses, and not just for students! If you’re having trouble, talk to friends, colleagues and family and/or make use of the many services provided through the Employee Assistance Program, SupportLinc. Please refer students to the Drexel Counseling Center ([email protected] or 215.895.1415). And be sure to take advantage of the many offers available through A Healthier U, Drexel’s award-winning employee wellness program.
11. Bonus tip: Pass it on!
If you found these tips helpful, be sure to share them with your colleagues and students.
community commitments
Cookies with Cops: September 21 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Meet Drexel Police Officers while enjoying refreshments and conversation to end the day. The next event will be held on September 21 from 3:30-5:30 pm at the southwest corner of 33rd and Arch streets (next to the volleyball courts).
DPS Educational Programs: Learn How to Protect Yourself
You can register for any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Presentation Request Form.
Your safety is our goal, September 26 at midday either 18:00: Whether you’re new to Philadelphia or want to brush up on your situational preparedness skills, this monthly virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving around town. You can register for any of the September 26 presentations through Qualtrics, or if none of these times fit your schedule, you can request a session by completing the Presentation Request Form.
Self-awareness for all (SAFE): SAFE aims to provide Drexel students, faculty, and staff with the practical skills, resources, and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in unsafe situations. The program focuses on mindset, self-awareness, techniques that might help in the event of a physical assault, and information on how and to whom to report incidents and safety concerns. This practical class lasts approximately 4.5 hours. The scheduled fall sessions are September 27 from 5 to 9:30 pm, October 15 from 9 am to 1:30 pm, and November 3 from 5 to 9:30 pm You can register through Qualtrics for a of these sessions, but are also available upon request.
Work Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program highlights the importance of workplace safety through workshops and discussions designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community. This program can be customized to the specific needs of an administrative or academic unit to address unique security challenges and identify solutions.
Fire and Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: The Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services offers customized awareness and training programs, upon request, to help the Drexel community reduce fire risks. The team offers data-driven insights that will give the participant the tools to react to an emerging event. Other topics covered are medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other common challenges.
We are here for you when you need us
Call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. The Drexel Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you, whether you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are promptly reported to Drexel Police so they can be investigated and so that Public Safety can connect victims with the proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you or share your information unless an emergency starts. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
escorts on foot
215.895.2222
For more information on Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.
Source: drexel.edu