Safety Matters Safety Matters: From Move-In to Finals: Thriving Safely Every Step of The Way

College is a time for growth and opportunity, but safety must always come first.

For our first-year students, welcome to UMass Dartmouth, and for those returning, we offer you a sincere welcome back!

Your first year of college is an exciting time, marked by making new friends, accepting new challenges, and seizing new opportunities. It’s also a year where building good habits will help you stay safe, healthy, and successful. As your University Police Department, our priority is your safety both on and off campus. We hope that you’ll focus on learning, connecting, and thriving on this campus.

We encourage you to quickly familiarize yourself with your surroundings, whether you’re walking to class, heading to your car, or visiting off-campus locations. Be aware of your environment. Keep your phone charged and accessible. Whenever possible, walk with friends and stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark.

Regarding your personal property, remember that theft is usually a crime of opportunity, so be sure to lock your room and vehicle, keep your valuables out of plain view, and don’t leave laptops or backpacks unattended, even for just a few minutes.

We encourage you to utilize campus resources and save the University Police phone numbers in your contacts: 508-999-8107 for routine matters and 508-999-9191 for emergencies.

Our campus also has blue light emergency phones for your safety. All you have to do is press the button, and you’ll be connected directly to our police dispatcher. We also have the Corsair Shuttle Service to help you get to where you need to go quickly and safely. UMass Dartmouth staff are here to help you every step of your college journey.

It’s important to practice smart choices. College life often includes parties and social events. Plan with your friends to stick together, watch your drinks, and never accept something from someone you don’t know. Trust your instincts. If a situation feels off, remove yourself as quickly as possible.

College is a time for growth and opportunity, but safety must always come first. When dating, respect boundaries, look out for one another, and remember that consent should be clear and enthusiastic, and, importantly, can be revoked at any time. No doesn’t mean “maybe,” it means no! When going out on a date with someone new, we encourage you to do so in a public location. If you feel that something isn’t right, go with your gut. Your voice and actions can prevent harm.

College is a time to define yourself and your future. Strive to be a leader by participating in campus events, joining student clubs, treating people respectfully in both the classroom and residence halls, and being helpful to others who may be struggling. You have a tremendous opportunity to thrive and be successful. This is your journey. Make your UMassD legacy a great one!

Sincerely,

Chief John D. Souza