Personal Safety

Personal safety is everyone’s responsibility! The Department of Public Safety welcomes all opportunities to partner with other members of the community in making Methodist University a safer and more secure place to live, learn, work, and grow. Please contact us immediately if you see any suspicious or criminal activity.

Please consider the following personal safety practices that are useful either on or off campus:

  • Use the “buddy system” when going out and avoid walking alone at night. Security escorts are available at any time on campus by calling Public Safety at 910.630.7098 or 910.630.7577.
  • If you choose to walk alone at night, pay attention to your surroundings. Have your cell phone easily accessible. If you see anyone or anything that makes you uncomfortable, call Public Safety at 910.630.7577 or 9-1-1.
  • When running or walking for exercise, go with a friend and vary your route.
  • Don’t open residence hall room or lobby doors for people you don’t know. Everyone who is authorized to enter a particular residence hall should already have key and / or card access.
  • Close and lock your residence hall room or office every time you leave, even if you only plan to be away for a few minutes.
  • Close and lock your residence hall room door when you are asleep or in the bathroom.
  • Avoid asking for or accepting rides from strangers.
  • If anyone attempts to force you into a vehicle or take you anywhere against your will, be prepared to do what you can to prevent that. Make lots of noise, resist if you can, and get away!
  • If you live off campus, lock your home’s doors and windows and use any available alarms. Renters should insist that landlords and property managers provide and properly maintain effective, secure door and window locks. Exterior doors should be solid-core wood or metal.
  • Off campus, call 9-1-1 right away to report any suspicious person or activity.
  • Always share your travel plans (even if you’re only going to be gone for a few hours) with someone who can notify authorities in the event you aren’t where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there.

There are many more tips available from our Public Safety and Crime Prevention staff. Please contact us any time for more information!

Specific bulletins and timely warnings regarding conditions that may constitute a risk to the University community may be posted via MUPAWS and the Campus E-Mail system.