Date: 10/10/2024, Time: 9:10
Dear University of Oregon family,
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. Whether you’re new to UO or returning for another year, we’re excited to have you here. As you prepare for classes, we are reminding everyone that Ducks look out for each other. Safety is a communitywide effort, and developing habits that create safe environments requires all of us to act.
Watch your stuff. Keep small items away from open, first floor windows. This includes backpacks, wallets, purses, keys computers and phones. Never leave items unattended on campus.
Parties. A safe party requires careful planning and attention to details. Charge your phone. Use the buddy system and let each other know where you will be. Appoint sober monitors and designated drivers. Only serve alcohol to those 21 and older. Lastly, it is illegal to tamper with another person’s drink. Never leave your drink unattended and use caution accepting drinks from others.
Lock and register your bike/scooter. Take extra steps to secure bikes and scooters. Bike and scooter theft is a persistent problem on campus. Lock up your bike with both a u-lock and cable lock. Lock scooters around nonremovable parts.
Safety. As you walk, run, and bike around campus, stick to well-lit, well-traveled paths. Use the online map to find the best-lit routes around campus. Be alert to suspicious individuals and vehicles and go to a populated area if you suspect you are being followed. Need a lift? Call Duck Rides at 541-346-7433. Rides are available between 6 p.m. and midnight seven days a week. UOPD safety escorts are available by calling 541-346-2919.
Freedom of Expression. UO has a long and proud history of engaging with the issues of the day and supporting members of our community to exercise their right to free expression. We also take seriously the responsibility of providing education in an environment free from harassment, threat or bias. Campus policies, education and training, and resources and services all serve to foster an inclusive and healthy community. Explore the university free expression site to familiarize yourself with the policies and resources available.
Getting Support. You always have the option to talk with someone about your safety concerns on campus. Contact the Dean of Students office for support by visiting dos.uoregon.edu/help or calling 541-346-3216. If you are a victim or survivor of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual or gender-based harassment, or stalking, you can receive immediate confidential support by calling the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233). Additional support and resources for sexual harassment (in any form) are available at safe.uoregon.edu.
Report suspicious activity and crime immediately and be aware of your surroundings. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, life-threatening situations, and events requiring immediate assistance from the police, fire department or an ambulance. To report non-emergency events or situations on campus, call UOPD at 541-346-2919. If there are signs of a person in distress, bystanders should make themselves known and help if it is safe to do so. If that’s not possible, seek immediate help from police or security personnel.
Personal Safety. UOPD offers a drop-in self-defense class regularly throughout the academic year. Self-defense classes can prepare people to deter or escape an assault and can improve awareness and confidence. Contact Sgt. Jared Davis of UOPD (Jared.Davis@uopd.org) to find out when the next session is scheduled.
Stay safe this fall and remember university resources are available to support you when things do not go as planned.
Welcome to fall term. We can’t wait to watch you succeed.
Andre Le Duc, vice president and chief resilience officer
Angela Chong, vice president of student life