Although NSU has a large network of safety protocols put in place to protect the greater NSU community, it is never a bad idea to provide students with the best practice safety tips to keep students aware of their options in case a situation ever arises. Students can refer to their Campus Safety Handbook for in-depth safety tips, crime statistics and university procedures, but as a general overview, here are some safety tips students should keep in mind while they are on and off-campus.
“You can’t always predict these situations, so our department stands ready if someone reports a situation or would like to come forward. This can apply to abuse, violence, suspicious acts or other concerns within or outside of a relationship in the NSU community,” said Shane Lam, associate director of field operations for NSU’s Public Safety.
Personal safety
Students should always be aware of their surroundings when walking around campus or in public. It is pertinent for students to recognize potential threats by keeping their heads up and preferably walking in well-lit areas.
“Technology can definitely be a distraction. I catch myself walking with my head down and looking down at my phone. It’s important to keep your head up and be aware of who and what is around you in your periphery,” said Lam.
Lam recommends that students familiarize themselves with the locations of the Blue Light systems along their routes, the iShark app and SaferWatch.
Through iShark, students have the ability to contact Public Safety and other emergency contact information through the Emergency Resources button on the homepage.
SaferWatch is also another app that students can use to contact Public Safety and other resources through convenient application methods. In general, students can use these resources to report suspicious activity, Safety Escorts or even for emergency service help with vehicles or injuries among other reasons.
Vehicle safety
Other than following safe driving methods such as following local traffic laws and wearing seatbelts, crimes of convenience, such as motor vehicle theft and personal belongings, are preventable by closing or rolling up windows, locking your doors, parking in well-lit areas and not leaving valuables in plain sight.
Suicide and violence prevention
Students can find themselves in situations or emotional or physical distress at any time. As a community, NSU students should be aware of the warning signs of distress in their peers, roommates or friends, which can include newfound drinking habits, talking about self-harm or violent acts or thoughts of doom among others.
Reporting these situations is very important, and a resource that students can reach out to the NSU Student CARE team. According to the NSU Handbook, The Student CARE Team is a multidisciplinary team designed to provide support for students’ well-being and academic success by connecting students in need with campus and community resources, such as student conduct, student counseling and residential life response to better understand a referred student’s experience.
“The NSU Student CARE Team’s purpose is to identify these individuals and contact them before a situation escalates or becomes violent in nature. This can involve any event or situation that drastically affects a student’s academic performance or overall well-being to be successful, overwhelmed or express intentions of harm and or violent thoughts or actions,” said Lam.
Students interested in reporting can email nsucareteam@nova.edu. For credible immediate threats, contact 911 or local authorities.
Alcohol
For some first-time-in-college students, this may be their first time away from home and legally allowed to drink alcohol. Because of this, some students might not be familiar with their limitations. In general, students should attempt to avoid being overly inebriated and only drink with trusted friends and individuals as well as avoid being separated from this group. There are times that students under the age of 21 drink alcohol and Lam stressed that students shouldn’t avoid reaching out to local authorities or Public Safety if they feel they are in an unsafe situation.
“Their safety and preservation of life come before secondary concerns such as underage drinking. If students are underage and involved with alcohol and need help, Public Safety and local authorities should be involved to keep that student protected,” said Lam.
Travel safety tips
Students are encouraged to not travel alone, but in cases where they are, they should send “pins” of their location or share their destination or trip route to trusted individuals. Even if you are driving, it’s important to keep windows rolled up and doors locked to ensure no one reaches into your vehicle. If an individual on foot confronts you, it’s important to drive away or avoid that situation. By maintaining a vehicle in good condition and with adequate gas to reach your final destination, you could prevent unexpected breakdowns or being stranded in an unfamiliar or unsafe neighborhood. If you find that your vehicle is being followed, you should drive to a well-lit populated area, a local police or fire station and call the police if the following vehicle is not deterred.
Dating and sexual assault prevention
“There is no place for physical or verbal abuse in a healthy relationship. By recognizing that you are in a dangerous situation, it’s important to distance yourself. We partner closely with Title IX when issues become a Public Safety or health issue and if our assistance is otherwise required,” said Lam.
NSU’s Title IX Office ensures NSU is in compliance with Title IX, which is a series of implemented federal and state education laws that help students in situations of sexual and gender discrimination, sexual misconduct and other similar issues. According to their website, NSU is committed to maintaining classes, programs and activities that are free from sexual discrimination and misconduct, in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If you or someone you know has questions, concerns or would like to speak to someone about an experience, please review the available resources or contact Title IX staff below.
Laura Bennett, Title IX Coordinator
Tel: (954) 262-7858
Email: laura.bennett@nova.edu
Office: NSU East Campus – Office of Human Resources, Room 248
3100 SW 9th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315-3025
