Safety Starts with You

At Humboldt State we strive to make our campus community the safest learning environment possible. We've instituted time-proven safety and security policies, which are enforced by our trained staff and the professional police officers of our University Police Department. In short, we've taken the first step in providing for your safety. Ultimately, however, guaranteeing your personal safety requires that you also take precautions and don't put yourself at risk. Being aware of your environment and surroundings is the best place to start. We will continue to develop and implement security measures, but these measures can only succeed with your participation and support.

Residence Life Staff

To help facilitate safety and security, the Living Group Advisors (LGAs) and Walk Around Staff conduct rounds. After 5pm, these staff members in conjunction with the Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs) are available to assist with emergencies, maintenance issues, lockouts and other issues that may arise. If you need assistance after 5pm, call the Information Desk at (707) 826-3451 and a duty staff member will respond.

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HSU Card Access System

Our Card Access System enhances our building security. Residents should always carry their HSU card. Once activated and a pin number is established, this card will allow you to gain access to the building, floor and room to which you were assigned. Additionally, this card will contain your meal points. If you would like to change your pin number, the key card kiosk is located on the first floor of the JGC near the information desk.  Do not give/lend your HSU card to anyone- it is a policy violation.

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Safety Checks

We conduct safety checks of each resident room during HSU breaks to assure items are unplugged and there is no potential fire or safety hazards in unoccupied rooms. An informational memo will be sent out to residents via campus email and mailbox a few weeks prior to the break period. This memo will instruct residents of procedures that should be followed in preparation for the break.

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University Police Department

The University Police Department is located in the Student & Business Services Building, Room 101. The State certified police officers at Humboldt State University are responsible for the protection of life and property in our campus community. Some of the services provided by UPD include:

• safety escorts (call 826-5555 to request an escort on campus)
• bicycle licensing
• motorist assistance
• law enforcement
• crime prevention programs and information
• engravers used to mark property

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Tips on Residence Hall Security

You may have valuable possessions in your room such as a stereo, jewelry, television, computer, or perhaps your favorite pair of jeans. You must ensure that these things are not vulnerable to theft or damage. These crime prevention tips may save you some grief.

• Always leave your door securely closed
• Store valuables out of sight
• Safes are available for rent from Collegiate Concepts at www.loftconcepts.com
• Be aware of strangers on your floor, and notify UPD of any suspicious person(s)
• Do not allow people access to the halls without checking if they live in that area
• Never prop doors open
• Keep an inventory of your belongings
• Report lost HSU Cards immediately to the Housing Office or Information Desk

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Emergency Information Card

Located on the back of your room door is an Emergency Information Card. This card provides you with important safety and evacuation information. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this emergency information and learn where all exits are located. Do not tamper with or remove this card.           

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Wildlife

Because we live in a rural area with a community forest as our backyard, seeing wildlife on campus is not uncommon. Raccoons, deer, foxes and other such mammals are regularly seen on campus. While none of these animals pose a threat to humans, any wild animal can be potentially dangerous and should be avoided. So as to not attract unnecessary attention to the resident halls please dispose trash in designated areas and check to make certain trash can lids are closed tightly.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions are very shy creatures and are rarely seen. However, they have been spotted in the community forest on occasion and in the woods behind the Canyon and Creekview. Should you have an encounter with a mountain lion, DO NOT turn and run away. Give the animal its space, shout or yell at it, this will likely cause it to move along on its way. Be sure to contact UPD if you have an encounter or spot a mountain lion on campus.

Tips on Wildlife Safety

• Keep your distance. Animals like having their own space and can become aggressive when they are cornered. These are living creatures that have a will of their own, plus the possibility of disease or injury can make an animal very unpredictable.
• Do not touch. These are wild animals with minds of their own. They might look cute but they also have teeth.
• Do not feed. Most human food is not healthy for wild animals to digest. Also feeding them causes them to become dependent on us for food rather than hunting or foraging for themselves.
• Do not take them home with you. These are wild animals and should remain in the wild.
• Do not throw things at wildlife or harass them.

If animals are demonstrating unusual behavior, or being aggressive without provocation call UPD at 826-5555.

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Sexual Assault Prevention & Reporting

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. As a community, we need to watch out for each other’s safety. This includes creating an environment where physical violence and sexual assault are not acceptable. To help achieve this goal you can do your part through educating yourself on how to end rape culture, through talking about these issues with friends and through stopping yourself before making the decision to sexually assault someone.

Know the facts about Rape

• Rape is a violent crime—a hostile attack—an attempt to hurt and humiliate. It is NOT the result of "uncontrolled passions."
• Rape can happen to anyone. Men also fall victim to rape.
• Rape can occur anywhere.
• Rape is committed by people you may know—it is not necessarily a stranger. In fact, in over one-third of reported cases, the rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend or relative of the survivor.
• Rape is one of the most underreported crimes—we encourage you to find support for yourself and report this crime.

Safety Tips

True prevention of rape exists by changing the culture to make rape unacceptable and teaches people not to rape. While the following tips will not necessarily prevent a rapist from committing rape, they may increase your physical security and make it more difficult for sexual assault to occur.

UPD provides escort services, call (707) 826-5555 at anytime.

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Community Security

• Propped doors — To keep yourself, others and personal property safe, make sure you never prop doors. Please close propped doors right away and report repeat problems to a Housing staff member.
• Report the presence of strangers to residence hall staff or University Police — whether they've gained access, are hanging around or are exhibiting questionable behavior. Don't let strangers into your building, even if they tell you that they are visiting a friend. Offer to call their friend for them instead. Don't be alone with someone you just met.
• Keep your room door closed and locked, especially during the times that you are sleeping or out. Don't lend your room key card to anyone.

Awareness of Your Surroundings

• Don't wear headphones when walking, jogging or studying alone.
• At a party, never leave your drink unattended; never accept drinks from strangers and never drink from common sources, like punch bowls.
• Keep a level head. Alcohol or other drugs compromise your safety by lowering inhibitions and clouding your judgment. Many survivors and perpetrators of sexual assault are under the influence when an incident occurs. Make decisions so that alcohol and other drugs will not compromise your judgment or your safety.
• If you go somewhere with friends, make sure that everyone is accounted for before leaving.

Safety in Numbers

• Walk out to your car with someone you know and trust, especially when it is dark. Always keep your car locked.
• Walk with people you know, especially after dark. Tell someone where you are going. If you have to work in an isolated lab, practice room or study lounge, take someone with you.
• When you must walk alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk confidently and directly at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic. Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone can surprise you.
• If someone is stalking you, report it to University Police immediately. If you are being followed, head toward crowds, lights or buildings.

Alerting Others

• If you are in danger, scream and run, or yell "fire." If you carry a whistle on your keychain — blow it.
• 9-1-1 from any campus phone or your cell phone will put you in contact with law enforcement. To reach University Police via your cell phone in an emergency dial (707) 826-5023.
• Trust your instincts.

Within Relationships

• Clearly communicate your boundaries in the activities that you are interested in practicing.
• Listen to people when they are communicating their intentions — unless they are saying "yes," assume they are saying "no."
• Clearly communicate your intentions — say "no" and mean it.

We are here to support you in any and all efforts to ease survival of an incident. If you need to report an incident of sexual assault or misconduct, contact any Housing staff member. Survivors may also seek assistance from:

• HSU Counseling and Psychological Services (707) 826-3236
• Student Affairs office staff (707) 826-3361
• University faculty and staff members with whom you feel comfortable
• North Coast Rape Crisis Team (707) 445-2881

The North Coast Rape Crisis Team offers a 24-hour crisis line with immediate support services to survivors of sexual assault and their family and friends, information on medical and legal procedures survivors can expect to encounter, accompaniment to medical exams and law enforcement agencies and on-going support for survivors. You DO NOT have to deal with a sexual assault situation alone; these resources are accessible to you.

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Jump To:

• Residence Life Staff
• HSU Card Access System
• Safety Checks
• University Police
• Tips on Hall Safety
• Emergency Information Card
• Wildlife Safety
• Sexual Assault Prevention & Reporting
• Community Security