Safety and Security Tips

The most common crime on campus that occurs is simple theft. It is recommended that all students download our LIVESAFE app to assist in better communication and safety notification awareness to our community members.

1. Keep your door(s) to your room or residence and windows locked at all times.
2. Report defective campus locks on windows and doors IMMEDIATELY to residential life staff.
3. Never sleep in an unlocked room or house.
4. Do not put your name or address on key rings.
5. Do not keep your room or residence and vehicle keys on the same ring.
6. If you lose the keys to your residence, have the lock(s) changed. On campus residents should notify Residential Life immediately.
7. Women living alone should not use prefixes "Ms.," "Miss," or "Mrs." On their doors or mailboxes. Instead, use the first initial and last name. This is also advisable for telephone directory listings.
8. Require callers to identify themselves before opening your door. Campus and non-campus residents should require official identification from all repair or service personnel.
9. Do not let strangers in to your dorm building or room.
10. If you find that your room has been entered, DO NOT GO INSIDE. Go to a neighbor and call the Sewanee Police Department. If you are already inside, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING. You may disturb evidence that is important to the police investigation.
11. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus or in your neighborhood, IMMEDIATELY contact the Sewanee Police Department. Try to get the license plate number if you can safely and a good description of the vehicle. (make, model, color, stickers or other identifying details, etc..)
12. Students in private residences should consider leaving a light on at the entrance to your residence when returning after dark.
13. Students living in campus housing are not allowed to prop open doors to dormitories or other buildings or use of fire exit doors is in violation of fire code.
14. Do not allow strangers to follow you into your residence hall.

Vehicles

1. Report all suspicious persons or vehicles around parking areas to the Sewanee Police Department immediately.
2. Keep your vehicle locked and the windows rolled up tightly.
3. Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
4. When parking, choose a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
5. Packages, books, backpacks, laptops, GPS, and other valuables should be locked in the trunk. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE IN PLAIN SIGHT IN YOUR CAR!
6. Stereo tape players and C.B. radios should be mounted either out of sight or with slide-out brackets. These brackets will permit the removal of the unit and allow you to take the unit with you or to put it in the trunk when the vehicle is unattended. C.B. radio antennas should be magnetic or detachable, and should be stored in the trunk or taken with you.
7. Stereo CD players, radios, and other auto accessories should be marked with a unique identifying number and the serial number recorded and stored in a secure location such as cloud storage.
8. Consider having your vehicle ignition, doors, and trunk keyed differently.
9. Keep spare keys in your wallet or purse, not inside the vehicle where a thief can easily find them.
10. Consider the installation of anti-theft devices such as alarm systems, hidden ignition or fuel "kill" switches, steering column ignition switch protectors, steering wheel to brake pedal bar caps, mag wheels, spare tires, etc.
11. Keep a record of your vehicle identification number (VIN), registration plate number, and title certificate number.

Bicycles

1. Invest in a good U-Lock bicycle lock that is at least over 13mm thick. The strongest on the market today are 18mm thick. 
2. Always lock your bicycle. Bicycles should be locked around the frames to an object such as a telephone pole, sign or lamppost, bicycle rack, etc. If using a chain with a U-Lock get a 16mm or thicker bike chain and lock made from hardened steel.
3. Whenever possible, keep your bicycle in your room if you do not have a lock. Fire Code prohibits storage in all other areas.
4. If you must leave your bicycle outside, choose a well-lit, heavily traveled location and secure your bike with a heavy duty U-Lock and Chain combination for the most secure method.
5. Find out if your bicycle is covered under your parents' insurance policy. If not, it would be advisable to insure it.
6. Register your bicycle with the University Bike Registration Program. Bike registration is free and is an excellent way to further secure your property against theft. 
7. Photograph your bicycle, serial number, make, model, color, other identifying stickers or marks and store in a secure area such as cloud storage.

Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Caving 

The University of the South campus presents students with plentiful outdoor activities while here on the Domain. The Sewanee Police Department asks that you use good safety when enjoying recreation activities on the Domain.

Here are some quick tips to help you be safe while hiking, biking, or caving at Sewanee:

• Have a plan.
• Inform someone of where you're going and when you plan to return. It is recommended to not venture out into caves or trails alone.
• Familiarize yourself with the area, use a map.
• Carry a headlamp on every hike, even short day hikes.
• Carry and drink plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours).
• Sturdy footwear with good traction might save an ankle.
• Know your limits and pay attention to how you're feeling.
• Stay on the established trails.
• When hiking in a group, each member of the group should carry some water and food in case the party becomes separated, and the group should make a plan for where to meet up (at the vehicle, at the trailhead, etc.) if the members become separated.
• Carry a cell phone and whistle in the event you become lost or your phone does not have reception.
• Ask for HELP! Call Sewanee Police Dispatch at 931-598-1111 if you become lost or in need of assistance.