Concord University, the Office of Public Safety, and Housing and Residence Life take great measures to build on the safety record of the community of Athens and the State of West Virginia. The University believes that members of the Concord campus community can assist in keeping themselves from harm by utilizing prescribed safety precautions and by educating themselves about the frequency and type of security breaches which occur on University property. Public Safety will record and annually publish statistics on crime.

Students are encouraged to exercise common sense regarding personal student safety. Each student must take an active part in their own personal safety and the safety of other community members.

Public Safety Officers work closely with professional and paraprofessional Housing and Residence Life staff personnel. Both the Officers and the Student Life staff members on duty are available to receive emergency telephone calls from anyone on campus or associated with the University. All Public Safety Officers have direct radio contact with local law enforcement agencies. To encourage accurate reporting of crimes and incidents, a formalized Incident Report is completed after each known event (when the victim allows us to report the crime).

What YOU can do to enhance YOUR OWN personal safety.

Personal Safety:

• Avoid walking alone, especially at night
• Walk in well lighted areas
• Walk clear of any area with heavy foliage
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings; even though phone calls might make you feel safer, they actually distract your attention
• Refrain from propping open residence hall doors
• Use the viewing porthole provided in each residence hall door
• Have strangers identify themselves before unlocking any room door

Personal Property Security:

• Secure valuables left in your room
• Print your name on valuables and register items like tablets, laptops, TVs, DVRs, bikes, etc. when appropriate
• Remember to lock the door(s) and window(s) to your personal room each time you leave and when you are sleeping
• Lock your room door when you are in the bathroom (traditional halls)
• Pre-plan a course of action in the event of lost or stolen credit cards, checks or money
• Do not leave your property unattended

Vehicle Security:

• Remove property from plain view
• Roll up vehicle windows
• Remove keys
• Keep your car locked, whether you’re in it or not
• Park in a well-lit area whenever possible

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips:

• Stay in a group or use the buddy system; there is safety in numbers.
• Don’t go off campus or back to campus with people you do not know or trust.
• Be aware of your surroundings and have an “exit strategy” (e.g. back up ride, taxi #, etc.).
• Always carry room keys with you, be aware of where you are going, and know a quick and safe way home whenever practical.
• Be aware that 90% of sexual assault victims are familiar with the perpetrator.
• Take a self-defense class. Most people who take self-defense courses feel empowered to handle more serious situations.
• Do not leave a drink unattended and/or accept a drink that you have not poured/mixed yourself.
• Be mindful of your alcohol intake. Know alcohol and drugs can impair the ability to make good decisions. It can also lower inhibitions.
• Know your sexual limits. Communicate them clearly and effectively.
• Know that you have a right to say “No” to sexual activity.
• Stop what you are doing if you receive unclear or conflicting messages.