West Liberty University is committed to providing a safe campus community for our students, faculty, staff and guests.  We work to provide campus safety features to prevent problems such as access control measures, camera systems, campus police, fire safety measures, and training for community members.  One important component in our efforts to keep a safe community, is the effort made by our faculty, staff and students.  Here are some basic tips and information to help you stay safe on our campus:

General Personal Safety Tips

• Avoid walking alone, especially at night
• Walk in well-lit areas
• Walk clear of any area with heavy foliage
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings
• Refrain from propping open locked residence hall doors
• Do not let strangers and/or non-residents into your residence hall unless they are your guest
• Have strangers identify themselves before unlocking any room door
• Educate yourself on the available resources and proactive measures to ensure your own personal safety
• Make yourself aware of ALICE Training in the event of an act of violence emergency

Personal Property

• Secure valuables
  • Keep in locked and private locations
  • Put your name on belongings
  • Keep record of registration information for valuables
• Always lock the door to your residence hall room or your apartment (even if you are just going down the hall for a minute)
• Vehicle security
  • Keep record of your VIN#, registration plate number, and other important information
  • Remove property from plain view
  • Make sure vehicle windows are closed
  • Remove keys
  • Lock all doors
  • Park in well-lit areas whenever possible
  • Be aware of your surroundings when getting into your car or leaving your car

Social Life

• Limit your drinking and refrain from drug use.  Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs lowers inhibitions, alters decision making skills, and slows your senses.  You will not be as alert to your surroundings or as well-equipped to identify or respond to an emergency when you are under the influence.
• Arrange transportation to and from the location prior to going out.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged prior to leaving and have it on you at all times.
• Do not set your belongings down or take things from others.
• If a situation gets out of hand, find your friends and leave.
• If friends seem dangerously intoxicated or show signs of alcohol poisoning (listed below), call 911 immediately.
  • Confusion or stupor
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Blue-tinged or abnormally pale skin
  • Low body temperature and/or uncontrollable shivering
  • Unconsciousness and/or inability to wake
• Never get in a car with a driver who is under the influence.
• Make sure to stay with friends and never walk home alone.

Dating in College

• Let a trusted friend or family member know where you will be, who you will be with, and what time you will be returning.
• Learn basic self defense techniques to protect yourself and remove yourself in case of an attack.
• Know the locations and phone numbers of your local emergency services so that you can quickly find help if you are in a dangerous situation.
• Always have your cell phone fully charged and close by when you are out on a date.
• Do not share personal information with someone you do not know and trust. 
• Utilize group dates or double dates to get to know a new person.
• Keep an eye on your drinks and food.  Do not leave food or drinks unattended.
• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Do not invite someone in your home, apartment or residence hall room who you do not know and trust.
• Do not get into a car with, or go home with someone you do not know and trust.

Social Media

• Limit the amount of personal information you post online.
• Remember that the internet is a public resource.  Once the information is out there, it is free for all to see.
• Be cautious of strangers
• Evaluate your account settings for privacy
• Check privacy policies of the social media outlet
• Think before you post!