As freshmen start their school year on campus, it is important to have tips and resources for staying safe. Whether you are new to Philadelphia or from around here, it is essential to be aware and feel safe while on campus. Therefore, Drexel offers several resources, policies, and other safety precautions for students.

Drexel Public Safety is within reach 24/7 for police, security, and fire services. While walking around campus, you may see “Blue Lights,” which have emergency direct-line phones that contact DPS directly. Students are also encouraged to download and use the Drexel Guardian App, which can be used to contact DPS. Along with reaching them, the Guardian app will also give them important information, including your name, photo, medical information, and location, so that campus safety can better help in an emergency. You can reach them at 215-895-2222. This number can also be used for Drexel EMS.

If you ever feel unsafe walking home, Campus Safety can also offer walking escorts to students using the resources above. This service is available 24/7 within patrol boundaries: 30th to 36th streets and Chestnut to Spring Garden streets. Drexel walking escorts are additionally available in the Mantua neighborhood from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m., every day from Spring Garden Street to Wallace Street between 31st and 40th streets. University City District escorts are also provided by University City District Ambassadors from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. between 30th Street and 42nd Street from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue and from 42nd Street to 50th Street from Market Street to Woodland Avenue. To request a walking escort from University City District, call 215-387-3942.

DPS offers monthly Self-Awareness for Everyone courses. This self-protection program gives students, staff, and faculty helpful tips and knowledge to help with personal safety in unsafe situations. These courses also help you understand who you can go to to report if you need to report something. These courses are typically offered on select Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the schedule is available on the public safety website. If you have further questions, you can email [email protected].

If you are ever uncertain about contacting DPS or resources on Drexel’s campus, especially if safety concerns involve drugs or alcohol, it is important to know the Responsible Dragon Amnesty Policy. This policy is conducted through Drexel University and the Office of Student Conduct, which provides amnesty from disciplinary action for Students or Student Organizations who seek medical assistance during an alcohol- or drug-related emergency. This policy is aimed at allowing students to get help for themselves or someone else experiencing drug- or alcohol-related emergencies without facing the same consequences. The student or students involved in this must go to an RDAP educational meeting to make sure this policy is applied. Additional resources about this policy can be found on the student life website.

Resources for sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination under the Title IX office are available for students. People are able to report incidents that fall under Title IX with an incident reporting form.

An important resource for staying informed on campus is Drexel’s safety alerts. By giving Drexel your phone number through Drexel One, you will receive campus safety alerts. These notifications will keep you aware of the most up-to-date crimes or events that happen at and around Drexel.

While college is an exciting new experience, it can also be stressful. It is normal for students, especially new students, to need support in this adjustment. If a student is experiencing mental health difficulties, they can schedule a therapy appointment at [email protected] or call 215-895-1415 or 215-416-3337 for those experiencing a mental health emergency. The counseling center is located at Creese Student Center, Suite 201 at 3210 Chestnut St.

While Drexel offers so many important contacts and resources, you can also be aware of your safety day-to-day. Staying alert to your surroundings, especially in a more urban environment, is key. There are many steps that students can take to help with safety, like having friends to walk home with at night. Avoid walking around on your phone or with headphones on, especially late at night.

College is an exciting time, but it is always important to have these resources in your back pocket. Having them can help you feel safer and more confident at Drexel. If you ever do need them, you will not have to scramble to access them. Now that freshmen understand these resources, make sure to have a fun, exciting, and safe first year at Drexel.