University living offers a unique and enriching experience. To ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents, specific guidelines and services are in place within university housing facilities. Access is restricted to residents and their invited guests, along with authorized university personnel. Maintaining the security of exterior doors is a shared responsibility, primarily resting with the residents themselves. To this end, all exterior doors of residence halls and living units remain locked at all times. Propping doors open is considered a violation of the Community Living Standards outlined in the Student Handbook. Entry to residential halls and living units is permitted only to residents or guests who are accompanied by a resident and can present identification if requested.
24/7 Student Desk Clerk Monitoring
To further enhance on-campus housing oversight, the Office of Residence Life, a division of Student Affairs, employs student desk clerks. Each residence hall’s main entrance is staffed by a student desk clerk 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the operational periods of the residence hall. These clerks play a vital role in monitoring the main entrance, ensuring that all residents and guests check-in before proceeding into the residential hall or living unit. A crucial aspect of this process is that all guests must be accompanied and escorted by a resident of that specific hall. This measure helps maintain a secure and accountable environment within the residences.
Police Liaison Program for Residence Halls
Building a strong relationship between residents and law enforcement, the BGSU Police Department implements an Officer Liaison Program. Teams of BGSU Police officers are specifically assigned to residence halls, including on-campus Greek houses and other smaller group living units. These liaisons serve as direct points of police contact for students and Residence Life staff, providing essential crime prevention strategies, and delivering crucial safety and security information. The liaison program extends beyond housing, with officers also assigned to academic and operational departments across the campus, fostering a campus-wide safety network.
Bicycle Registration and Theft Prevention
For students who utilize bicycles on campus, it’s important to be aware of the city ordinance requiring bicycle registration. Registering your bicycle is a proactive step in theft prevention and greatly assists in identification should your bike be misplaced or stolen. To register your bicycle and learn more about bicycle safety and theft prevention, you can contact the Bowling Green Police Division directly at (419) 352-1131 or visit their website for detailed information.
Comprehensive Crime Prevention Education Programs
BGSU Police are dedicated to proactive crime prevention through education. Throughout the year, BGSU Police personnel conduct a variety of crime prevention speeches, demonstrations, and programs. Among the most popular and impactful programs are: A.L.I.C.E. (Active Shooter Response) training, Sexual Assault Awareness seminars, Personal Safety workshops, Self Defense classes, Vehicle Safety tips, Theft Prevention strategies, Bicycle Theft Prevention advice, Traveling Alone safety guidelines, Alcohol & Drug Awareness sessions, information on Underage Consumption Laws and Penalties, and education regarding laws related to Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. These programs are designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their personal safety and contribute to a safer campus community.
Campus Lighting Surveys for Enhanced Safety
Ensuring adequate lighting across campus is a continuous effort to improve safety and security, especially during nighttime hours. Regular lighting surveys are conducted by staff who tour the campus specifically to assess exterior lighting. These surveys aim to identify areas where additional lighting may be beneficial, or where existing lighting needs replacement or repair. By maintaining and improving campus lighting, the university strives to create a safer and more secure environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
By adhering to residential guidelines, utilizing available resources like student desk clerks and police liaisons, and participating in crime prevention education, residents play an active role in maintaining a secure and thriving university living environment.
