As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, Drexel Public Safety would like to reiterate our commitment to providing a safe, secure and healthy environment for all members of the University community, as well as our neighbors in West Philadelphia.

Whether you are a first-year or returning student, faculty or professional staff member, living and working on or near campus, or remaining farther away due to the unique circumstances of this academic year, one constant remains: It is important for all of us to feel safe as we go about our daily routines. Ensuring the health and safety of our University community is a shared responsibility, and now is a good time to refresh your knowledge about the services we provide. Read on for a list of top 10 things you should know, developed in partnership with Student Life (for more information, visit the Department of Public Safety website):

1. See Something, Say Something: One of the most important things you can do is add 215.895.2222 (Drexel Public Safety) to your mobile phone contacts list. This number will connect you to the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center, staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week with trained dispatchers who will answer and send help your way. If you are on campus, please report any suspicious activity or concerns immediately using this number (you may also call 911 during any emergency).

2. Look Out for DrexelALERT Mesages: DrexelALERT is an emergency notification system that provides timely dissemination of nearby and relevant crime and safety alerts via text messaging and email. The DrexelALERT webpage explains how to update your contact information to ensure you are receiving these messages.

3. Get the Drexel Guardian App: If you download Drexel Guardian onto your mobile phone, you can use a one-touch dialing feature to call for help or activate a GPS locator during an emergency, which will allow the Drexel Communications Center to immediately locate and assist you. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store.

4. Access Buildings With Your DragonCard: Carry your DragonCard with you at all times while on campus, as it is the only way to access campus buildings.

5. Use Drexel Shuttles and Walking Escorts: Drexel Real Estate and Facilities is running its Center City (Dragon Route) and Queen Lane shuttles on modified schedules. You must present your official Drexel ID and wear a mask to board a shuttle. View the shuttle schedules and safety protocols on the Drexel Real Estate and Facilities website. If you’re traveling on foot, Public Safety offers walking escorts within our patrol boundaries in University City upon request, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request an escort, call 215.895.2222, use a blue-light emergency phone or ask any security or police officer on patrol.

6. Guard Against Theft: Most crimes on campus are unattended thefts. Theft leaves victims susceptible to the loss of important/personal items and potential identity theft. Safeguard your valuables and use our free service to register your property (bikes, laptops, skateboards, cell phones, larger headphones) by bringing them to Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch Street, where we will log item details into our registration system.

7. Keep Your Information Secure: As so many of our daily activities, learning and work continue to take place online, be sure to follow data security best practices to safeguard yourself and your private information from scams, viruses and other cyber threats. Drexel IT has a wealth of information and resources on these topics.

8. Be a Good Neighbor: Off-campus students play an important role in the development of a positive relationship between the University and the community, and there are many ways for you to be a good neighbor. Introduce yourself to your neighbors — get to know and be respectful of their lifestyles, which may differ from yours. Maintain your property’s appearance, follow the rules for proper trash disposal, and participate in neighborhood cleanups when you can. Be mindful of things like shared walls and the availability of on-street parking. It’s the little things we do to show kindness and courtesy to others that go a long way toward building safe and healthy communities.

9. Take Four Steps Together to Prevent COVID: This video produced by Enrollment Management and Student Success covers all you need to know about how we, as Dragons, can protect ourselves, each other, and our neighbors from the novel coronavirus. The four steps we must take together are: wear a mask; wash hands frequently; maintain social distance from people outside your household; and monitor your health using the Drexel Health Tracker app. If you feel sick, Drexel is here to support you. Stay home and contact the Student Health Center right away at 215.220.4700, covid19health@drexel.edu, or through the Health Tracker app. All this information and more is always available on Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website. 

10. Take Care of Yourself: Finally, but most importantly, take time to care for yourself. The beginning of a new academic year always brings new challenges and stresses, but even more so this year, as we continue to navigate life during the COVID-19 pandemic and a time of civil unrest. Talk to friends, colleagues and family members, or contact Drexel’s Counseling Center at counseling@drexel.edu or by calling 215.895.1415. During off-hours or emergencies, call the on-call counselor at 215.416.3337. Please know that Drexel’s Responsible Dragon Amnesty Policy ensures that students can seek medical attention or assistance any time without fear of disciplinary action. No matter the issue, we are here to ensure you get the help you need.

From all of us at the Department of Public Safety, we wish all our fellow Dragons a safe and rewarding academic year!