September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month

Each year, colleges and universities throughout the country recognize September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month to bring attention to the issue of safety on campus.

National Campus Safety Awareness Month provides opportunities to encourage public conversation about violence prevention at our nation’s colleges and universities. It also offers an opportunity to address the background of campus safety areas and to share information about an institution’s campus safety programs.

Every year college students across the nation become victims of stalking, sexual assault, robbery, homicide, and other crimes. 

College students who use illegal drugs and misuse prescription drugs are at risk for a substance use disorder and may commit or become a victim of drug-related crimes.

The law enforcement, mental health, student affairs, and legal professionals charged with identifying, assessing, and managing the risk for violence at colleges and universities throughout the United States provide an incredible service under unique and often challenging circumstances.

Navigating the intricacies of privacy laws, preserving academic freedoms, complying with civil rights laws, while simultaneously ensuring a safe campus and workplace environment are tasks not easily accomplished.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, a majority of four-year colleges and universities in the United States use sworn police officers to provide law enforcement services.

Nearly all campuses have a mass notification system that use e-mail, text messages, or other methods to alert and instruct students, faculty, and staff in emergency situations.

Efforts made to maintain a safe campus are most successful when the community encourages collaboration among campus staff, administration, students, parents, and community groups.


See Related: The Changing Landscape of Campus Drug Prevention