Safety & Crime Prevention Programs

SVSU Campus Alert is an emergency notification system which provides University administrators the ability to send text and voice messages to cellular phones, campus phones (including classroom phones), home phones and email accounts. SVSU faculty, adjunct faculty, staff, and students are automatically registered through their SVSU email account, however are strongly encouraged to register additional contact information to increase the likelihood of receiving a given broadcast alert message.  To update contact information visit SVSU Campus Alert Log-in.

The University Police Department assesses crime patterns along with the severity of crimes and makes timely reports on safety issues that are of immediate concern to the SVSU community. 

In case of an emergency or critical incident, the following emergency notifications are means by which the University Police will communicate with the campus community. 

Campus crime statistics are available in the annual 2022 Annual Security Report (987KB) and a daily crime and fire log is maintained and available on-line. 

A summary of SVSU Incident Reports are also published bi-monthly in the Valley Vanguard, SVSU’s student newspaper. 

University Police are actively involved in SVSU events and provide safety tips for students and employees during orientation programs.

Alcohol is not permitted on campus by any person under 21 years of age. There are additional regulations for students living in the residence hall and apartment complexes.

Alcohol is not permitted in large common sources (such as keg beer), nor at any athletic or special event. Unauthorized sale, use, manufacturing, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances by a student or staff member will result in disciplinary action. Specific and complete alcohol and drug policies for SVSU are located in the Resident Student Handbook, Code of Student Conduct and Operations Manual.

University substance abuse prevention services and educational programs are provided by Student Counseling Services and the Residence Hall Alcohol Awareness program. The University addresses substance abuse by employees and students through educational prevention programs, as well as, assessment and referral to the Student Counseling Services. The University also employs a private company to assist employees with family and personal crises. The Employee Assistance Program is free to all benefit eligible employees and referrals are kept strictly confidential.

The University Police offers a self-defense program, “R.A.D.” (Rape Aggression Defense), to all female members of the SVSU community. The R.A.D. program teaches basic self-defense skills and assists women in gaining confidence in their own abilities, as well as making them more aware of their surroundings.

The R.A.D. approach to personal safety education encompasses a practical blend of threat avoidance strategies and real-world assault resistance tactics for women. The focus of the R.A.D. course of instruction is on the development of easily mastered personal safety skills. These safety skills can be safely practiced within a comfortable learning environment. The coupling of those skills with a threat assessment process will increase physical safety awareness. The overall goal is to reduce victimization through informed decision making and sensible action. 

R.A.D. is offered to groups on and off campus throughout the year. Topics include awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses. The following University Police staff can provide additional information: Sergeant Marc Strain (989) 964-4157. 

For the RAD Headquarters Home Page see www.rad-systems.com.

University Police will provide an escort to an individual who feels uncomfortable walking alone to their vehicle or resident hall. Individuals can request an escort by calling University Police. A service officer or police officer will escort an individual as soon as they are available.

Stations with blue lights are located in parking lots on campus. Individuals may push a button to become directly connected to 911 from these stations.

The Motorist Assistance Program is available if you accidentally lock your keys in your vehicle, have a dead battery, or need jumper cables, you can request assistance by contacting Parking Services at (989) 964-4141.

The University holds various drills to acquaint students, campus residents, staff, and faculty with evacuation or lock down procedures. Notifications systems (sirens) are in place on campus and are tested regularly.

In addition, evacuation and tornado refuge plans are posted at the entrance of each building and posted in each residential room.  

Fire safety equipment; fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors and/or pull stations, are located throughout the campus including residential complexes for the protection of all students, staff, faculty and guests.

Card access systems are designed to provide an additional level of security and are used by student residents for access to the main entrance of the First Year Suites, Living Centers and University Village Efficiency buildings.  Faculty and staff have card access to academic buildings after hours and closed to the general public.

In an effort to provide greater safety and security to residents of the University, several housing complexes are equipped with (video) camera security systems. Any residents who host guests after buildings are secured for the evenings must escort their guests to and from the entry and within the building/courtyard area at all times. Security hours have been established for personal privacy, safety and security of residents' belongings. 

Campus Residents and employees who wish to register their valuables with University Police can do so through Operation ID. In the unfortunate event that an item is lost of stolen, having descriptions recorded including make, model and serial numbers on computers, iPods, jewelry and other items can assist in the identification and return of recovered property. To register items, visit Operation ID. Individuals will be mailed identification stickers for each item registered.

Campus Residents can register their bike using the Department’s On-line Bike Registration system. Individuals will be mailed identification stickers.

Be Seen

• Wear bright clothing.

• Put a light on your bike.

• After dark a tail-light is required by Michigan Law.

Pick a Safe Route

• Ride with caution when on sidewalks.

• Ride on the right side of the street.

• Look out for vehicles while crossing streets.

Safety Equipment

• Wear a helmet.

• Protect your eyes with eye wear.

• Install a fender to protect you from debris.

• Use a bell or horn when passing others. 

The University Police maintains found property for approximately 30 - 90 days. Found property is turned in daily and is logged on-line at Found Property.

Individuals missing an item should check University Police to see if their property was turned in. A report can also be filed with University Police if an item was lost.