Welcome back Tigers!
A new academic year is here, and with it comes lots of energy and excitement throughout campus. I personally enjoyed welcoming all the new faces during move-in, and it has been great to connect with returning students who are eager to continue their Clemson Experience.
September is designated as Campus Safety Month. As you engage in all the things that Clemson has to offer, whether you are new to the Clemson Family or continuing in your educational journey, I ask that you keep the following safety items in mind throughout the year and beyond.
Stay safe and be smart.
With a new academic year underway, start the year off right by committing to making responsible choices and looking out for your fellow Tigers. A few key reminders are:
- If you choose to consume alcohol, make sure to set reasonable limits and have a plan with your group to ensure you remain safe.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and always choose a safe way home.
- Stand up for your fellow Tigers by stepping in when someone is at risk and helping them make smart, safe choices.
- Be a voice for safety and responsibility, and encourage others to do the same.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, say something by reporting it to CUPD. Together, we can help keep Clemson University a safe place.
Stay protected.
Clemson is a safe place but there are still those willing to take advantage of you should you leave your property unattended.
- Never leave your property unattended in public spaces
- Always lock your doors and safeguard your valuables
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night
- Remain aware of potential scams
- Never provide personal information to people you do not know.
- Never send money to someone who is offering jobs or services that you cannot verify.
- If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is a scam.
Do your part by engaging in bystander intervention and looking out for your fellow Tigers.
Stay connected.
Emergency situations can occur quickly and often without warning. Understanding how you should respond to incidents, including those involving acts of violence or threats, is critically important for the campus community. Ensure that you are able to receive timely and accurate information when action is needed.
- Sign up for emergency notifications, known as CU Alerts! This system is only used for emergency notifications, and you will only receive messages in the event of an emergency. You are also able to add additional family members’ cell phone numbers to receive these alerts as well.
- Download the Rave Guardian app. Rave Guardian provides several useful features designed to help keep you safe on campus, including the ability to directly message the CU Public Safety 911 Communications Center. More information about Rave Guardian and CU Alerts can be found by visiting the CU Public Safety website.
- Be familiar with the principles of Active Threat Preparedness (Avoid, Deny, Defend or Run, Hide, Fight) and Stop the Bleed. Be informed, have a plan and follow instructions from emergency responders. These actions will assist you and allow you to assist others should a critical incident occur on campus or in the surrounding community. Visit the Active Threat Preparedness section of the CUPD website to learn more about Avoid, Deny, Defend or Run, Hide, Fight and how you can prepare for an active threat situation.
- You can take action now by requesting a training session on Active Threat Preparedness or Stop the Bleed by visiting the Training and Outreach Request page and filling out the form. Active Threat Preparedness is taught by certified instructors from CUPD and Stop the Bleed is delivered in collaboration with Clemson University Fire & EMS.
These actions will assist you and allow you to assist others should a critical incident occur on campus or in the surrounding community. To find more information about each of these topics, visit Clemson.edu/CUSafety.
In closing, I challenge everyone to remember the phrase, “A Clemson man needs no introduction.” Please walk up to officers as you see them on campus, engage with us, ask questions, and share your concerns. “Needing no introduction” also means taking care of one another, even if you are meeting them for the first time.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and your partnership is essential to our success. If you see something, say something, and/or do something within your capabilities.
Tigers Share Because Tigers Care!
Jason Bruder
Chief of Police
