Autumn Safety Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Dear Members of the University Community,

At the Department of Safety & Security (DSS), your safety is our top priority. I write today to share information on important safety initiatives and resources available at the University of Chicago.

  • Recent Safety Initiatives: Over the past three years, the University has taken numerous steps to continue enhancing safety on and near campus, with input from our campus and local communities. These steps include the development of a strategic operations center, expansion of our safety ambassador program, enhanced security technology, improvements of transportation resources, and more. For an update on the status of these recent initiatives, please visit the DSS website.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Emergencies can happen at any time, and we want you to be prepared. This 7-minute video will help you understand what to do in the event of an emergency on campus and explains some of the instructions you may receive and actions you can take to enhance your safety.
    • cAlert System: The University’s cAlert system provides rapid emergency notifications and instructions via text message, voice calls, email, and push notifications through the UChicago Safe mobile app. I recommend visiting the cAlert website to make sure your contact information and preferred device are up to date.
    • Common cAlert Instructions During Emergencies: Understanding common instructions given during emergencies can help you take swift and decisive action in challenging circumstances. You can review common cAlert instructions on the DSS website.
    • cAlert Test: DSS will perform a routine, scheduled cAlert test on Friday, October 18 at 10 a.m. On that day you will receive a message marked “test,” to your University email address and any preferred devices you have registered. There is no action required when you receive the test message.
  • Transportation Updates: The University provides numerous safe and reliable transportation options for members of our community.
    • UGo Shuttles: UGo is the University’s free shuttle service available to all members of the University community. Shuttles run day and night on campus, around Hyde Park, and to/from downtown Chicago. For information about routes and timing, visit the Shuttle Service webpage.
      • Passio GO!: You can use the Passio GO! mobile app to see UGo shuttles’ route maps, schedules, real-time locations, and estimated arrival times. Download the Passio GO! app through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
    • RideSmart by Via: Through the University’s on-demand rideshare program, students are eligible to book free rides on and around UChicago’s campus from 5:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week. For the service area and other program details, visit the RideSmart webpage. You can watch this short video for instructions on how to sign up.
    • Public Transportation: The CTA 171 and 172 buses service the Hyde Park area for free for anyone with a University ID. Students can also sign up on my.uchicago.edu for a free Metra Day Pass 5 Pack.
    • Watch this video for a quick overview of transportation options at UChicago.
  • Communication Resources: DSS provides multiple ways to stay informed about crimes that happen on and off campus. This map provides information about the boundaries for the various alerts and notifications the University sends.
    • Security Alerts are emailed notifications about significant on-campus crimes. Members of the University community are automatically enrolled to receive them; others can sign up. An archive of security alerts can be found on the DSS website.
    • Crime Notices are sent via push notifications on the UChicago Safe Mobile Safety App. They provide timely notices about certain violent crimes that occur off campus but within the University of Chicago Police Department’s (UCPD) extended patrol area. An archive of Crime Notices sent by DSS dating back to 2023 can be found on our website. For more information, visit the DSS website.
    • The Daily Crime Bulletin is an opt-in email delivered weekday mornings that provides information about serious crimes within the UCPD extended patrol area. Anyone in our campus and local communities can sign up to receive the bulletin.
    • Security Alerts and Crime Notices are also communicated through the UChicago Safe social media channels (Facebook, X, and Instagram). 
  • Additional Resources for the University Community: The following resources are available year-round.
    • UChicago Safe Mobile App: Features of the UChicago Safe mobile safety app include public safety contact information and the ability to send your location in real-time to a friend.
    • Safety Escort Program: Members of the University community who are concerned about their safety for any reason as they walk within the UCPD’s patrol area can call 773.702.8181 to request a safety escort.
    • Safety Resources and Tips: The University’s safety resources webpage provides tips for staying safe in the city, around campus, where you live, and while using transportation.
    • Free Garage Parking After-Hours: Members of the University community with an active UChicago ID can park for free after hours at the Ellis Avenue garage and the Kimbark South garage between 5:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., seven days a week. Just use your ID card to enter and exit. Those who access a garage after hours without a parking permit must exit the facility by 7:00 a.m. each day to avoid daily parking fees.
    • University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) Support Services: UCPD provides community support services including residential security assessments, self-defense classes, and victim and witness support services.

If you have any questions or concerns about campus safety, contact our team.

I wish you a safe and productive quarter.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security

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