Campus Safety

What measures does the University of Georgia take to ensure your child’s safety? If something does happen, who can students call for help? For parents of college students, the topic of safety is a primary concern. With a wonderful small town atmosphere, Athens is a relatively safe place.

However, this does not mean that this friendly community is completely exempt from crime. Each community member is charged with taking a personal interest in their safety and looks to the following organizations and services to help provide protection.

Public Safety

University of Georgia Police Department

In addition to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, UGA operates its own police force that continuously monitors the campus 24 hours a day on foot, with bicycles and with patrol cars. The UGAPD is located in the Hodgson Oil Building and utilizes highly trained, state certified law enforcement officers who have the authority to enforce state and local laws on property under UGA’s control.

The UGAPD also offers a series of short courses including lectures and presentations to University, covering all areas of personal safety. Expert advice and information about these programs can be obtained by calling the Crime Prevention Bureau of the UGAPD at (706) 542-5813.

Residence Halls

Safety is of utmost concern in the campus residence halls. All residence halls have controlled access, requiring a UGACard for entrance and are equipped with biometric hand readers. All Residential Communities have a community desk. The desk is the center for all operations in a Community and operates 24 hours a day. Security staff are also present in each Community from 10:00 PM-6:00 AM daily. In case of an emergency, contact any Resident Assistant, Class Advocate, or Graduate Resident immediately. They will be happy to help you in any way they can. A residence hall staff member is on duty for your building nightly.

The UGAPD can also be contacted in the case of emergency. Fire alarm and smoke detector systems are regularly tested to assure proper working condition, and fire drills are held each term. Emergency lighting has been installed in hallways and stairwells. Exterior lighting is evaluated annually and improved as needed. For additional questions, please consult the Department of University Housing’s Policies page or call (706) 542-1421.

Escort Van

The Escort Van operates from 6:00 PM-2:00AM during most of the academic year. With the change of daylight savings time in the spring, the van operates from 7:00 PM-2:00AM. Students simply call the UGAPD at (706) 542-2000, give their name and location. The van driver (a public safety employee) is then notified by radio to pick up the student. Many students use the van service late at night when they are going to and coming from the library.

Laboratory Safety

Most University laboratories contain dangerous chemicals, equipment, biological agents, or a combination thereof. Students taking a course that has a lab component will be thoroughly instructed on all lab precautions, regulations and procedures. Students also will be oriented to all safety devices and their proper use. Laboratory assistants are always on hand to monitor and help students.

Final Word on Safety

Your student’s greatest safeguard can be common sense. This is where your sage advice over the years comes into play. However, you may want to refresh their memory: Warn them not to go out alone late at night. Tell them to avoid poorly lit areas. Advise them to lock doors, even if they leave for ‘just a minute!’. Remind them not to leave valuables in plain sight in unattended vehicles or rooms.
Urge them to look into the ways the University can be of assistance.