Personal Safety

Walking Safety

  • There are more than 170 yellow emergency phones across campus. If you need police assistance, push the blue button on the phone to immediately alert UTPD. The police will know which phone you are calling from and will respond immediately.
  • If your purse or backpack is snatched, don’t fight the thief. There is nothing in it that can’t be replaced. It is not worth getting hurt over.
  • Avoid walking alone as much as possible. Having other people nearby is a great defense.
  • Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace. Attackers look for someone who appears vulnerable.
  • Walk near the curb; avoid shrubbery or other places of concealment.
  • Avoid isolated or poorly lighted places and unpopulated areas such as alleys and vacant lots or buildings.
  • Do not hitchhike.
  • Be careful when people in a car stop and ask you for directions. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
  • If you think you are being stalked, call 911 or UTPD at 512-471-4441, extension 9 and ask to file a police report. For more helpful information visit our stalking victim resource page.

Elevator Safety

  • Always stand near the control panel.
  • If you suspect trouble or are attacked, push the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible so that the elevator will halt quickly, probably at the next floor.
  • Respond to instinct, intuition or gut reactions. Don’t get on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy.
  • If other passengers get off, leaving you with someone who makes you feel uneasy, get off with other passengers and wait for the next elevator.
  • Allow other passengers to push the buttons for their floors first.

Off Campus Safety