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At UVA, safety is our top priority. To help you stay safe, UVA provides multiple services inclusive of all members of our community.
1. Call or Text 911 in an Emergency
Always call or text 911 in an emergency, or even if you just suspect something is wrong. The 911 center can dispatch police officers, medical transport, and fire services whether your are on Grounds or off. When officers arrive, they will focus on your safety and well-being. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to call 911.
2. Don't Walk Alone after Dark
Instead, choose one of these:
- UTS Night Pilot (bus loop between libraries and first-year dorms) and UTS OnDemand (van service to "hubs"). Download the TransLoc app.
- Safe Walk - provided by UVA Ambassadors who are screened and trained to enhance security. You may request an escort directly from an Ambassador patrol, from the Safety Substation on the Corner, or by phone to 434-984-7622.
- Charge-A-Ride - provides taxi service in the Charlottesville area to UVA students who find themselves without money or means to get home safely. Call 434-295-4131, charge the ride to UVA, and pay via SIS. Requires Student ID.
- When you use a rideshare, always check the license plate and ask the driver to say your name.
3. Download the Rave Guardian Safety
Guardian gives you access to all of UVA's safety resources and many other tools, all in one place:
- Virtual Walk - invite contacts to virtually follow you. You may notify them when you are leaving and set a timer for when you expect to arrive at your destination. A virtual walk is not an equivalent for walking with someone else or using one of the ride options above.
- Reduce Crime - Text a concern about something you see or know to UVA Police, even anonymously.
- Call safety resources on and off Grounds.
4. Become Familiar with the Student Safety Guide
- UVA offers a wide variety of resources for students including Just Report It, Timely Warnings, self-defense classes, emergency phones, fire safety training, mental health care, and more.
5. Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
- A safe community is an involved community. Be an active bystander. Before you go out, make a plan for getting home safely and don't let friends walk off alone. Be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Call 911 to request medical, fire, or police officer assistance. Police want you to call.