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  • Safety Precautions

Guide to Residence Life Handbook

It is important that you keep in mind that Suffolk University is in a major city, and that you are aware and cautious of the sort of crimes against property and person that are a reality of urban living.  Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility at the University.  These are some steps that you can take to help ensure the safety of yourself and others both inside and outside of your building:

OUTSIDE of the building:

  • STAY ALERT.  Keep your mind on your surroundings (what and who is in front of you, etc.).  Appear confident and calm.  Plan your route before you go.
  • Plan the safest route to your destination.  Choose heavily traveled and well lit streets.   Take the longer route if it is the safest.
  • It is advisable to walk (or run, bike, rollerblade, etc.) with another person at all times, but especially after dark.
  • If you need to walk after dark, be sure to stay on main streets with good lighting and those that are more apt to have other pedestrian traffic.  We also recommend that you utilize the University Escort Program (see Section VI).
  • Do not flaunt expensive items.  Do not overburden yourself with packages that make it hard to react.
  • Carry "emergency" money - for cab fare, "T" fare, a phone call, etc.  Carry your personal belongings close to you.  Wallets should be carried in front pockets and handbags should be closed and protected.  Do not carry unnecessary items (large amount of cash, excess credit cards, etc.).
  • Carry your student ID at all times and cooperate with University officials requesting that you adequately identify yourself.
  • Report all suspicious looking persons on University property, including inside our facilities, to University Police.
  • When entering or exiting any secured area (e.g. residence area, University facility, etc.) after hours, be sure to secure the door behind you.
  • Report all incidents of theft, intrusion, physical harm, etc. immediately to a Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff member and University Police.
  • Do not invite individuals from off the street or with whom you are unfamiliar into University facilities.
  • Do not leave friends in unfamiliar places (nightclubs, etc.).  Take care of each other.
  • Do not leave your friends in a compromising situation.
  • If you have a cell phone, carry it with you when you go out.

Report all incidents of broken or unlock-able doors and windows that might be a security risk to a Residence Life Staff member and/or SU Police.You may want to consider putting the SUPD number 617-573-8333 as a speed dial number for your mobile phone in case of emergency.

In addition to everything above, INSIDE of the building:

  • Keep your door locked, even when you are inside, especially when you are sleeping.
  • Make sure a roommate or friend knows where you are going when you go out.  If a friend or roommate does not return when expected, contact
  • SUPD and/or a Residence Life & Summer Programs staff person.
  • Keep your valuables in a safe and hidden place, away from the door.
  • Make and keep a list of serial numbers and descriptive information of the valuables in your room (TV, stereo, computer, jewelry, etc.).
  • Report any harassing phone calls immediately to the Suffolk University Police at 617-573-8333.  The S.U.P.D. will investigate the matter and can assist in resolving the problem, including possibly changing your telephone number, if necessary.

Both INSIDE and OUTSIDE, do not be afraid to shout for and/or seek assistance!

Online Safety & Security

Suffolk University strongly advises all students to be responsible when posting information online.  You are encouraged to self-monitor your online postings and activities and to consider carefully how your online conduct will impact your safety, reputation and friendships.

It is the University’s policy not to  monitor online communities (facebook, myspace, friendster, etc.).

The Office of Residence Life & Summer Programs may respond to online issues when a legitimate formal complaint is filed by a member(s) of the University community against a student.  If the student is found to have engaged in inappropriate online conduct, the student will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion.

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