What is Rutgers doing to ensure campus safety in the wake of the shootings at Virginia Tech?
Rutgers is very serious about campus safety and already has an extensive security system and detailed emergency plan in place. The events in Blacksburg have prompted us to institute an additional emergency notification tool: a cell phone alert system. Students, faculty, and staff can register at https://personalinfo.rutgers.edu/ to receive text message alerts in cases of true emergency, such as campus closings or imminent threats to safety and security. This voluntary system will be in addition to methods already in place, such as broadcast emails, alerts on the Rutgers website, outreach to media, and person-to-person contact.

What is the university’s emergency response plan?
Rutgers has a complete emergency plan in place developed in 1999 after the Columbine High School shooting and revised after September 11, 2001. Rutgers’ Emergency Operations meet regularly to keep the plan current. The university will also be working with the governor’s task force on campus security to ensure preparedness.

The Rutgers University Police Department is a highly professional force with armed officers trained to deal with a range of situations. In any crisis situation, RUPD is supported by the police departments of our host cities and by county, state, and federal agencies.

What safety measures are in place to protect those on campus?
Rutgers maintains a comprehensive safety program to promote a crime-free campus environment. Our residence halls operate on electronic lock systems requiring card access 24 hours a day or are staffed 24 hours a day by security guards. Security cameras in residence halls, parking lots, and in other locations act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and serve as an investigative tool. Commissioned police officers supported by other trained personnel patrol regularly.

Each year, the Division of Public Safety conducts workshops for students at orientation, in residence halls, and through RU Safe events, which are broadcast over the Rutgers television network. More detailed information on safety procedures at each campus is available through the Safety Matters newsletter published annually in Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick.

How does Rutgers respond to mental health emergencies?
Residence life staff are trained to identify student behavior that may indicate a need for counseling. Students who potentially pose a threat to themselves or others are required to be evaluated at the counseling center or at another appropriate facility. In addition, faculty and staff are urged to contact Counseling and Psychological Services or the dean of students if they encounter a student who exhibits troubling behavior.

What should I do if I have concerns or suggestions about campus safety?
In an extreme emergency, dial 911. Campus contact numbers are:

Camden:
Police Department: 856-225-6009
Psychological Services: 856-225-6005

Newark:
Police Department: 973-353-5581
Psychological Counseling Services: 973-353-5805

New Brunswick:
Police Department: 732-932-7211
Counseling and Psychological Services: 732-932-7884 or 732-932-3966
Psychiatric Services: 732-932-7827, ext. 233

April 2007