Public awareness campaign stresses safety on campus, importance of community

4:16 p.m., Aug. 27, 2014--"A safe UD starts with me" is the theme of a new public awareness campaign focusing on campus safety and well-being at the University of Delaware.

Stressing the importance of the community, watching out for one another and reporting suspicious activity to UD Police, the campaign launches this week with posters and a new webpage. 

Campus Stories

From graduates, faculty

As it neared time for the processional to open the University of Delaware Commencement ceremonies, graduating students and faculty members shared their feelings about what the event means to them.

Doctoral hooding

It was a day of triumph, cheers and collective relief as more than 160 students from 21 nations participated in the University of Delaware's Doctoral Hooding Convocation held Friday morning on The Green.

• Doctoral hooding
• Old Swedes
• Summer SAT, ACT prep
• 'Opus 13' pre-sale

The posters use bold colors and eye-catching typography to spread a simple and direct message, encouraging everyone to:

• Look up: Take your eyes off your phone and notice what's going on around you.

• Watch out: Be aware of your own safety and keep an eye out for your friends and colleagues.

• Speak up: If you see something that is suspicious or makes you uneasy, call 911, use UD's new LiveSafe smartphone app or pick up the nearest blue light phone.  

The webpage links to a variety of UD resources. Special videos in support of the campaign are in production now. 

Simultaneous with the campaign, UD Police have just released a new, free smartphone application. The LiveSafe app lets users submit a quick tip to police via text with picture and video attachments (including the option to stay anonymous), live chat with UD Police, get quick access to emergency phone numbers that initiate location tracking when dialed and more. 

Throughout the coming year, the campaign will be expanded to address other campus safety issues, such as responsible use of alcohol, sexual assault awareness/prevention, lab safety and Internet security. 

The campaign is a collaborative effort involving many units across the campus, including UD Police, Student Life, the Provost's Office, International Students and Scholars, Media Services, Dining, Barnes and Noble UD Bookstore, Residence Life, the Registrar's Office, Athletics, Human Resources, Environmental Health and Safety, and Communications and Marketing.