Campus Safety

Southern is committed to maintaining a secure campus environment for its students, faculty and staff. Our University Police have strong partnerships with the neighboring New Haven and Hamden Police Departments as well as with the State Police and the FBI. Our personnel are trained to deal with a wide variety of emergency situations.

University Police officer in conversation with students

 

Southern has a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan administered by the University Incident Management Team, which comprises  University Police, Administrators and Staff. This plan has been tested through exercises with area public safety partners and homeland security officials in a variety of scenarios, including flu epidemic, severe weather and gunman-on-campus scenarios. The plan is also helpful in evacuation drills that have been conducted in response to fire alarms and potential severe weather conditions.

Methods of Communications

The university has several methods of communications to the campus that are used  in emergency situations and drills. These include

  • SouthernAlert
  • siren and public address system
  • emergency blue phones
  • email
  • university website

SouthernAlert

SouthernAlert is Southern Connecticut State University's emergency notification system, conveying important information to the campus community in the event of an emergency event, criminal activity, weather-related closing/delay/early dismissal, or other potentially hazardous situations. This system is designed to provide concise and timely notifications via text messaging, voice mail, and email. SouthernAlert may be used in conjunction with other, more traditional means of communication.

LiveSafe

The LiveSafe app provides students, faculty and staff with a direct connection to campus safety so that everyone can easily communicate all their safety needs.

Late Night Owl Watch

Late Night Owl Watch service is a walking safety escort that provides prompt, courteous walking escorts for Southern residential students and staff. Late Night Watch attendants wear identification and are connected to University Police and all residence halls by radio. The service is free to use.