Ball State University police work hard to make sure students are safe and campus crime is low, Director of Public Safety Gene Burton said.
"I believe Ball State University compares very well to other universities in terms of campus crime and student safety," he said. "We take campus safety very seriously and work very hard to provide a safe and secure environment."
However, he said, it is up to students to take the first steps in avoiding danger. Here is information students will need to avoid becoming the victim of a crime:
Stay safe on campusLearn the best routes between your residence hall or home and your classes and activities. Take the safest route, not the fastest route.
Travel in groups of two or more at night and always walk in well-lit, heavily traveled areas.
Stay on the part of the sidewalk that is farthest away from shrubs, dark doorways and alleys.
Share your class schedule with friends and family, effectively creating a buddy system.
When you go out, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Know where the emergency telephones are located. See the map on this page.
Use the shuttle buses after dark. After the shuttle buses have stopped running, call the Escort Service for a ride.
Wherever you are, stay alert to your surroundings and the actions of people around you.
Follow your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, change directions, go to an emergency phone or into a public building, or call the University Police Department (285-1111).
Do not leave your belongings unattended, even for a few minutes.
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other tempting targets such as jewelry or expensive clothing.
Always lock your bike or rent a bike locker to store your bike.
Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Check the back seat before getting in.
Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas of the parking lot.
Memorize the phone number of the University Police Department (285-1111).
Remember, alcohol and/or drugs are involved in 90 percent of campus crimes.
Use campus resourcesCo-sponsored by the Department of Public Safety and the Student Government Association, Charlie's Charter offers students a free ride from one campus location to another, such as from the stadium parking lot to a residence hall, after the shuttle buses have stopped running. This charter service is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so at busy times there may be a short wait.
Hours: 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., Sun. through Thurs.
Phone Numbers: 760-RIDE or 285-5005
Be informedBall State University publishes crime statistics annually in accordance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, which requires all postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus security policies and certain crime statistics.Campus crime statistics are available atbsu.edu/police
Report crimesEmergency: 911Ball State University Police: 285-1111Muncie Police Department: 747-4838Delaware County Police Department: 747-7878
Know the rulesFor the safety of residents, each residence hall is equipped with an electronic card access system that limits access to only those residents of the hall. Restrooms on all female floors also have ID card readers that allow entry only to residents of the floor. Guests must be accompanied at all times by a hall resident. After midnight, guests must register at the community check station and have a photo ID.
Stay safe in the residence hallsCarry your student ID and room key with you at all times.
Lock your door and take your key with you every time you leave your room.
Never give your keys or your student ID to anyone, even if they are your best friends.
Do not prop open any doors in your residence hall complex.
Do not let strangers into the hall or into your room.
Report suspicious people in the hall immediately to the hall desk, any hall staff member or to the University Police Department.
Escort your guests at all times. Guests who are not escorted will be asked to leave the hall.Know the telephone numbers for your resident assistant and hall director.
Close and lock first and second floor windows when you leave your room.
Do not hide door keys outside and do not loan keys to friends.
Do not tape or put any objects in your door jam. You may forget that you've done so and leave your room vulnerable to theft.
Do not leave your identification, wallets, checkbooks, jewelry, cameras or other valuables in open view.
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