Kylee Carpenter
Campus Health Student Leader
October is a lively season here in Lope Country!
Students are back in the rhythm of classes and campus life, filling their schedules with fall traditions, such as basketball games, student markets on the Quad and activities on Prescott Field.
At the same time, midsemester brings its own challenges with quizzes, exams and the holidays right around the corner. Between the excitement of campus life and the demands of midterms, it’s easy for everyone, students, staff and faculty alike, to overlook one important element of the season: staying safe!
For students living on campus, safety can mean being mindful when walking back to your dorm after a late-night study session or keeping personal belongings secure in shared spaces. Commuter students may need to plan ahead for parking, walking to and from the garage, or traveling home after evening events.
Staff and faculty also play a vital role in campus safety, from securing workspaces to being aware of surroundings and supporting students in using campus resources. No matter your role or where you spend your time on campus, a few simple habits can help everyone feel confident, prepared and ready to enjoy everything October has to offer at GCU.
Campus initiatives and events
This month, GCU Public Safety and Campus Health are teaming up to promote awareness and wellness. Students, staff, and faculty can look forward to:
● Public safety videos: Updates highlighting campus safety resources.
● Drug and alcohol awareness tabling: In partnership with the Phoenix Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Campus Health will provide education, resources and prevention strategies during an interactive table event.
Know the resources
In case of emergencies or if you need help, save this list of resources to your phone:
On-campus resources
● GCU Public Safety: In the Grove parking garage. Contact the department at (602)-639-8100, via email at [email protected], online at gcu.edu/publicsafety
● Emergency blue light phones: located in every parking garage and throughout campus
● Emergency alert messages: https://emergency.gcu.edu (Confirm your current contact information with your student services counselor.)
● GCU Health and Wellness Clinic: Walk-ins and appointments available, Contact at (602)-639-6215
● After-hours and weekend nurse advice line: (877)-602-7217
Local Phoenix resources
● Dial 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies
● Phoenix Police non-emergency line: (602) 262-6151
● Mesa: (480) 644-2211
● Tempe: (480) 350-8311
● Valley Metro Safety and Security (for light rail/bus): (602) 253-5000
Safety tips for on-campus students
● Walk with friends or use safety escorts at night
● Keep dorms and personal items locked
● Stay aware, especially in parking garages or less crowded areas
● Report suspicious activity immediately
Safety tips for commuter students
● Plan parking ahead and choose well-lit areas
● Share schedules with friends or family
● Lock vehicles and secure valuables
● Stay alert when traveling to and from evening classes/events
Safety tips for staff and faculty
● Familiarize yourself with campus safety protocols and emergency procedures
● Encourage students to utilize safety resources and programs
● Keep workspaces secure and report any suspicious activity
● Participate in wellness and prevention initiatives, such as tabling events
A few small steps can go a long way this October. Whether you’re a student, commuter, staff or faculty member, staying aware, using the resources available, and looking out for one another can help make Lope Country a safe and spookily fun place this October season. Let’s enjoy all the treats of campus life without any tricks when it comes to safety!
