Exterior of Information Commons Library at sunset. (Photo by: Lukas Keapproth)
Campus Life

Safety first: 9 key campus resources for Ramblers

By Ceceilia Voss

September 30, 2024

Across the Lake Shore, Water Tower, and Health Sciences campuses, the Department of Campus Safety works hard to protect and support the Loyola community. By contributing to the University’s mission through non-intrusive safety procedures, their goal is to promote the intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and recreational aspects of all students’ lives. 

To ensure Ramblers are equipped with the best safety tools, we’ve compiled this list of nine resources recommended by Loyola’s Department of Campus Safety. 

Save the Campus Safety dispatcher number

773.508.SAFE (7233) 

Line for Hard of Hearing 773.508.7762 

The Campus Safety dispatcher acts as a telephone line that may be called for help at any time of the day. It is monitored by an officer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring that any community member can contact Campus Safety if needed. A second phone line is available for those who are hard of hearing and acts as an additional resource. 

Update your contact information for Loyola Alert

In the case of an emergency or dangerous activity on or around Loyola’s campus, crime alerts will be distributed to all students, faculty, and staff. Any Loyola email address will receive a message regardless of the time of day or night to maintain an aware, safe campus environment. To learn more or update your contact information for Campus Safety alerts, visit the Emergency Communications website. 

Know about Blue lights and emergency phones

There are over 400 emergency phones located inside buildings and throughout the grounds of Loyola’s lakeside campuses. By pressing the “EMERGENCY” button, these phones will immediately connect you with Campus Safety’s Emergency Dispatch and can be used to relay important life-saving information during emergencies on campus.    

Take the Street Smarts Tour

Guided by a Crime Prevention Specialist, the Street Smarts Tour offers Ramblers the chance to get to know the campus neighborhood and learn about real-world safety habits. The tour is not simply a ‘don’t go here’ seminar but is designed to help students identify areas, behaviors and characteristics that are generally unsafe and that require some heightened awareness. For more information or to schedule a tour send an email to asksafety@luc.edu.

Take advantage of Campus Transportation

The Department of Campus Transportation operates two transportation services that help keep Ramblers safe while commuting around Loyola’s lakeside campuses. 8-Ride Service offers current Ramblers the opportunity to be picked up and dropped off within University bounds around Rogers Park. Whether students wish to explore the neighborhood or simply need a safe ride home from the grocery store or a late night at the library, the 8-Ride can be scheduled to assist seven days a week, typically from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. excluding breaks and holidays. Students may book a ride through TripShot app or by calling 773.508.7433.  

The intercampus shuttle runs continuously between the Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park and the Water Tower Campus in downtown Chicago on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing only current students with a Loyola ID to board. Tracking the shuttle schedule is simple by downloading the TripShot app. 

Request integrity cards

Campus Safety carries Integrity Cards that may be requested by any student, faculty, or staff member when an officer concludes an interaction. The card is meant to ensure that key information is readily accessible for follow-up, including the officer with whom a Rambler spoke and where they can access information about the situation in the future. 

Register and lock your bike on campus

Bicycle thefts are one of the most common crimes committed on college campuses across the country, and unfortunately, Loyola is not immune. Because bike thefts have previously occurred on the Lake Shore Campus, the University has constructed a “bike corral” located in the main parking structure. This facility is a fenced in area that is secured with a camera and monitored by Campus Safety. Entry to the corral can only be made by using the Loyola identification card for those who have completed the online bike registration form. Registered students will also be eligible for the ULock program that can be purchased on either the Lake Shore or Water Tower campus. When used properly, the “U” style lock can dramatically decrease the risk of bicycle theft. 

Know the designated pathways, sidewalks, and streets

While navigating the university campuses, students can find well-lit paths and walkways marked on up-to-date maps around Loyola. To ensure student safety, pathways and sidewalks are patrolled by Campus Safety officers on foot, in golf carts and on bikes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.   

Request a self-defense course

Self-defense classes are a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques with emphasis on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. Classes are held at the Lake Shore Campus throughout the year based on requests. To work with a trainer to organize a training class, please email asksafety@luc.edu 

 

While these resources are designed to enhance safety on campus, it’s important to remember that personal vigilance is key. Always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. For more safety tips, visit the Campus Safety website. To ask any non-emergency safety question, email asksafety@LUC.edu