Everyday Living

Take a self-defense course. If female, see if a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course is offered.
Keep emergency numbers near your phone. Better yet; remember them!
Lock all doors and windows every time you leave your room/apartment/home, even if you plan to be gone for just a minute.
Keep house and car keys on separate rings.
Do not lend your keys to service / maintenance people you do not know well.
Always ask service / maintenance people to identify themselves before allowing them to enter your room/apartment/home.
Get to know your neighbors so you can help each other.
Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in plain view in your room/apartment/home.
When out of town, set radios, lights, and televisions on timers.
If you are living off campus, leave spare keys with trusted neighbors, not under a doormat or in a flower planter.
Try to avoid entering elevators occupied by strangers. If you are waiting for an elevator with a stranger, stand away from the door to avoid being pushed inside.
Get off on the next floor if you feel uneasy. Hit the alarm button if you are accosted on an elevator.
Please report any broken or malfunctioning locks to the facilities department.

On Foot

Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas; use well-lit routes.
Avoid walking / jogging / running alone, especially at night. Ask a friend to go with you. Call Public Safety to accompany you around campus during evening hours.
Dress in clothes and shoes that will not hamper movement.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing headsets that impair your ability to detect and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
Report suspicious activity or noises immediately.
Carry a noise making device with you at all times, and use it if you suspect you are in danger. Move to a lit area or building and raise a commotion. Call 911 or activate a blue light emergency phone in the event of an emergency.

Move away from the potential threat if possible; cross the street and increase your pace.
Join a group of people nearby.
If a threatening situation is imminent and people are close by, yell, scream or do whatever you can to get their attention. Remember, dialing 911 and/or activating a fire alarm are both part of the personal safety system. 911 calls are free from most pay phones, and blue light emergency phones are usually located in many areas on campus and simply require a push of a button to notify emergency services of your situation.
If you are facing an armed criminal, you may minimize the risk of injury to yourself if you comply with the criminal's demands. However, if your life is in immediate danger, use any defense you can to get away.
Dial 911 immediately and give a description of the suspect.