Campus Safety and Security Tips

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus is a safe home to students. Alarm buttons and emergency phones are located around campus and University Police are available 24 hours a day. However, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Here are nine tips to help keep your student's experience at UW-L as safe as possible:
  1. To report a life threatening emergency: Dial 9-1-1
  2. To report an emergency that is not life-threatening: Dial 608-789-9999 (99999 on any campus phone)
  3. For non-emergency or general information, the UW-L Police Department can be reached at 608-789-9000.
  4. The Safe Ride bus offers a safe ride between downtown and campus on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There are stops on and off campus, around town and downtown, which are marked with a maroon and silver Safe Ride bus sign
  5. When walking, biking, or running on the University campus, please take into account the following safety tips:
    • At night, walk with a friend if possible.
    • Avoid shortcuts. Take well-traveled and well-lit walkways.
    • Be alert and aware of the people and environment around you.
    • Trust your instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable, even in daylight, do what is necessary to move away from them.
    • If you feel that someone is following you, go immediately to a nearby location where there are more people.
    • Know the locations of the special 'Blue Light' emergency phones on campus (see below). Please call the University Police at 608-789-9000 to find out campus locations or click here.
  6. Blue Light Emergency Phones: If you are in need of emergency assistance, the Blue Light Emergency Phone will provide instant two-way communication with University Police with the push of one button. Located throughout the campus and at the entrance to every residence hall, they are all equipped with a telephone and a high-powered blue strobe light. You can call 608-789-9000, or see the maps for the Blue Light Emergency Phones.
  7. When driving and parking on the university campus, please take into account the following safety tips:
    • Keep your vehicle locked at all times when it's parked AND when you are driving it. Keep the windows rolled up high enough so that an intruder cannot reach inside.
    • When you return to your vehicle, look around it and inside it before you get in.
    • Keep your vehicle well maintained. Make sure you have enough gasoline to reach your destination.
    • If you will be returning to your vehicle at night, park in a place that will be well lit when you return.
    • If your vehicle breaks down, remain inside it with the doors locked. If anyone stops to help, ask them to go call a tow truck or the police for you.
    • NEVER pick up hitchhikers. This is extremely dangerous.
    • Keep valuables (CDs, tapes, purses, briefcases, etc.) out of sight. Lock bags and packages in the car's trunk.
  8. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Annual Security Report is public information.
  9. The University’s Violence Prevention Office provides crisis intervention and advocacy services to victim/survivors of sexual and relationship violence, harassment and stalking. Their 24-hour crisis line is: 612-626-9111.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse believes that your safety is of utmost importance. Please remember that personal safety is your responsibility—do what you think is best under the circumstances. Above all, stay alert and be cautious.