Student Safety

UCA has a large, professionally trained police department – with 27 sworn officers – who work hard to promote a safe campus environment.  The department offers many services to protect members of the campus community.  For information about police services, check their website at www.ucapd.com/.

There are many things you can do as a student to maximize your safety at UCA.  These include the following –

  • Lock your room door at all times, even if you are simply going down the hall or to the restroom.
  • Do not prop open exterior residence hall doors.  Exterior doors are normally locked twenty-four (24) hours a day for your safety.
  • Do not allow strangers to enter residence halls or apartment complexes.
  • Walk in well-lighted areas and with friends at night.  If you desire, UCA police will escort you on campus.
  • Keep books and other valuable items with you at all times.  Book thefts can be a problem, especially at the end of each semester.
  • Write your name and student ID number on the same page of each textbook so your books can be traced in case they are stolen.
  • Write down serial numbers of your valuable possessions (computers, TVs, stereo, etc.).  Store this information in a safe place.  You can also register your possessions through the Operation ID program by going to www.ucapd.net/index.php/safe-uca/safety-programs/operation-id.
  • Lock your vehicle and keep valuable belongings out of sight.
  • Refrain from or minimize your use of alcohol.  Alcohol plays a significant role in date rapes, fights and battery incidents, vehicle accidents, and other serious behaviors.
  • To prevent vehicle accidents…
    • Do not drink and drive or ride with individuals who consume alcohol.
    • Refrain from driving late at night or when feeling tired or sleepy (sleep deprivation plays a role in many traffic accidents).
    • Refrain from using cell phones and sending text messages when driving.
    • Obey speed limits.
    • Wear a seat belt.
  • Be careful with whom you associate with.  If your friends are involved in criminal activity, it increases your chances of getting hurt, becoming a victim, or even a suspect in a crime.
  • Contact UCA Police or residence hall staff immediately if you witness or are the victim of a crime.

We encourage parents to have conversations with their sons and daughters about these common sense ideas on campus safety.