Sexual Assault & Rape
The prevention, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault are high priorities for the CUPD and the Student Affairs administration, whether the assault is committed by a stranger, a date or an acquaintance. The University strongly encourages victims to report sexual assault but will provide counseling, assistance and support regardless of the victim's decision to proceed with formal charges. The following information is offered to help students, faculty and staff reduce their risk of becoming a victim and to assure them that help is available if a sexual assault occurs.
Prevention
- Whenever possible, do not carry or store large sums of cash. Instead, use the Tiger 1 Card.
- Use the campus escort and transit services.
- Be aware of the emergency telephones and their locations.
- Avoid being in classrooms or office buildings alone at night. If you must be there, let the campus police know where you are and how long you will be there. Stay near a telephone.
- Report any suspicious person or activity to University Police, whatever the time, day or night.
- Know who is at your door before opening it.
- Vary your routine. Do not walk the same route night after night.
- When walking at night, be alert. Listen for footsteps and voices to be sure no one is following you.
- Avoid unlit areas. Whenever possible, walk and park in well-lit public areas.
- Always lock the doors in your car, room, apartment or house. Keep the car doors locked even when you are driving.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- When driving, always make sure you have enough gas to reach your destination.
- When walking to your car at night, have your car keys in hand before leaving the building.
- When walking from your car to your residence, have your door key in hand before you leave your car. If you are being dropped off, ask the driver of the car to wait until you are safely in your residence.
- Take advantage of the rape awareness and rape defense training offered by University police.
- If you drink, drink responsibly.