General Safety Information and Resources

Crime Prevention - General Tips
Transportation (SafeRide and Charge-a-Ride)
Theft
Self-Defense
Mental Health and Well-Being
Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources


Crime Prevention - General Tips

  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Even in the midst of having fun, you can develop a sixth sense about those who are around you.
  • The police encourage you to call 911 immediately if you see something suspicious. It is better for them to check out a situation and find nothing wrong as opposed to the reverse.
  • Get medical help for a friend if you are concerned. Do not leave a drunken individual alone. If the person is passed out and does not respond to a firm pinch, or vomits without waking up, call 911 immediately.
  • At night, walk in groups and along lighted pathways and in open areas. Be alert at crosswalks, and press the button to activate flashing lights when they are available.
  • If you ride a bike after dark, use good reflectors and lights.  
  • University Emergency Phones: There are more than 400 blue light emergency phones located around the University and near the Corner. These phones dial the police directly. If you need assistance, just activate a blue phone and state the problem. 

Transportation

University Transit Service offers extended late night bus service Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30 a.m. Extended late-night service is available only on the Northline Connector and the Outer U Loop. UTS also offers a GPS Finder that lets users track when the next bus is coming to a particular stop. 

If you need a ride late at night, options include:

Put these numbers into your cellphone so that they are handy.

Theft

  • Don’t get complacent. Be mindful of your belongings and where you leave them. Do not leave your purse, backpack, laptop, cellphone or other important items unattended, even if you think you will be gone momentarily.    
  • Register your bike or scooter online with the University Police; registration is free. Once you register, you will receive a UVA Police decal to place on your bike or scooter for further identification and deterrence. Registration may help recover your bike or scooter if it is lost or stolen. 
  • Report general petty theft to the police — 911 in case of emergency, or the UVA Police non-emergency phone line: (434) 924-7166.
  • Notify Assistant Dean of Building Services Greg Streit (@email) if the theft occurred at the Law School.


Self-Defense

  • The University Police offers basic self-defense instruction. If you would like to schedule training for a student group or participate in an existing session, contact Officer Ben Rexrode (@email).  
  • Rape Aggression Defense Class: The University of Virginia Police Officers teach a six-week RAD Self-Defense Class for Women, sponsored by the UVA Women's Center. For more information, contact Officer Ben Rexrode (@email).  

SELF DEFENSE TRAINING CLASSES

UPD offers two types of self-defense training classes free of charge: 

  • R.A.D. Systems of Self Defense.  A 10-hour course taught over several sessions. For details and registration, contact Lt. Yong Bacon of UPD at @email or 434-243-1731.
  • Basic Self-Defense Course.  UPD offers a one-hour self-defense course throughout the year. If you are interested in having a session offered at the Law School, please contact Diddy Morris in the Dean's Office (dmorris@law.virginia.edu). 

Mental Health and Well-Being

Do you know/Are you a student who needs help? Resources:  

  • Student Health - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
    • Dr. Kate Gibson, resident CAPS psychologist at the Law School, SL 135C;
    • Karen Painter, resident CAPS counselor at the Law School, SL 135F
    • Walk –in hours 2-3, M-F
    • Appointments: (434) 243-5150
    • After-Hours and Weekend Assistance: (434) 972-7004
    • Emergency: 911
  • LawLifeline — an online resource designed specifically for law students
  • If you have concerns about the health and well-being of a Law School student, contact the assistant dean for student affairs at (434) 924-1363, Dr. Gibson or CAPS at (434) 243-5150; after hours and weekends: (434) 972-7004.In an emergency situation, call 911.
  • Recognizing and Assisting Students in Distress

Resources for Faculty and Staff:

  • UVA has an employee assistance program, FEAP, available to employees and immediate family members to help address personal issues. For general information or to request an appointment, call (434) 243-2643 or use the FEAP online contact form.  
  • Employees may also seek services under the UVA Health Plan from a primary care physician or mental health provider.
  • If you have concerns about the health and well-being of a colleague, contact Nicole Robinson at (434) 924-3094 or FEAP at (434) 243-2643. In an emergency situation, call 911.
  • Recognizing and Assisting Students in Distress
  • If you have concerns about the health and well-being of a Law School student, contact Sarah Davies at (434) 924-1363, Dr. Kate Gibson or Karen Painter of CAPS at (434) 243-5150; after hours and weekends: (434) 972-7004. In an emergency situation, call 911.
  • The University offers online safety training, Hoos Making a Safer Community, which provides information on recognizing signs of distress and available resources. The training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources

> SAFETY, SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS