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Berkeley provides many services, tips, and resources to help you protect your personal safety. The campus also provides resources to support you if you have experienced a crime or harassment. If at any time you feel unsafe, please contact a residential staff member or the University of California Police Department at 911 or 642.3333 from a cell phone.

Dedicated safety personnel, through the Residential Life Safety Program, provide additional on-site safety precautions to students living in the residence halls.

We also encourage students to be proactive in the health and safety of the community. Have you ever been in a situation where something just did not feel right, but you were not sure how to respond? Bears That CARE is an active bystander initiative to make our campus safer. Bears That CARE educates and empowers individuals and groups to be able to recognize potential harm or violence and intervene — safely and effectively. Learn more about Bears That CARE.

Special Health Concerns | Personal Safety Services | Resources and Reporting Options for Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence | Personal Safety Tips | Theft Prevention Tips

Special Health Concerns

If you have special health concerns the staff should be aware of, please inform your residential staff member. This information will be kept confidential but is vital in an emergency.

Personal Safety Services

We encourage you to use one of the Night Safety programs offered by UCPD, rather than traveling alone at night in or around campus. These services include BearWALK, campus shuttle, and door-to-door service.

Night Safety Escort and Transportation Services

BearWALK safety escorts

BearWALK safety escorts are available to walk with you to your destination. For example, they can escort you from the library to your residence hall, car, or to public transportation.
To request an escort, call 642.WALK (9255) 15 minutes before you need the escort.
BearWALK Service Hours: Dusk to 3 a.m.
Door-to-Door (Shuttle) Service Hours: 3 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. (If you call for a BearWALK escort between these hours, a shuttle will take you to limited locations.) Learn more about Door-to-Door service.

Safety Shuttles

Three safety shuttles are available to transport you to numerous locations throughout campus, near campus, and to the residence halls.

Resources and Reporting Options for Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence

UC Berkeley is dedicated to preventing and addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence on campus. We believe in fostering a culture that prioritizes consent and respect, and responds to and supports survivors and their allies. As part of these efforts, we are working to engage all members of the University community to create a healthy and inspiring environment where violence in any form is not tolerated.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence or sexual harassment, there are many resources on campus that can help you explore your options, rights, and resources. Comprehensive information regarding resources can be found at survivorsupport.berkeley.edu/home.

Confidentiality

Please note that hall staff are not confidential and are required to report issues brought to their attention related to sexual harassment and sexual violence and other types of crimes. There are places on campus, however, where a student can seek resources and receive confidential advice regarding reporting options.

Obtain Confidential Advice or Report a Sexual Assault or Gendered Violence

The PATH to Care Center provides affirming, empowering, and confidential support for survivors and those who have experienced gendered violence, including: sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Advocates bring a non-judgmental, caring approach to exploring all options, rights, and resources.

For 24/7 urgent, confidential support, call the Care Line at 510.643.2005 or visit our website: care.berkeley.edu. For appointments, call 510.642.1988.

For a comprehensive list of resources and reporting options related to Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence, visit our website: svsh.berkeley.edu.

Personal Safety Tips

Residential Student Liaison Program

The goal is crime reduction and improved personal safety and in addition to other duties, including managing the Residential Security Patrol Program and Residential Life Safety Program.

Personal Safety Tips

In cases when you cannot access safety services, the following tips may help:

  • Plan travel ahead of time with safety in mind.
  • Travel with a friend or in a group.
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid using ear buds and texting so that you can hear and see what is going on around you.
  • Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas.
  • Use well-lit, frequently traveled routes.
  • Dress in clothes that will not hamper mobility.
  • Pre-program your mobile phone with the UCPD emergency number, 510.642.3333.
  • When walking, especially crossing the street, look up from your phone.

If you sense you are in danger:

  • Move away from the potential threat, if possible.
  • Join any group of people nearby.
  • Cross the street and increase your pace.
  • Go to an open business.
  • Call 911 from any phone or 510.642.3333 from a mobile phone.
  • Call UCPD Emergency from a campus emergency telephone or blue light phone.

Emergency phones marked by a blue light are located at various points around campus. Use them if you find yourself in trouble or if you notice someone else having difficulty. The University Police Emergency number, 911, is listed on each of these phones.

Theft Prevention Tips

Always tap in with your own Cal 1 Card or fob when entering the residence halls. If your building uses keys, have your key in hand. Tapping in or showing your key is the equivalent to using your house key to unlock your front door at home. Learn more about tapping in to keep our community safe.