Western Oregon University (WOU) was selected earlier this year as the safest college campus in Oregon. The award is based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security analysis and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. Our Campus Public Safety (CPS) Department keeps the WOU community safe and offers some tips to help you be proactive about your safety. CPS provides services 24-hours/7-days a week.

1. Add contacts to your phone

• 503-838-8481 is the non-emergency number.
• 503-838-9000 is the emergency number if you need a CPS officer immediately. If it’s a medial or other serious emergency, please call 911 directly.
• Email safety@wou.com for general inquires.
• If you are a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, learn more about our deaf and hard of hearing text line

2. An ounce of prevention. Benjamin Franklin’s advice that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” still holds true today. Please stay safe and

• Follow the white paw prints. The safety corridor is labeled with white paw prints painted on campus sidewalks. This corridor is the most well-lit and heavily patrolled by officers.
• Call a safety escort. If you would like a safety escort to walk you from one on-campus location to another, call 503-838-8481. Please provide CPS your name, phone number, where you want an officer to meet you and where you want to go.
• Be seen. When walking, biking or running in the dark—either early in the morning or at night—make sure you can be seen by wearing reflective clothing. Always, always assume drivers are not paying attention and be on the defensive as you take precautions to cross the street. Walk with a friend or group of friends at night.
• Emergency phone towers. Know the locations of emergency phones around campus. In event of an emergency, use a phone to connect immediately with a live dispatcher.

3. Learn to defend yourself. Take a class so you can protect yourself in case of an emergency. Classes are open to all employees and students.

• Know A.L.I.C.E. Numerous times throughout the year, CPS officers A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lock-down, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) classes, which educate and empower campus community members to make their own decisions in order to increase your ability to survive in an active killer situation. A.L.I.C.E trained individuals can become leaders to overcome indecision in the event of an active killer situation.
• Self-defense classes. Campus Public Safety offers Self-Defense classes throughout the school year. To find when the next class is offered contact the Health and Wellness Center at 503- 838-9530.

4. Lock your keys in the car? Dead battery? Don’t fret. CPS provides vehicle assistance for free as long as you are within the university’s geographical boundary. The services are:

• Jump start your vehicle
• Unlock your vehicle
• Compressed air for flat tires
• Assistance in removing a flat tire
• Loaner gas cans

5. Additional services include:

• • Lost and found property. If you lost an item, start your search by visiting CPS. Found items of value should be turned into CPS.
  • Bicycle registration: It’s free for WOU employees and students to register their bicycles. Just bring your bike to the CPS office.