As we welcome back students and kick off the fall semester, University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair has issued a letter to the University community.
To our University community:
I am thrilled to welcome you to Morgantown. Each Welcome Week, a special feeling fills the air as we celebrate our Mountaineer family.
As we begin another academic year, the West Virginia University Police Department would like to share information that can further enhance your safety on campus.
If you see something, please say something. You should always report suspicious activity by dialing 911 or calling University Police at 304-293-3136. Another communication option is the LiveSafe app which allows you to communicate directly with the University Police team using text, photo, video and audio, among several other features.
If incidents occur on or near campus, the University notifies our campus community by sending information through its three-tiered emergency messaging system — the WVU Alert system. Students are automatically registered to receive emails but should add their phone number to their account to receive text notifications as well. The WVU Alert system is a critical resource in our efforts to keep you safe, and I encourage you to ensure your contact information is added and updated.
The University Police Department also offers free trainings upon request to learn self-defense tactics, how to protect yourself in case of an active shooter and more. When needed, police officers and campus safety officers offer additional services to our campus community, including bicycle registration and vehicle assistance.
In addition, students should remember the following tips:
Lock up before you leave. Lock all doors and windows in your residence, and ensure your vehicle is secured.
When walking on campus, put your phone down, keep your eyes up, cross only at marked crosswalks and watch for vehicles. Drivers should eliminate distractions and keep an eye out for pedestrians.
Always call for help when someone is in danger. Under the WVU Medical Amnesty policy, you may be safe from prosecution and may not face charges under the Student Code of Conduct if you seek medical assistance in an emergency.
We encourage all students to follow @WVUalert via X, @WVUsafety via X and the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page to receive important updates. And for even more University Police information, visit our newly redesigned website at police.wvu.edu.
The University Police team is committed to protecting our campus community and keeping you safe. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to our officers on campus or submit your feedback through our contact form found on our website.
I look forward to seeing you around campus and serving our campus community.
Let’s go!
Chief Sherry St. Clair
West Virginia University Police Department