With classes underway, West Virginia University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair is reaching out to the University community to offer safety reminders in a letter issued today (Jan. 16).
To our University community:
As the spring semester gets underway, the WVU Police Department, also known as UPD, is prepared to continue ensuring our campus is a safe place for all Mountaineers. While we do our part to patrol campus and respond to calls, we also encourage you to utilize the following reminders and tips throughout the semester to help us keep campus safe.
If you see something, say something. Whether you are on campus property or around the Morgantown area, it’s important that you stay vigilant. Report suspicious activity by dialing 911 or calling University Police at 304-293-3136. You can also use the LiveSafe app, which allows you to communicate directly and discreetly with UPD through text, photo, video and audio, among several other features.
If emergencies or incidents occur on or near campus, the University sends important information through the WVU Alert system – our three-tiered emergency messaging system. Students are automatically registered to receive emails but should add their phone number to their account to receive text notifications as well. Faculty and staff are not automatically registered for the system and should add their contact information to receive these messages.
If you choose to drink alcohol, please be responsible. Stick to one kind of alcohol and aim for no more than one drink per hour to control your consumption. Keep a close eye on your drink at all times, and never leave your drink unattended or give it to someone else. To stay safe, use the buddy system while you are out, and have a clear plan for how your group will get home.
Finally, if someone is in danger of drug or alcohol overdose, always call for help. Under the WVU Medical Amnesty policy, you may be safe from prosecution and may not face charges under the Campus Student Code if you seek medical assistance in an emergency. No matter what, please always seek help to save a life.
“In addition to responding to all types of calls for help, UPD provides free services like vehicle assistance and event support as well as trainings available by request on the topics of active shooter preparedness, self-defense. verbal de-escalation and more. Our department also launched an online safety training in fall 2024 that offers participants critical knowledge and practical skills to enhance their safety in various situations.
For more University Police information, visit our website at police.wvu.edu. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, please don’t hesitate to talk to our officers on campus or submit your feedback through our contact form found on our website.
Let’s have another great semester.
Let’s go!
Chief Sherry St. Clair
West Virginia University Police Department