Safety on Campus
University Safety and Support Network
In addition to its Police Department, Boston University has established a comprehensive safety and security program with the following components:
University Security Council
The administrators of the University Security Council and senior members of the BUPD meet weekly to coordinate the many security programs operating at Boston University. Information on current incidents is reviewed and recommendations for security improvements are discussed at these meetings.
Crisis Management Team
When any emergency, tragedy, or other unusual event occurs that will affect the campus community, this group meets to plan strategies for response to the community’s needs, on an ad hoc basis.
The deaths of enrolled students, unruly crowds at the Red Sox playoffs, and a student reported missing are examples of events that could trigger a response during the academic year. Crisis Management Team representatives may vary depending on the situation and come from all areas of the University’s administration.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
Both the main Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus have comprehensive emergency response plans incorporating communication with all segments of the University community.
The Emergency Response Plan is regularly tested on an unannounced basis and is designed to assure swift and appropriate support in instances of natural disasters and other emergencies and in the event of any disaster-level crisis on campus or in the Boston area.
BU Alert Notification System
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The University has a campus-wide emergency notification system. Students, faculty, and staff will be notified simultaneously by telephone, e-mail, and SMS text message of any campus-wide emergency, or national or local emergency with the potential to affect Boston University.
Dean of Students Office
617-353-4126
Visit the website
dos@bu.edu
The Dean of Students Office is a service-oriented department operating on behalf of students. If you are a student and have any concern that you think should be addressed, contact this office. The Dean of Students is vested with principal responsibility for implementing and administering the Code of Student Responsibilities and for overseeing student judicial proceedings.
University Service Center
617-358-1818
Visit the website
usc@bu.edu
The University Service Center (881 Commonwealth Avenue, lower level) is charged with the resolution of problems that are complex, highly sensitive, or that cross administrative and academic lines—including matters of safety and security. Staff members have broad discretion in identifying issues and resolving problems for students, families, and employees.
Residence Life
617-353-4380
Visit the website
The Residence Life office includes a full-time professional staff, residence hall directors, and upperclassmen serving as student resident assistants. Residence staff hold regular meetings at which safety issues in the residences are discussed. Students should contact staff in their residence whenever they have
a problem in the University housing system. Crimes and all emergencies should be reported to the Boston University Police Department
immediately.
Equal Opportunity Office
617-353-9286
The Equal Opportunity Office is the office designated to receive and investigate complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Facilities Management
Charles River Campus
617-353-9150
24-hour emergency 617-353-2105
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Medical Campus
617-638-4211
24-hour emergency 617-638-4144
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Facilities Management is responsible for facility and grounds maintenance and improvements, including campus lighting, doors, locks, and alarm systems.
The Residential Safety Staff of the Housing Office
617-353-2307
Visit the website
housing@bu.edu
The residential safety staff regulates and supervises access at modern security stations in all large residences. They also check the identification of resident students, maintain the guest registers of visitors, monitor fire alarms, and report serious incidents to the Boston University Police Department and Residence Life staff.
Government & Community Affairs Office
617-353-2078
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A Government & Community Affairs representative monitors the conduct of Boston University students who live off campus in the Brookline and Allston-Brighton neighborhoods. This representative works with Boston police, obtains information about off-campus student offenses, and meets with and provides assistance to off-campus student residents and their neighbors.
The office is responsible for maintaining working relationships with the city of Boston and the town of Brookline, as well as the state and federal governments. The staff monitors proposed legislation and regulations that may affect the University community.
Environmental Health & Safety
617-353-4094
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The Environmental Health & Safety office oversees the following health and safety programs: fire safety, laboratory safety, hazardous material management, and compliance with environmental rules and regulations.
Disability Services
617-353-3658
617-353-7790 (TTY/V)
Visit the website
access@bu.edu
Students with disabilities who live on campus may contact the Disability Services office for assistance in arranging for special fire alarm annunciators, door buzzers, evacuation plans, and TTY services. University “blue light” emergency call boxes are accessible to persons in wheelchairs.
Crisis Intervention and Counseling
617-353-2121 emergency/nights
617-353-3569
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Boston University provides a crisis intervention counselor as part of Student Health Services. This licensed psychiatric social worker is on twenty-four-hour call through the Boston University Police Department and is prepared to meet with students in crisis. Services include accompanying students to hospitals or court proceedings. Professional counseling services are available at Student Health Services (Behavioral Medicine Clinic), the Danielsen Institute, or from the University chaplains and various religious support organizations.
Boston Medical Campus Public Safety
General Services and Public Safety
617-638-8000
617-414-5000
Visit the website
security-administration@bmc.org
Public Safety officers at the Boston Medical Campus provide building security and safety services to Medical Campus personnel. They provide physical security to the Medical Campus twenty-four hours a day, furnish escorts, and offer other assistance. The Medical Campus is also patrolled by Boston University Police Department officers, who represent the primary law enforcement agency on the Medical Campus.
Mugar Library Security
617-353-4015
Visit the website
Boston University’s Mugar Library has an on-site full-time security staff.
Marsh Chapel and Religious Life
617-353-3560
Visit the website
chapel@bu.edu
Marsh Chapel (735 Commonwealth Avenue) is the Religious Life office, providing pastoral and spiritual care to the Boston University community. This care is provided through the Dean of Marsh Chapel, seven University Chaplains, eight Associate Chaplains and 27 Campus Ministers in both individual and programmatic contexts.
