Dear University of Oregon family,
Warm weather means more opportunities for large social gatherings and other outdoor activities, such as bike rides and hikes. Safety and Risk Services reminds students, faculty, and staff that communities are safest when members look out for each other.
When you gather – party safe. Please remember, Ducks look out for each other. During winter term the university received six formal reports of students potentially being drugged or ingesting unknown substances through drinks at parties hosted at fraternities, including at off-campus locations. None of the allegations included sexual assault. The university promptly issued interim temporary suspensions for three fraternities, and investigations are underway for possible student conduct code violations. It is a crime to put anything unexpected into someone’s drink or food. If you suspect a drink has been spiked, call 9-1-1.
Lock and register your bike/scooter. We’ve seen a recent uptick in bike and scooter thefts this year. Twelve bikes and five electric scooters were reported stolen on the Eugene campus since January 1. There are a number of techniques to prevent your bike or scooter from being stolen including always using a U-lock, locking the wheel and frame together or locking scooters around nonremovable parts, locking your bike or scooter in a well-lit and well-traveled area or designated bike cage and not leaving it on the sidewalk or street overnight, taking lights and other easily removable items with you, and registering your bike and/or writing down its serial number. Report suspicious individuals hanging around bicycle racks by notifying the UO Police Department, by calling 541-346-2919.
Watch your belongings. As you enjoy the sun, don’t leave your valuables alone. This includes backpacks, wallets, purses, keys computers and phones. Close and lock your windows on ground floor rooms. For emergencies, or if a crime is being committed, call 9-1-1. To report crimes on campus, call UOPD non-emergency 541-346-2919.
If you know someone who is the victim of a crime, remember to lead with empathy. No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for their crimes and the impact.
Report suspicious activity immediately. Bystanders should try to be aware of their surroundings, and if there are signs of a person in distress, bystanders should make themselves known and help if it is safe to do so, and/or seek immediate help from police or security personnel.
Stay safe this spring and remember university resources are available to support you when things do not go as planned.
Have a great spring term!
Andre Le Duc, vice president and chief resilience officer
A few more safety tips:
Walks, rides and other travel
Stick to well-lit, well-traveled areas.
If followed, go to a populated area.
Be alert to any suspicious persons or vehicles.
Carry a fully charged cell phone with emergency numbers pre-programmed.
Use the online map to find the best-lit route around campus. The map also shows the emergency phones located across campus.
Parties
Charge your phone before you go.
Always use the buddy system. Pair up with someone you know and let each other know where you will be and are going.
Never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from someone you do not know.
Never leave with someone you do not trust.
Need a lift? Call Duck Rides at 541-346-7433 between 6 p.m. and midnight seven days a week. Otherwise open your ridesharing app.
Personal property
Lock up your bike with two locks – u-lock and cable lock.
Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
Register your bike with Project 529 Garage (https://project529.com/) to assist in recovery if it is taken.
Lock scooters around nonremovable parts.
E-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted inside university buildings.
Resources for survivors
Student survivors of a crime can find support options by contacting DoS at https://dos.uoregon.edu/help or call 541-346-3216.
Students who have experienced sexual or domestic violence can find immediate support and resource options at safe.uoregon.edu or call the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233).
University Counseling Services is open until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and offers 24-hour crisis support via phone; 541-346-3227.
Duck Nest in EMU provides a place for students to practice self-care and life-balance. It is staffed by Peer Wellness Advocates
Prevention and recovery
Self-defense classes can prepare people to deter or escape an assault and have benefits for improved awareness and confidence. Contact Sgt. Jared Davis of UOPD (Jared.Davis@uopd.org) to find out when the next drop-in self-defense class is scheduled on campus.
Download the UO Mobile App for easy access to safety resources, safe ride options, and maps.
What is this notice? Campus Security Advisories are released by the University of Oregon when certain crimes are reported near or on campus property. These security advisories provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.
