Campus Safety

The recent tragedy serves as a sharp reminder that each of us should remain cautious and aware of our surroundings at all times.

Preventing or quickly responding to incidents that may threaten the safety of the University community is an issue that we at Eastern Illinois University take very seriously.

The University employs a 21-person police force -- all sworn and certified officers -- who patrol the University campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  The University Police Department also has cooperative agreements with both the Charleston and Mattoon police departments, the Coles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police.  All of these police agencies are available to provide assistance to the University when needed.

The University relies on additional resource, as well.  For example, video cameras either have been installed (or are scheduled to be installed) in the Student Recreation Center, the MLK Jr. Union, and in several residence halls.  There are approximately 20 emergency call boxes strategically located throughout campus.  A push of the button causes the blue lights to flash and places the caller in direct contact with a 911 emergency dispatcher.

Our students who live in residence halls need keys to enter their floors -- whether it be by elevator or stairwell.  Students, who maintain radio contact with the police department, are also hired to patrol residence halls nightly.

Students need also do their part to keep themselves -- and their campus -- safe.  For example, students should always keep their residence hall doors locked.  They should walk in lighted areas, and they should report suspicious behavior to the proper authorities.

They should also use the emergency call boxes when needed.  If in doubt, call.  But please don’t use the call boxes for frivolous activities!  Authorities must be available for those really in need of assistance.

Our students are also strongly encouraged to monitor their Eastern-assigned e-mail accounts, which would be a primary method of communication in case of emergency.

Also, the University maintains a professionally staffed Counseling Center available to all students in the event they need to talk to someone about the pressures in their lives. 

Additional safety precautions can be found on the University Police Department’s Web site: http://www.eiu.edu/~police/.  And, as always, in case of an emergency, dial 911 or 581-3212, or visit the University Police Department headquarters, located at the corner of Seventh Street and Grant Avenue.

We also encourage any student or parent with questions regarding safety issues to contact our Student Affairs Office at 217-581-3221.