As August arrives, the parking lots overflow, carts wheel in and out of dorms, parents cry, and new faces fill the campus ready to experience all TCU has to offer.
For new students, the sudden change in freedom and choices may be a bit overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lulled into a sense of security, TCU Chief of Police Steven McGee said.
McGee said that TCU has a variety of means to ensure student’s safety including patrolling officers, security guards, cameras and blue light phones. The tips given below are designed to be helpful reminders and prepare students for possible situations they may face.
Tips to know:
Be aware of your surroundings at all times: Being on campus makes it easy to feel secure, but always keep an eye out for unusual situations, especially when going out at night.
Travel in groups: Plan ahead and try to leave in groups of two or more. The more people there are, the harder it becomes for a situation to occur. It also offers more opportunities for social bonding.
Use the buddy system: If you are planning on using alcohol, be sure to have a friend or two you trust to keep an eye on you and help keep you within your limits.
Use designated drivers: Create a system and always have at least one designated driver. If a situation occurs and there are no designated drivers available, phone a friend or use a taxi service such as Uber or Lyft to get back to your dorm or apartment safely.
Act on instinct: If you’re stuck in a situation where something feels off or wrong, or if you feel unsafe, be sure to exit the situation as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call TCU Police at 817-257-7777 if the situation escalates, or if you feel it is the right thing to do.
Lock your doors: Be sure to lock your dorm behind you, and double-check that it is locked. Locked doors decrease the chances of theft and vandalism.
Mark your belongings: Engrave any valuables you may have, including laptops, bikes, and electronics, in case of a theft. TCU Police offer engraving pens for students at no charge, and it makes it easier to find and return items.
Campus programs: Attend and pay attention to the programs offered by the University, such as Need2Know, RAD and more. Any information you learn can go a long way in protecting you or others.
Know the area: If going off-campus to areas such as Sundance Square or Dallas, be sure to research the area beforehand and know the locations of nearby parking, stores and gas stations.
Available Resources:
Froggie Five-0: TCU Police offer an escort service that will take you where you need to go, but keep in mind that it is a safety service, not a free ride. To get an escort, call TCU Police.
Frog Shuttle: Operated by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority, this shuttle runs from 7:28 a.m. to 5:28 p.m. and departs from Worth Hills, with stops at Bellaire/Stadium Drive, the Brown-Lupton University Union, Ed Landreth Auditorium and University Drive across from the Mary Couts Burnett Library. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and is represented by the yellow line on the map.
TCU shuttles: the following shuttles run every 10 minutes Monday to Friday until 6 p.m. The Red Line starts at 7:30 a.m. in Lots 3 and 4 with stops at the Moudy Building, Smith Hall, Tandy Hall and the BLUU. The Green Line starts in Lot 12 at 7:30 a.m. and stops in the parking lot by Bass. The Blue Line starts at 6 a.m. in Lot 3 and Lot 4 and stops at the BLUU, the admission center, and the visitor lot next to Tom Brown/Pete Wright.
Campus Life: Campus Life is available to assist with student concerns, help resolve personal emergencies and help students achieve and maintain academic and personal success. Those needing Campus Life can call 817-257-7926 or visit Sadler Hall, Suite 2006.
Counseling Center: The Counseling Center is open to students in need of individual, couple, and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services and consultations. Those needing the Counseling Center can call 817-257-7863 or visit the offices located in the basement of Samuelson Hall.
