Campus Safety

Keep your room door locked at all times: Locking your door with your key, wherever you reside, is an effective way to reduce theft and enhance personal safety. The vast majority of thefts occur from unlocked rooms when the occupant is gone only briefly.

• Do not prop open exterior doors, and close any doors you find propped open. Propped doors are a high risk and greatly increase chances of your victimization.
• Do not open your door to someone you do not know.
• Do not lend your key or key card to anyone.
• Your action could result in both you and/or an innocent victim being referred to the campus judicial system. Report a lost or stolen key to Resident Life staff immediately.

Use the buddy system: Avoid walking alone at night, but if you must, stay on well-lit paths and sidewalks. If you must walk alone, use the Rave Guardian App Safety Timer feature.

Secure your vehicle: Remove valuables or secure all valuables in your trunk and use your vehicle's security alarm system.

Timely reports increase the likelihood that critical evidence will be obtained, property will be recovered, and the offender will be successfully prosecuted. This is especially important in cases involving sex offenses. A prompt report to the police will also ensure that you are made aware of all available victim support services.

Contact Campus Police Immediately:

• If you observe any suspicious activity
• To report an emergency
• To report a criminal act
• If you are a victim of a crime

Report obscene, annoying, or harassing calls, messages, or emails immediately: Campus Police will investigate and work closely with service providers to apprehend offenders.

Report maintenance problems: Locks, doors, and windows in need of repair, exterior lights in need of replacement, shrubbery in need of trimming, or other unsafe conditions should be reported immediately to Campus Facilities.

Winter in Banner Elk is a beautiful time of the year, but it is also a time when winter storms and below-freezing temperatures pose a threat to personal safety.

• Wear proper footwear in snow or ice conditions. Boots or well-insulated waterproof shoes with non-slip treads are ideal.
• Stay alert of conditions. Do not text or talk on your phone while walking on snow or ice.
• Use handrails when navigating stairs for added support. Avoid stairways with snow or ice buildup.
• Avoid walking underneath icicles. As melting occurs, falling icicles are especially dangerous.
• Use designated walkways that are clear of snow or ice. Take small steps to keep your balance and avoid slipping.
• Avoid driving in snowy or icy conditions. If travel is necessary, make sure that your tires are in good shape and that all vehicle systems are in working order (lights, brakes, wipers, etc.).
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible and your cell phone fully charged when traveling during inclement weather.
• Prepare a winter safety kit that includes a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, bottles of water, and snacks.

Learn more about the Inclement Weather Policy regarding closures and delays. 

Theft is a crime of opportunity. The best means of prevention is to reduce or remove the opportunity.

• Whenever you leave your residence hall room or office, lock the door and all windows and turn off the lights.
• Never loan your keys or ID card to anyone.
• When storing a purse or backpack in an office, put it in a file cabinet or drawer and lock it.
• Do not leave backpacks, purses, or briefcases unattended in public places, especially in the library, labs, or dining hall.
• Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in your room. Record serial numbers and descriptions of your valuables.
• Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you won’t be back for a period of time.
• Do not leave your room unlocked while you are sleeping or when you leave your room, even if it’s “just for a minute”.
• Purchase renters insurance or ensure your homeowners insurance covers losses incurred on campus.
• Soliciting on campus is prohibited. If a salesperson approaches you on campus, call Campus Police immediately.
• Report suspicious persons or activity to Campus Police. The officer on duty will verify whether these individuals should be on campus.