Message from Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations: Homecoming safety

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

With Homecoming events throughout the week, Gophers of all ages are coming together to celebrate. As you join in the festivities, please use the safety tips and resources below. Remember, you can always visit our Safe Campus website for comprehensive information about the University’s approach to all aspects of safety.

Walking

• Call the 624-WALK program or talk to Safety Guides in Dinkytown for a safe walk home; and download the Rave Guardian app for a virtual escort to your destination.
• Walk in pairs or groups when possible and carry your U Card for access to buildings.
• Be aware of your surroundings, put your phone away, and avoid using headphones while walking, especially at night.  
• Use blue light emergency kiosks to be directly connected with 911 if you or others need help.
• Do not let others tailgate behind you as you enter residence halls or apartment buildings.

Driving or riding

• Request a Gopher Chauffeur using their free app or use Gopher Rideshare to find someone going your way.
• Track buses using the GopherTrip app so you know when the next bus will arrive.
• Use the Universal Transit Pass on your U Card to access convenient bus and train transportation.
• Ride bicycles and motorized foot scooters safely. Follow all traffic laws, obeying red lights, wearing a helmet, and staying off sidewalks.
• When driving, observe the green bike boxes at intersections.
• Visit Parking and Transportation Services’ website for more information on your parking and transportation options.

Drinking responsibly

Regardless of the time of year, it is important to always be responsible if you choose to drink alcohol. Along with these tips, remember:

• Do not leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
• Always use a sober, designated driver.
• If you see and suspect someone has overdosed on alcohol, call 911 immediately. Neither you, nor the person you called about, will get in trouble thanks to Minnesota’s Medical Amnesty Law. This law limits consequences for minors who call for emergency assistance, so people who are at risk for alcohol overdose receive prompt medical attention.

Additionally, use Campus Maps by clicking on the icons in the upper left to find walking and biking safety information, bus routes, and other helpful information to help you navigate the campus safely, including maps of the Gopher Way tunnel system.

I wish you a safe Homecoming week and hope to see you at the football game this Saturday against Purdue. Check out how you can help Stripe the Bank, and go Gophers!

Sincerely,
Myron Frans
Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations