Safety and Security
Officers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to requests for assistance from students, faculty and staff.
For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately – then call campus security and let them know the nature and location of the emergency.
Campus security officers are supervised by the Director of Security and are responsible for securing buildings and grounds, traffic regulations and parking control. Campus security personnel have the authority to enforce all campus policies and state laws.
Emergency Contacts
Crime Prevention and Safety Procedures
Students are expected to assume responsibility for their property and personal safety by making sound decisions and reporting any concerns to security immediately.
Proactive methods employed by campus security against personal property theft include:
Parking lot and building patrols
Campus escorts (as requested)
Routine lighting
Emergency equipment checks
We recommend identification engraving on personal items. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited on University property.
All students, employees and visitors are strongly encouraged to report all concerns to campus security immediately. Posters/signs with reporting procedures are placed in visible areas throughout the campus. Student Services hosts campus crime prevention and rape awareness seminars on-campus as well.
Crimes should be reported to ensure inclusion in the annual crime statistics and to aid in providing timely warning notices to the campus community when appropriate. In addition, if you observe an individual acting in a manner which suggests that the individual may be a threat to himself or herself or to others, please err on the side of reporting what you observe.
Upon receipt of a complaint, campus security officers, or the appropriate college officials are immediately dispatched to the area. A detailed report is made and appropriate follow-up is conducted.
Enforcement
Campus security personnel have the authority to enforce all campus policies and State Laws. These officers do not carry weapons, nor do they have arrest powers. Northwood University maintains a very strong relationship with city and county law enforcement agencies. These agencies are contacted to assist with some on-campus complaints. The city and county agencies also notify Northwood University officials of off-campus incidents that involve Northwood students.
Facilities
Students and staff have access to campus facilities during the hours designated as open.
The entire campus is closed to unauthorized guests and traffic between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. All vehicles arriving after 9 p.m. must register with security upon entry to the campus. Campus security officers patrol the entire campus and report activities and concerns to the proper departments in order to promote the safety and security of the campus community.
Lighting and emergency equipment surveys are performed regularly to aid in proper operation. All malfunctioning items are directly reported to the Physical Plant Department.
Residence Halls
All residential areas are patrolled continually by housing and security personnel. After posted visitation hours, only resident students and Northwood staff are permitted on campus. All on-campus housing areas are single sex units with opposite gender visitation from 8 a.m. - midnight (8 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday night/Saturday morning).
Northwood NOW Alerts
Northwood University utilizes Rave Alert emergency notification system to aid the Northwood community in monitoring notifications regarding campus changes and emergencies.
Messages appear as “NU Now” alerts, and will automatically be sent to Northwood email addresses. Northwood students are automatically signed up for Northwood NOW, but must login to add mobile numbers and receive notifications on their mobile devices.
Rave Guardian
The Northwood community also has access to Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. Through Guardian, users can invite friends and family to join their network as “Guardians.” This allows users to request one or more of their Guardians to virtually walk with them on or off campus.
The app also has a safety feature that directly connects the user to campus security (or 911 if off-campus) in an emergency situation, as well as the ability to submit an anonymous tip to campus security should they see something suspicious. Northwood students will be encouraged to download the Guardian app at their orientation sessions and Welcome Week events at the beginning of each academic year.
What is Rave Alert?
A campus safety alert system and product of Rave Mobile Safety, the most trusted safety software partner, connecting millions to those they trust to protect them, by providing safety officials with innovative tools to prepare better, respond faster, and communicate more effectively during emergencies. Rave protects more than 1,200 colleges and universities across the U.S.
What is Rave Guardian?
A free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. By downloading this free safety app, students and faculty can enhance their personal safety both on and off campus.
How does the Rave Guardian App work?
Register and set up an account: Users can add their name, campus address, medical notes and other pertinent information for campus safety in case of emergency.
Easy Emergency Communication: In an emergency, a one button call to campus safety officials will display the users Guardian profile and current location.
Add and Message Guardians: By adding roommates, friends, and family to their network, users can feel safer when walking alone, on or off campus. Guardians can also be messaged directly through the app.
Set a Safety Timer: In the event a student feels unsafe, they can set a timer with their current location, indicating where they are going and when they should arrive. In the event they do not make it there and de-active the timer, Guardians or campus safety will be immediately alerted.
Send Anonymous Tips: See something, say something. The app allows users to anonymously text suspicious activity to campus police, including photos.
What types of messages does Northwood send through Rave?
Northwood University will only send critically important messages through the alert system. Examples include extreme weather notifications, campus/site/program center closings and/or delays, and potential criminal activity on or near campus.
How can I sign up?
Users can sign up for Rave Alerts by going to GetRave.com/login/Northwood and entering Northwood credentials. Parents, family and friends without Northwood credentials must be added to the Guardian list by students.
I am a parent and would like to sign up for alerts, is that possible?
Northwood students must register devices for parents, family and friends wishing to receive Rave Alerts. Students can add up to six devices. Parents can also connect to their students through the Rave Guardian application.