Parent and Family Guide
The University of Arizona Office of Public Safety and University of Arizona Police Department strive to maintain a safe and supportive community for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. While they may be "on their own," students are definitely not alone because Wildcats take care of one another.
This guide for parents and families highlights resources that will help you understand how we support your student’s safety at the University of Arizona.
Families of enrolled students may stay informed by signing up for Parent & Family Programs Communications.
Find a campus safety checklist, news, health and wellness resources and more on the Office of Public Safety website.
The Wildcat Safety Guide is your go-to resource for safety and wellness information tailored for University of Arizona students, faculty, staff and visitors. This 21-page document provides essential guidance on handling emergencies such as fires, utility outages and more. It also includes critical emergency and non-emergency contact numbers, safety and wellness resources, and training information.
The university uses UAlert text and email messaging to notify the community about ongoing emergencies occurring on campus or affecting nearby areas.
All enrolled and currently affiliated individuals (e.g. students, faculty and staff) are automatically registered to receive UAlert notifications via their university email address. Students and employees who provided their 10-digit U.S. cellphone number during enrollment or employment will be automatically registered to receive UAlert text messages. There is no need for students to register a university email through the UAlert portal as it will result in duplicate emails.
Friends and family can also sign up to receive UAlerts. If you are not currently subscribed but would like to receive UAlert text notifications, please register or update your cellphone information.
Check the UAPD Notifications and Media Releases webpage for UAlert and other UAPD campus notifications.
The University of Arizona Police Department is responsible for developing and distributing Clery Timely Warnings in compliance with the Clery Act, a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain campus security information.
UAPD sends Clery Timely Warning messages to all university-maintained email accounts. Clery Timely Warnings can also be found on the UAPD website.
The decision to issue a Clery Timely Warning or a UAlert is based on a variety of factors and is made by the Office of Public Safety and the University of Arizona Police Department, in conjunction with university leadership.
If there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus, UAPD will issue a UAlert message.
Features Include:
- Access direct and discreet two-way communication with UAPD using text, picture, video and audio.
- Walk friends and family home virtually with the SafeWalk feature.
- Anonymously message UAPD.
The free app can be downloaded by anyone through the Apple Store and Google Play.
Here are a few safety tips to share with your student:
- Remain vigilant and reduce distractions such as using a cellphone or digital devices when walking alone or at night.
- Familiarize yourself with campus to know the quickest way to get help. One way to do that is by reviewing the interactive campus map.
- Take extra precaution at night by walking with a friend or group of friends.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Do not leave backpacks, purses or belongings unattended.
We all play a role in keeping our community safe. If your student sees something suspicious, please encourage them to report it. Call or text 911 for any emergency requiring police, fire or medical assistance. For a non-emergency, call 520-621-8273 (621-UAPD). They can also call 88-CRIME (520-88-CRIME 520-882-7463) or file a police report online.
For all parking-related information on campus, including permits, visitor parking, etc., please visit the Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) Website.
Here are a few bicycle safety tips to share with your student:
- All bicycles on campus must be registered. Register your bicycle.
- Be sure to lock your bicycle to a bike rack using a steel U-lock through the frame and at least one wheel.
- Please be aware of the 'Walk Your Bike Zone' signs. Areas include the UA Mall and the Women's Plaza near Centennial Hall. Review the bicycle guide to find bicycle-friendly streets and more information.
- Bicyclists are required by law to ride on the right side of roadways or on bike paths.
- When riding on roadways and bike paths, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws.
- If you ride your bicycle at night, be sure to utilize a white headlight and rear red reflector or light.
- If you’re riding alongside a streetcar, keep an appropriate distance between the tracks and away from parked cars. If crossing tracks, cross them as close to a right angle as possible (60º to 90º) to avoid catching your bicycle wheels in the gap.
- If you have any questions about bicycles on campus or want to learn more about bike services, lockers and valets, please contact Parking and Transportation Services or visit their website.
Temperatures in Arizona will hit triple digits in the summer. Find tips on how to protect yourself and learn the signs of heat illness.
The interactive public map shows locations of health & safety resources, parking, and more for main campus (Tucson), Phoenix Bioscience Core, and Sierra Vista campus. Health & safety resources include: accessible entrances, AED devices, Stop the Bleed kits, disabled parking, elevators and emergency phones.