Welcome to the start of the fall semester! We're so glad you're here. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and successful semester, and a big part of that is being prepared. Here are a few important safety reminders and best practices to help you get started.
Driving and Parking on Campus
First, if you haven't already, please stop by the Campus Police office at any of our locations to get your student ID and parking pass.
When you're on campus, please drive safely. Be sure to obey all traffic laws, watch your speed, and always look out for pedestrians. When parking, be mindful to avoid fire hydrants, don't block sidewalks, and only use accessible parking spaces if you have the proper credentials.
Campus Safety Tips and Best Practices
In addition to traffic and parking, here are some other tips to help you stay safe on and off campus:
- Secure your belongings - Keep your personal items, like laptops, backpacks, and phones, with you at all times. Do not leave them unattended in classrooms, libraries, or common areas. Always lock your car and make sure valuables are out of sight.
- Be aware of your surroundings - Whether you're walking across campus during the day or at night, stay alert. Avoid walking alone at night if possible. If you must, use well-lit and populated paths or walk with a friend.
- Trust your instincts - If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
- Protect your personal information - Be cautious about sharing personal details online or with people you don't know well. Be aware of phishing emails and scams. Campus officials will never ask for your password or other sensitive information via email.
- Save emergency numbers - Make sure you have the Campus Police phone numbers saved in your cell phone so you can quickly call for help if needed.
- Lost or found property - If you find a lost item, please bring it to the Campus Police office. If you've lost something, check with us to see if it's been turned in.
Report a Concern - If you see or hear anything that's not quite right or concerning, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach Campus Police by email at campuspolice@bishop.edu or at the numbers below:
- Downtown Campus Police: 251-405-7060
- Southwest Campus Police: 251-331-1175
- Carver Campus Police: 251-331-1814
- Tonikos Vandiber, Chief of Police
Office: 251-405-7062
Cell: 251-604-7619
Email: tvandiber@bishop.edu
Wildcat CARE
The Bishop State Wildcat CARE (Communicate, Assess, Refer, Educate) Team helps find solutions for students experiencing academic, social, and crisis situations, including mental health concerns. If you are concerned about a student who may benefit from services, you can submit a report. We review these reports to connect each student with the on- and off-campus resources that can help them succeed.