Personal

safety

Personal Safety

Please read these sections carefully and ask a member of the House administration or HUPD if you have questions or concerns about the topics covered. Personal safety and community security are critical to life at the College and House. While the Masters, Resident Dean, and Resident Tutors are always available to help, there are many resources in the College specially designed to address certain safety issues.

It is important for each of us to be aware that serious crimes occur at and around Harvard. Assault and robbery are of particular concern. You can consult the HUPD website (http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/) for more information about safety tips, a variety of resources and services offered by HUPD, and links to other offices within the College. Some items especially relevant to life at Mather are included here.

MessageMe:

Signup for MessageMe to be sure you get Harvard text messaging and email security alerts.http://messageme.harvard.edu

Top Ten Tips from HUPD

Keep the following in mind when walking around campus:

  • If you suspect you are being followed, stay away from dimly lit areas and head for a store or building that you know to be open. 
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area. 
  • Remain alert and aware at all times.
  • Do not wear headphones.
  • Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car or the person.
  • Carry a whistle and be ready to use it. (Whistles are available from HUPD.)
  • Travel in groups when possible.
  • Look confident when you walk. Make eye contact with passersby, and keep a firm grip on your property.
  • Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubs, dark doorways, and other hiding places.
  • Carry your keys in your hand so you can quickly get in your car or home.

Harvard University Police Department

(617) 495-1212

The walking escort program

(617) 384-8237

University Operations Center

(617) 495-5560

Designated Pathways

The University has created four Designated Pathways that cover the main walking routes throughout the Cambridge campus. The routes cover traveling from the Quad to the Yard, from the Science Center to Harvard Square, from the Science Center to the Prescott Street dormitories, and from Mather and Dunster Houses to the Yard. These routes tend to be better lit and more widely traveled than alternative routes. Additionally, each pathway has several blue light emergency phones located along the route.

map