Health & Safety

The safety and security of all students in residence is of utmost concern to the College. We expect that all students adopt reasonable safety habits, and we have taken a number of actions. 

Safety Measures

  • Regular patrols by Safety and Security and other College personnel occur nightly in each College-owned residence hall and Living Learning Community house.
  • Safety visits by Safety & Security occur weekly in the Greek letter organizations and undergraduate society houses.
  • Additional hall security procedures, in effect during weekends when many visitors are on campus (for example: Homecoming, Winter Carnival, and Green Key).
  • Foot patrols and informational posters circulated in advance reminding students abut personal safety and the safeguarding of personal property.

Security Phones

A number of exterior security phones, many with attached locator blue lights, have been installed in various campus locations. These eighteen security phones are located at Butterfield, McLane, Ripley, Hitchcock, Topliff, Lord, Morton, Little, Judge, and the north and south ends of the McLaughlin Cluster, Davis Varsity House, Thompson Arena, Wentworth Hall, Baker Library, Gilman, A-Lot and the River Parking Lot, which is adjacent to the docks on the Connecticut River.

Safety Programs

Officers from the Department of Safety and Security conduct a number of residence hall safety programs throughout the year. These programs discuss some of the most common types of campus crimes, crime prevention and crime reporting procedures. This information is also available directly from the Department of Safety and Security by calling (603) 646-4000.

All Residential Life staff members undergo training in safety and security policies and support the efforts of the Department of Safety and Security to educate students-in-residence about campus safety. As members of a community, each individual has a responsibility to ensure that safety hazards are eliminated, fire equipment is maintained and fire procedures are established and followed. Students who by virtue of their behavior toward themselves or other residents show an inability to live in a group setting, refuse intervention and/or endanger themselves or others in any manner may be asked to leave the Dartmouth residential community immediately.

Suspicious Persons

Suspicious persons and activities in the residence halls or their environs should be reported to the Department of Safety and Security. Most importantly, each student should watch out for the well-being of his or her neighbors, friends and classmates. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Safety Tips

  • Keep your room door locked when you are out or especially while you are sleeping. If your lock does not work, report it immediately to Residential Life staff.
  • If you live on a ground or first floor, keep your window closed and locked when you are not in your room. If your window lock does not work properly, please contact Residential Operations for a repair.
  • Report any suspicious person or activity to the Department of Safety and Security at 646-4000.
  • Do not leave your laundry unattended.
  • Lock your bicycle in one of the storage racks. Remember that it is mandatory that you register your bicycle with the Department of Safety and Security.