UBC is generally a safe place for all of us who work or live here. But this week’s incident at the West Parkade has left some of us reflecting on our safety practices and awareness. I would like to remind our VPFO community about some resources on campus to help you refresh your sense of safety:
Campus Security
Our colleagues at Campus Security have increased their patrols in parkades across campus. And through the campus security website, there are multiple resources to help educate ourselves to be as safe as possible, not only on campus, but in any type of environment. They also provide a number of services and resources to help, including safe walks to your car, community shuttles, and much more.
SafeWalk
One of the most prominent services on campus is the AMS Safewalk program. You don’t have to walk alone. If you feel unsafe getting from point A to Point B on campus after dark, their walking or driving teams can accompany you.
For a walk:
- Call 604.822.5355
- Use a UBC Blue Phone and ask for Safewalk
- Approach any Safewalk Team
- Drop by the SafeWalk office on the main floor of the SUB across from the Gallery Lounge
Leaving campus after 2 am? Campus Security can accompany you across campus. Call 604.822.2222 for assistance.
Counselling support
For some people, a guided conversation can be helpful to recovering a sense of safety. I encourage anyone who would like to have some safe and confidential counselling to reach out to our EFAP program.
Be assured, we are here for each other and we will continue to work together to build a safer and a more resilient campus.