Safety @ NU

Responsible Action Protocol

Did you know? Students who assist others in an emergency (including alcohol or drug overdoses) generally face no disciplinary action for their own infractions. Just remember to:

  • Call 911
  • Stay with the person needing assistance
  • Cooperate with emergency & university officials

For more information see our Responsible Action Protocol (RAP) page.

We do our best to help keep the University community as safe as possible. A truly safe campus can be achieved best through a continued awareness and thoughtfulness of all members of the community towards issues of personal safety. The University has several resources available to provide you with safety information and advice that will assist you in making the best decisions for your personal well-being and the wellness of those around you.

Safety Resources

large group of students walking by a university blue light, a common campus safety measure, click to enlargeThe following are some resources available to the Northwestern Community.


University Police

In an emergency, dial 911. Calling 911 on a Chicago campus phone will connect the caller with the Chicago Police Department.

For Non-Emergency:

  • Evanston NU Police: 847-491-3456, 847-467-7883 (TDD)
  • Chicago NU Police: 312-503-3456, 312-503-3999 (TDD)
  • Dial 456 from any campus phone
  • E-mail: universitypolice@northwestern.edu
  • Parking office: 847-491-3319

University Police Links

University Police Hours of Operation

The Chicago and Evanston campus University Police station lobby and the Evanston campus Communication Center are open 24 hours a day.

The University Police Evanston campus Administrative office business hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The office is closed on University holidays.

Blue Lights

Campus Blue lightCampus blue light with open operating boxYou can use the "Blue Light" Police Emergency phones, situated in strategic locations on both campuses, to report crimes in progress, suspicious persons, medical emergencies or concerns about your personal safety. The "Blue Light" phones are housed in bright yellow boxes or black towers. For "Blue Light" phone locations, click on map below:

For "Blue Light" phone locations, click on map below:


SAFERIDE

What is SafeRide?

  • SafeRide is a service provided to members of the Northwestern community as a safe and free alternative to walking alone after dark.
  • SafeRide drivers provide rides to and from destinations in and around Northwestern's Evanston campus.
  • SafeRide is not a taxi, it is a safety service meant to be used in conjunction with other strategies such as traveling in groups and using Northwestern's Shuttle Service.
  • SafeRide is staffed by student employees and administrators dedicated to enhancing campus safety.

THINK SAFETY
Plan Ahead
Travel in Groups
Know Your Resources

Safe Ride Logo

Need a Ride?
Call 847-491-7000