If there is a reported emergency on campus, AlertSU, Stanford's emergency notification system, will deliver time-sensitive emergency notifications to faculty, staff, students, postdocs and other members of the Stanford community via voice mail, email and text-messaging. Status updates will also be available online and through a recorded phone message.

Stanford's emergency website is: emergency.stanford.edu

Stanford's emergency information hotline is: 650-725-5555.


Preventative Measures

The establishment of a threat assessment task force, early intervention strategies, university intervention and support resources, and the proactive recognition and reporting of warning signs provides the best foundation for preventing violence on campus. Every member of the Stanford University community should take responsible preventative measures to ensure safety of themselves and others by doing the following:

  • Proactively communicating any concerning behavior to the appropriate resources: Students | Faculty & Staff | Postdocs | Parents
  • Avoiding rationalization or denial
  • Understanding that violence does occur
  • Reporting concerning behavior to the appropriate person
  • Willingness to intervene
  • Being prepared to personally protect yourself in the event violence occurs

 

Personal Protection

There are many factors to consider when thinking about personal protection. These can include:

  • the intent of the person to do violence
  • the ability to escape from the situation
  • the expressed intent or actual use of weapons (eg. firearms)
  • your ability to call out for assistance
  • and your ability to fight back if escape is not an option.

Regardless of your physical capabilities, the will to survive is often a mindset that involves some mental preparation. As such, it is important that you be aware of your surroundings, hide or escape from the environment if possible, and if not, the last option is to directly confront the assailant by using whatever means are necessary and at your disposal to defend yourself and/or get to safety.

More information on personal protection is available through our annual Safety, Security & Fire Report.

Training

Self Defense Training

The Stanford Martial Arts Program (SMAP) provides self-defense workshops throughout the year to all undergrad students in their residential areas. Workshops are open to all Stanford community members. If you would like to request a self-defense workshop for your Stanford residential community or department, please contact Tim Ghormley: . For more information about SMAP, please visit their website: smap.stanford.edu.

Other Available Training Seminars and Workshops

[Under Development]

Topics will include:

  • Understanding Threat Assessment & the Threat Assessment program on campus
  • Increasing Personal Safety
  • Recognizing and Responding to Stalking
  • Avoiding and Seeking Help for Controlling & Abusive Relationships
  • Sexual Assault Prevention, Awareness & Support
  • Preparing Faculty & Staff for Stressful Situations
  • Helping Students Deal with Stress
  • Customized educational presentations and materials for Students, Faculty & Staff