Expanding Campus Safety Beyond the College Campus

College campuses have systems and resources in place to support student safety. From campus security teams and blue light systems to well-lit pathways and emergency response programs, colleges work to create environments where students can feel safe and supported. But college life doesn’t stop at the edge of campus.

Students regularly spend time at off-campus bars, restaurants, and other local establishments. While these spaces are an important part of student life, they can also present unique safety challenges–and they may fall outside a college’s direct sphere of control.

So, how can colleges help support students when they’re off campus?

The uSafeUS® team is working to bridge the gap between on- and off-campus safety by connecting with local bars and restaurants and educating owners and staff about the tools students can use to get help in uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations.

Off-campus bars can be particularly challenging for colleges because they operate independently from the institution. At the same time, bars and other nightlife settings can present safety concerns, particularly when heavy alcohol consumption is frequently associated with the occurrence of harassment, assault, or other unwanted situations.

Giving students discreet, accessible tools to help themselves or a friend is one important part of creating a safer culture. But some tools are effective only when the people on the other side of the interaction know what to look for and how to respond. That’s why educating bar staff is such an important piece of the safety puzzle.

The uSafeUS mobile campus safety and wellness app team developed an informational resource for bar owners and a cheat-sheet for bar staff to introduce them to Angel Drink, a uSafeUS feature that allows students to discreetly signal for help while at a bar or restaurant. With Angel Drink, a student who feels uncomfortable or unsafe can display a fake drink recipe in the uSafeUS app with ingredients that signal to the bartender that they need help. The Angel Drink feature gives students a way to seek help without necessarily having to explain their situation publicly or directly and provides bar staff with a recognizable way to understand that a student is requesting assistance.

For Angel Drink to work effectively, however, bar staff need to know the signal and understand how to respond. By providing local establishments with clear information and practical guidance, colleges and communities can help ensure that students have access to support beyond campus boundaries.

Student safety doesn’t begin and end at the campus entrance. Creating a comprehensive safety network means considering where students live, work, socialize, and spend their time.

Engaging local bars and restaurants is one way colleges can extend their safety efforts into the surrounding community. By educating establishment owners and staff about resources like uSafeUS and Angel Drink, colleges can help create a stronger network of support–one that follows students beyond campus and into the communities that are part of their everyday lives.