Summer Safety at Penn

The Division of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities which we serve. As we enter the summer season on campus, we would like to provide a few safety reminders and a list of the many resources available.

Throughout the summer months, Public Safety maintains the same deployment levels, regardless of campus population. A reminder that the Penn Patrol Zone extends from 30th Street to 43rd Street (east to west) and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue (north to south).

DPS offers safety presentations, self-defense courses, and emergency procedures training to the Penn Community. Groups may request presentations via the form on our website. We inform the community about recent crime trends and more through our website and social media.

If you should have any concerns or see someone exhibiting suspicious behavior, call the PennComm Emergency Communications Center at 215-573-3333. We are here for you 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, call anytime. If you feel unsafe outside of the Penn Patrol Zone, call 911 for local police (in the U.S.).

Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.

Emergency Contact Information

How you may connect with us:

• Emergencies: Dial 215-573-3333 or 511 (from any campus phone). Dial 9-1-1 outside of the Penn Patrol Zone.
• Penn Guardian App: Penn Guardian is a free app that allows Penn affiliates the ability to rapidly provide information about themselves to the Division of Public Safety during an emergency.
• Blue Light Emergency Phones: If you observe a potential safety hazard, require assistance, notice suspicious activity, feel unsafe or need a walking escort, you can reach Public Safety directly through any emergency phone on campus. Just pick up the receiver or press the button.

How we connect with you:

UPennAlert Emergency Notification System:  The UPennAlert Emergency Notification System enables the University to quickly notify the Penn and surrounding Philadelphia community of critical information during significant emergencies or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus.

Update your UPennAlert emergency contact information here!

Risk Reduction Strategies

• Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
• Orient yourself to your surroundings (location, exits, etc.)
• Utilize 24/7/365 walking escort services by dialing 215-898-WALK (9255)

Safety & Wellness Resources

We encourage you to use the free services below, provided for your safety and wellbeing

Safety & Wellness Resources

Walking Escort: 215-898-WALK (9255)

Public Safety Officers provide walking escort services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue. This service is available to all community members – no PennCard needed! Call 215-898-9255 (898-WALK).

Penn Transit Ride Service: 215-898-RIDE (7433)

Penn Transit’s buses and shuttles help students travel between campus and the neighboring communities safely and efficiently. Penn Transit Services are free of charge to all Penn community members holding a valid PennCard.

Wellness at Penn: 24/7 medical care and mental health support at 215-746-WELL (9355)
Wellness at Penn is dedicated to caring for students during their academic journey while creating a campus-wide community of care. Our team is committed to offering a wide range of opportunities to access support, clinical resources, education, and practical tools to meaningfully engage with one’s health and wellbeing. 

Student Health and Counseling offers 24/7medical care and mental health support for students by calling 215-746-WELL (9355).

The Office of the Chaplain & SPARC: 215-898-8456

The Office of the Chaplain is available to students, faculty and staff for pastoral support, guidance, or informal advising and counseling.

Special Services: 215-898-4481 or 215-898-6600 (24hrs)

Members of the Penn community may inquire and receive support services when victimized by any type of crime. Highly trained personnel are available to offer immediate assistance, including crisis intervention, accompaniment to legal and medical proceedings, options counseling and advocacy, and linkages to other University and community resources.

University Life

University Life at Penn nurtures an inclusive campus life environment where students grow intellectually, engage in meaningful experiential opportunities, and deepen intercultural and interpersonal understanding in preparation for a life of meaning and purpose.

Connect with the cultural and community resource centers and other support resources supported by University Life.

Student Intervention Services (SIS): 215-898-6081

Student Intervention services supports students in crises, helps students access resources, and responds to concerns about students’ wellbeing.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-866-799-2329

Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide counseling and referral services to you and your families, as well as connect you to resources to help you work through the grief these events can create. EAP offers materials for coping with traumatic experiences and ways to help those who struggle with feeling safe at school, home, or work.

International Student and Scholar Services: 215-898-4661

ISSS has a dedicated team to provide you with professional immigration guidance, a wide array of services, informative programs, and unwavering support to enhance your U.S. experience throughout your entire stay at Penn and beyond. You can connect with us through various channels, including virtual and in-person advising, phone and email correspondence, participation in immigration workshops and integration programs, engaging with us on social media, or exploring our comprehensive website.

Weingarten Center: 215-573-9235

In addition to housing Student Disability Services which assists students navigating academic and/or other university accommodations, the Weingarten provides learning consultations, tutoring, and interactive programs as you develop learning strategies and content knowledge to further your academic and professional goals.

The Center works closely with all of Penn’s schools and centers and advising offices. If you find yourself falling behind in course work or struggling to focus on academics, reach out to a Learning Specialist at the Weingarten Center.

Online Harassment 

Should you experience online harassment, you may report any online harassment or threatening behavior to the Division of Public Safety by calling 215-573-3333 for immediate response or filling out our online Report a Crime form for response within 48 hours. You may also choose to report to Special Services at 215-898-4481 or .

 

City of Philadelphia Resources:

If you would like to receive emergency alerts from the City of Philadelphia, sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia through the Office of Emergency Management. ReadyPhiladelphia sends emergency alerts, notifications and updates to registered subscribers.