January 21, 2022


Dear Howard University Community,  
 
Let me first begin by formally wishing all of you a happy New Year and my best wishes for a successful semester. I know that each of you is committed to finishing this academic year in a positive way and aligning your goals for 2022 with a strong start throughout the month of January.  
 
You’ve already received a number of communications related to the University’s commitment to health and safety through our updated Bison S.A.F.E. protocols. These are critical elements in making sure that our campus community remains as safe as possible. Here are a few other areas of emphasis to promote safety and awareness throughout the campus community. 
 
Download the Bison S.A.F.E. App 
Bison S.A.F.E. is an essential tool for the University’s pandemic mitigation efforts but also works as a crime prevention and incident reporting asset. 

• Friend Walk: This is a function to alert contacts of your location. They can monitor your movement in real-time between your location and a marked destination. It allows you to make emergency calls to DPS with the touch of a button. 
• Mobile Bluelight: This can be used to instantly connect you with DPS and provides dispatch to your precise location in the case of an emergency. 

• Stay alert. Stay ready. 
• Expect to hear alarm bells and see strobe lights within buildings and residence halls. Everyone must evacuate, no matter if it is a test or an actual emergency. Know your evacuation routes around campus.  
• Please remember that altering, tampering with or damaging fire and life safety systems is against the law and can result in fines and University corrective actions.

• Lock your room door especially when you are asleep or out of the room, even for a minute.
• Don’t leave personal property unattended that has public access, such as offices, libraries, cafeterias, classrooms and other open spaces.
• Keep your cell phone close, but be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk around with your “head in your cellphone.” See something. Say something.
• When possible, avoid isolated and dark areas and walk with friends, especially at night. Otherwise, use the shuttle service to avoid traveling on foot across campus during dark hours.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity or suspicious individuals to the HU Police Department at 202-806-1100; please program this number into your cell phone for quick access.