Dear NLU Community,

As we embark upon a new school year, National Louis University's Security Staff would like to remind everyone of a few tips to help keep you safe while on campus
and as you are commuting. Practicing good personal safety habits is the best way to protect yourself in any environment.

Thefts, robberies and other violent acts can occur anywhere at anytime, and we urge everyone to be aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times, especially
cell phones and bankcards. Please be sure that personal items like bags, purses and phones are not left in plain view, since these are easy targets for opportunistic thieves. NLU's Chicago campus is located in a very busy area of the city and a prime location for pickpocketers, snatch and grab thieves, armed robberies and other violent crimes against persons. For example, on Saturday, September 24, a man was critically wounded by a gunshot in Millennium Park, located a short distance from the Chicago campus. NLU's building was closed when this incident occurred and there was no threat to our campus.

Remember: always be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to steal your belongings,
it is best to give up your property without a fight.

Personal Safety

  *   Avoid isolated areas-underground garages, alleys, parking lots, and offices after business hours.
  *   Walk with a group, especially at night.
  *   Keep a firm grip on your purse or backpack with the bag zipped closed, and carried under your arm and near the front of your body.
  *   Carry your wallet inside your coat or in your front pants pocket.
  *   Maintain a safe distance from strangers, even if they just ask for directions.
  *   Be aware of your surroundings when using ATM's. If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction. If you must use an ATM after hours, use one in a well-lit area where you feel safe.

Theft Prevention

  *   Keep valuables out of sight; including purses and wallets, cell phones, electronics and jewelry, and never leave your valuables unattended.
  *   Do not carry more than you need. Carry only the minimum amount of money or credit cards you will need for the day.
  *   Wait until you arrive at your location to make cell phone calls. However, if you must talk on your cell phone while traveling, use headphones or a handsfree device to that you can keep your phone secure and out of sight.

Safety While Commuting

  *   Wait for public transit in a well-lit and populated area. Avoid sleeping on the bus or train. On a bus, try to sit up front near the driver, or on a train sit in a car with other people or near the conductor.
  *   When walking to your car, stay on well-lit and well-traveled walkways, avoiding shortcuts and keeping away from shrubbery, bushes, alleyways, or any other areas where you can't see if someone is hiding. If possible, plan to walk to and from class with a friend.
  *   Always lock your bike in the proper manner, with the lock securing both the front tire and the frame of the bike to the rail.
  *   Let someone know where you are going, with whom, and what time you plan to return.
  *   Learn about the neighborhoods and know the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and shops that are open late.

Campus safety numbers

Members of our NLU campus facilities staff are available for assistance should you need it. The numbers for each campus are:

  *   Chicago: 312.261.3333
  *   Elgin: 847.905.8080
  *   Lisle: 630.874.4444
  *   Skokie: 224.233.2222
  *   Wheeling: 847.947.5555
  *   Tampa: 813.491.6125

The University continuously works to maintain and improve safety measures across all its campuses, as your safety is of utmost importance to us.

Thank you,
The NLU Emergency Response Team