(DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)As the university steps into a new quarter, Public Safety would like to remind the community about several university policies and procedures to keep campus safe.
Class cancellation and campus closureIn the event of a large-scale class cancellation or closure due to inclement weather or any other reason, a university- wide email will be issued. Additionally, the DPU Alert emergency notification system may be utilized. Be sure to verify your contact information for DPU Alert in Campus Connect. More information on DPU Alert can be found on the
Public Safety website.
Suspicious activity
It’s important to be vigilant and aware of surroundings in any environment – in crowds, at concerts, on public transportation and at DePaul. Be on the lookout for suspicious activity. According to the Department of Homeland Security, suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
- Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
- Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation, particularly in concealed locations; unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building, such as with binoculars or video camera; taking notes or measurements; counting paces; or sketching floor plans.
To report suspicious activity on-campus, call Public Safety at the Loop Campus (312-362-8400) or the Lincoln Park Campus (773-325-7777).
Act of violence
Public Safety encourages you to contemplate a number of options for how to respond to an act of violence in various locations both on and off-campus. If you hear gunfire, shouting, screams, or commotion, react immediately. Please visit the
Public Safety website to view "Shots Fired On Campus" and a short video demonstrating how door barricades are used in classrooms.
The following actions are also recommended:
Run: Escape from the threat if you have a clear path of escape. When in doubt, barricade/secure your area.
- Know all emergency exits wherever you are
- Prevent others from entering the area where shooter may be
- Call 911 when you are safe
Hide: Barricade or secure your area to delay the attacker if you do not have a clear path of escape
- When in doubt, seek a secure location
- Lock room/office; stay quiet; turn lights off; hide under desk or in closet; cell phone on silent, not just vibrate
- If room does not lock: barricade door with whatever is available-chairs, tables, desk, etc. Use door barricade device in classrooms.
Fight: As a last resort, attempt to incapacitate the shooter, improvise weapons or throw items
- Attack as a team if possible, from multiple angles
- Use items such as chairs, fire extinguishers, coffee mugs, etc.
Please note we recommend you first call 911 in an active shooter situation. Then call Public Safety at the Loop Campus (312-362-8400) or the Lincoln Park Campus (773-325-7777).
Fire alarm
Evacuate immediately upon hearing a fire alarm. Use interior stairwells if safe to do so, meaning no smoke or fire, and exterior fire escapes as a last resort. Persons with disabilities may need assistance leaving the building during an evacuation. Visit the
Public Safety website for more information.