In the 2022-23 academic year, the University of Alberta saw notable increases in security incidents on our campuses. Some of the increases can be attributed to the cold weather; however, the current situation is reflective of similar trends in Edmonton that have been associated with the effects of houselessness, substance use and other barriers such as access to community, mental health or social services.
The university community is an important partner in addressing these broader societal issues. We are encouraged and amazed that so many of our students, colleagues and partners work tirelessly to try through their research, activism and volunteer activities to make a difference.
Inspired by a holistic approach to security and public safety, the university identifies priority and emerging security issues on campuses as well as potential actions and solutions through the University of Alberta Safety & Security Committee (UASSC), for which we serve as co-chairs.
Our committee is composed of approximately 40 U of A leaders, subject matter experts, service partners, faculty and staff representatives and student leaders. We meet on a monthly basis and act as representatives and ambassadors for the U of A communities we represent.
As the weather gets colder, we anticipate an increase in issues that lead to safety and security concerns on our campuses. We wanted to share some key actions the U of A is taking in 2023-2024 and how you can assist our community and help keep our campuses safe for everyone.
Key actions for 2023-2024
There are two specific key actions outlined in the UASSC August 2023 Report to our Community that we would like to draw your attention to.
Outreach
The Community Assistance Team is a partnership between the U of A’s Protective Services (UAPS) and community organizations in Edmonton. Through a person-centered, consent-based approach, the team works with members of the university and these organizations to help individuals find and navigate support for help with but not limited to houselessness, substance use, mental health, identification and financial support systems.
As part of a holistic approach to security and public safety, the Community Assistance Team’s capacity has been doubled. The partnership now includes the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and the Mustard Seed Society. This enhances the team’s ability to respond to incidents and concerns by conducting outreach and providing assistance to people facing barriers that may have been disadvantaged by the system.
Infrastructure
Throughout the fall and winter terms, the U of A will continue to proactively make adjustments to its infrastructure to ensure public safety and security. These measures may range from the installation of bike cages and upgrading security infrastructure such as card reader technology, to the reduction of facility hours of operation and points of entry. Mindful adjustments to our buildings’ operating hours will continue as a way to enhance safety and security for all campus community members and constituents.
Your role in public safety
We all have a vital role to play in keeping our campuses safe for learning and work. There are steps you can take to ensure your safety and security and the safety and security of our community.
Know who to call for help.
Knowing who to call for help keeps our campuses safe for everyone.
- 911 for emergencies. Call 911 to save a life, report a fire or report a crime on all campuses. Call U of A Protective Services at 780-492-5050* after 911 has been called.
- 780-492-5050* for crisis diversion. Cold weather compounds issues associated with houselessness and substance use that members of our community face. You can assist by knowing who to call for help to aid a person in non-emergency distress on our campuses. Call (780) 492-5050* for crisis diversion, which could include someone who is dressed inappropriately for cold weather, sleeping in an unsafe space, intoxicated or otherwise impaired, confused, disoriented or experiencing a mental health concern.
* Note that the number is different for Augustana Campus Protective Services and Enterprise Square Security.
- 780-442-4900 for transit safety and security concerns. All transit area locations in Edmonton are the property of the City of Edmonton, and under the jurisdiction of the Edmonton Transit Service and Edmonton Police Service. Text or call 780-442-4900 for transit safety and security concerns or use the blue emergency phones located in City of Edmonton LRT stations and major bus terminals. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Keep our spaces safe
In response to an increase in theft, vandalism and related safety concerns, facilities and buildings across campuses have begun adjusting hours of operation and points of entry. Find the hours and entrance points of the buildings you use by visiting uab.ca/hours.
Your ONEcard may be required for access after hours, so ensure you keep it with you at all times to guarantee access. Don’t hold the door open to areas that are locked or require ONEcard access.
Plan ahead when working or studying after hours
- Work with a colleague or study with a partner, if possible. Carry a cell phone, tell someone when you’re working on campus or use the Use the Lone Worker Service.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and make eye contact with others. Avoid staring or keeping your head down.
- Be confident and direct when addressing unknown people. Trust your instincts and call for help when you need it.
Visit the campus security web page to learn more about the campus safety and security services available at the U of A. Faculty, staff and students should be aware of and exercise personal safety and security measures on a daily basis, and help inform their colleagues and peers when opportunities exist. Even small actions can make a big difference. Together, we can keep our campuses safe.
Jason Carey
Dean and Executive Officer, Campus Saint-Jean and Co-Chair, University of Alberta Safety and Security Committee
James Allen
Associate Vice-President, Asset Management and Operations, Facilities and Operations and Co-Chair, University of Alberta Safety and Security Committee
The University of Alberta is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Every day, we advance this commitment to safety through the Culture of Care.