We are thrilled to have our Lynx back on campus in the vibrant city we call home. As September’s National Preparedness Month comes to an end, we’d like to provide an overview of our safety protocols and information about our expanded visible ID badging initiative.

This initiative began a year ago in response to campus community feedback wanting CU Denver community members to be more easily identifiable inside our buildings to safeguard our security. We implemented the initiative in phases, starting with the CU Denver Building, Business School, and Lawrence Street Center. The first phase proved to be successful—the CU Denver building reported no thefts for the first time in years—and garnered positive feedback and support from building occupants. Starting this semester, we’ve expanded the initiative. When you are on CU Denver’s campus, you are required to visibly display your ID badge. Wearing an ID badge not only supports safety and security on campus but also offers a sense of community among our Lynx. 

We also heard a call from our community to ensure we have options for preferred names. To get a badge or change your badge name to your preferred name, please fill out the ID Authorization/Charge Form and visit the ID Station located in the Tivoli Student Union. There is no mandate about how you display your badge. We just ask that it be visible. You can wear it around your neck using a lanyard and ID holder (contact your department for a lanyard and ID holder) or clipped to your clothes with a retractable badge holder. Jacki has lanyards and badge holders for the Department, come to her office M,T, or W 7:30a-4:00p to pick one up.

Additionally, please keep in mind the tips and tools available on campus to help protect your safety.

Quick Tips

• Add your cell phone number in your CU Portal to receive campus-wide emergency notification texts.
• Sign up for regularly occurring emergency management trainings, hosted by CU Denver’s Emergency Management Division.
• Keep your guard up when wearing headphones, looking at your phone, and/or walking alone.
• If you're on campus after the sun goes down, you can call or text the Auraria Campus Police Department and they will send an officer to escort you to your vehicle or to your destination within the boundaries of campus. 

Contacts

• If it is an emergency, you can call either the Auraria Campus Police Department at 303-556-5000 or 9-1-1. Please plug the Auraria PD number into your cellphones; the department is available 24 hours a day.
• Note that for CU Denver buildings and grounds north of Speer Boulevard (including Lawrence Street Center, Business School Building, and the CU Denver Building), the Denver Police Department will respond to 911 calls.
• Text a tip to 720-593-8477 if you observe any suspicious activity on campus.

We work and learn on a campus that is surrounded by activity and a busy downtown environment. While that is a benefit to our campus community, it’s also a reason we must prioritize safety. We are here to assist you should you have any questions or needs.

Jennifer Sobanet
Executive Vice Chancellor of Administration and Strategy