With finals just around the corner, and our hours of daylight diminishing earlier, now is an excellent time to review some vital safety information for those commuting on or near the College of Charleston campus. The College of Charleston has several resources to help students, faculty, and staff travel safely around campus.
Safety Escort System
The College of Charleston Department of Public Safety is available for safety escorts on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An officer will meet you at your location and walk with you to your destination. To utilize this service, simply call Public Safety at (843) 953-5609.
The Cougar Shuttle
The Cougar Shuttle fleet consists of a 12 passenger van, an 8 passenger van and a 5 passenger van dedicated to the safe transportation of College of Charleston students anywhere on the downtown peninsula. The shuttle operates seven nights a week from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. The service is free to all students who present a valid Cougar Card. To schedule a pick-up, call 888.960.2227. Please let the dispatcher know if you have special needs so we can better serve you.
Cougar Shuttle was launched as a free service to students in the fall of 2009. It has safely transported thousands of students throughout the downtown area.
Campus Night Map
The Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Division of Marketing and Communications, created the Campus Night Map . This map shows the recommended routes of nighttime foot travel based off of adequate lighting conditions and easy access to our emergency call boxes. When traveling on foot after dark, please consider using the routes highlighted on this map for your safety.
Whistle Alert Program
The College of Charleston Department of Public Safety participates in the Whistle Alert Program. Through this program, campus community members are encouraged to blow a whistle, or other noise making device, to alert a Public Safety Officer that they are in a dangerous situation. The Department of Public Safety offers free whistles to students wishing to participate. More information on the Whistle Alert Program can be found here.
R.A.D.
The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. Courses are held every semester and are free of charge. To sign up, or if you would like more information, please contact rad@cofc.edu.
If you do plan on traveling at night, familiarize yourself with the routes you normally travel. Survey the campus while classes are in session and after dark to see that academic buildings, walkways, facilities, and parking lots are adequately secured and well-lit. Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lit, busy pathways and streets. Avoid alleyways or “short cuts” through isolated areas. Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night. Walk near the curb and avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment. Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and what time you expect to return. Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Walk with a confident stride; keep your head up and look around.
For questions or more information, please contact PSO Madeline Sloan at sloanm1@cofc.edu.