August 24, 2024
By Bethanie Glover
The University of Virginia’s Department of Safety and Security is rolling out a new mobile safety app, “UVA Ready.” The app, which replaces and expands upon the existing Rave Guardian app, will be available to anyone with a UVA email address, as well as the general public.
UVA Ready will give users quick access to UVA Alerts, safety protocols and other resources.
“We want anyone who might be on or around Grounds to have access to urgent safety information so that they can be prepared for possible emergencies and crises,” UVA Police Chief Tim Longo said. “This app is a one-stop shop for anyone in our community to feel safer and more informed.”
UVA Ready is available now for download to iOS and Android mobile devices.
New Safety and Security Names
To align units within UVA’s Department of Safety and Security, the University of Virginia Police Department recently transitioned to a new title: the University of Virginia Police Division.
“This change underscores our dedication to a unified and integrated safety strategy for the University,” Longo said. “By continuing to align the Police Division with the broader Department of Safety and Security, we can enhance our collaborative efforts and streamline our processes to better serve the University and Medical Center communities.”
UVA Police Chief Tim Longo wants “anyone who might be on or around Grounds to have access to urgent safety information so that they can be prepared for possible emergencies and crises.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
UVA Community Alerts are also undergoing a name change, and will now be known as “Safety Advisories.” The Clery Act, a federal law, requires Safety Advisories and UVA Alerts to be shared with the University community.
“With both UVA Alerts and Community Alerts being sent occasionally throughout the year, we realized that there could be confusion about the difference between, and urgency of, each type of alert,” Longo said. “Changing the name to Safety Advisories reinforces that those messages are simply for awareness, rather than immediate calls to action that are prompted by UVA Alerts.”
Faculty, staff and students are automatically enrolled to receive Safety Advisories and UVA Alerts as part of their onboarding. Members of the public without a UVA email address can sign up online for UVA Alerts and subscribe to Safety Advisories. Safety Advisories subscribers will need to click the activation link in their email confirmation.
Stay Safe This Year With These Resources
• UVA Ambassador Program: UVA Ambassadors conduct regular walking and bicycle patrols of the areas adjacent to Grounds where students live and socialize. Ambassadors are available at any time to provide a walking escort to students and can assist with finding safe transportation. Ambassadors on duty are distinguishable by their bright green shirts.
• Emergency Phones, Security Cameras and AEDs: More than 475 emergency phones are arrayed throughout Grounds and the surrounding Charlottesville area. Outdoor emergency phones are clearly marked by a bright blue light and indoor phones are red or marked for emergency in another bright color.
The University Police Division also has a robust system of more than 3,000 security cameras and a network of 280 Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, across Grounds.
• The UVA Emergency Notification System: To supplement Safety Advisories and UVA Alerts, UVA activates sirens and shares public broadcasts via audible outdoor warning systems. Emergency notifications are also posted to the UVA homepage, UVA social media accounts, and on LCD and LED screens across Grounds.
• After Hours Transportation: The University Transit Service Night Pilot and UTS OnDemand are fare-free, safe transportation options after hours. Both services run from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. each day during most of the academic year, with modified holiday schedules. OnDemand services remain available until 5 a.m. after UTS Night Pilot hours end.
Demand and Response Transportation, or DART, is a fare-free transit service for UVA students and employees who, due to a disability, are unable to use the University Transit Service.
Students who find themselves in uncomfortable situations and need a safe transportation option can use UVA’s Charge-a-Ride program with Yellow Cab. Using a valid UVA ID card, students can call Charge-a-Ride at 434-295-4131 and charge their ride to UVA. The fare is then charged to the student via the school’s Student Information System account – no questions asked.
• Reporting Tools: Just Report It provides a place for any University community member to report an incident where they believe they’ve been the victim of bias. A UVA online portal is also available for anyone to report safety hazards spotted on Grounds. Report a Barrier is a space to report obstacles or barriers that would prevent persons with disabilities from equally accessing and participating in University programs. Finally, TipSubmit is a confidential platform that allows members of the community to anonymously share information with the University Police.
Source: University of Virginia -UVAToday
