Personal safety
The University of South Australia is the largest of three higher education institutions in the State with some 2,200 staff and 23,300 students. Situated over five campuses; two suburban campuses, two city campuses located in Adelaide's CBD and a campus in the northern industrial centre of Whyalla.
As part of its concern for personal safety the University urges awareness of the dangers inherent in any comparably sized community.
- Staff, students and visitors can help make the campus safer for everyone by: recognising and taking conscious steps to avoid potentially risky situations and reporting any suspicious behaviour to Security
- Think ahead - be prepared Recognise potentially dangerous situations before they develop. Assess risks and devise contingency plans. Carry a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream loudly if attacked.
- Avoid lonely or gloomy places, especially at night - walk with a friend or stay with a crowd.
- If you are on the campuses at night use the UniSafe escort service provided by Security (details follow).
- Be alert and walk purposefully. Confidence deters attackers.
- Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions - it's better to be rude than to be in trouble.
- If someone follows you, change direction and go to a place where there are other people.
- Respect your intuition. Don't allow rationality to override your "sixth sense" - it could protect you from danger.
- When you're socialising, don't drink too much - keeping a clear head makes it easier to make wise decisions when it comes to personal safety.
- Taking public transport Know your timetable to avoid long waits - especially if you're alone
- Avoid lonely, closed in shelters - keep to open, populated areas in full view of bus or train.
- Avoid empty train carriages, and where possible take an aisle seat.
- Phone for taxis rather than hailing them, and if possible have someone see you off and keep a note of the taxi number. Sit in the back seat on the opposite side to the driver, and don't disclose personal information.
- Taking Your Car Park in well lit, busy areas.
- Hide any valuables from sight and lock the car before leaving.
- Walk confidently when returning to your car, with keys held ready to open the door (be prepared to use them to jab an attacker).
- Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car.
- Once inside, lock all doors and (if possible) leave windows up until you've reached your destination safely.
- Public Telephones Always carry correct change or a phone card for a phone call. You may need to call a taxi, friend, family member or Security if you are stranded or nervous.
- Be alert. When you have dialled, turn your back to the phone and speak looking outwards
- If threatened, dial 000 (a free call to the Police Department) or dial Security.
- If you call the Police or Security, give your name, telephone box number and location first. If someone tries to get into the phone booth, sit down and brace yourself against the door.
Security Services
The Security Offices are at the following locations:
- Mawson Lakes Administration and Building A, Ground Floor North East Corner, Room 15.
- City East Centenary Building, Level 3, Room. 8.
- City West Yungondi Building, Room Y1-55.
- Magill B Block Level 1 Room 36.
- Whyalla Main Building, Ground Floor North Wing Room 16.
Security Officers patrol the campuses and are on call 24 hours a day to deal with inquiries and provide assistance and support. You can contact offices by internal call on 88888 or from a public phone box on free call 1 800 500 911 to arrange for security escorts to public transport and cars.
Telephone Numbers for Security If dialling internally telephone 88888
If dialling from outside telephone:
- City East 8302 2222
- City West 8302 0000
- Magill 8302 4444
- Mawson Lakes 8302 3333
- Whyalla 08 8647 6050
- Alternatively dial Security (all hours) 1 800 500 911 - free call
Other Useful Numbers Counselling Services (Student Support centre)
- City East 8302 2330
- City West 8302 0022
- Magill 8302 4423
- Mason Lakes 8302 5006
- Whyalla 08 8647 6003
- Equity and Diversity Unit 8302 1700
Students Association
- City East 8302 2338
- City West 8302 0833
- Magill 8302 4615
- Mawson Lakes 8302 3212
- Whyalla 08 86476044
The UniSafe program aims to alert students, staff and visitors to personal safety issues and to maximise personal safety within the University of South Australia.