January Safe Campus Update

January 30, 2025

☝️ First things first

The weather forecast for the start of the spring semester calls for chills and thrills. Up your fashion game by adding cozy hats, thick gloves, and lots of loose layers. When it’s so cold that you just can’t even, make use of the Gopher Way. Pro tip: Bring your U Card so you don’t get stuck in a tunnel. 

🚕 Gopher Chauffeur shifts into gear

U Security in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is now in the driver’s seat of the free night ride service. You can expect the same smooth rides with a fresh new look and bigger map, too.

  • Clock this: Rides are available from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters.
  • Va va vroom: The cars got a subtle makeover with grey vibes and DPS branding.
  • More coverage, same care: The service boundary map got a glow-up, too: 15 more blocks were added to match U Security's other popular service, 624-WALK.
  • Your favorite app: Continue to request rides with the TransLoc app.  

🥘 Food insecurity? Not how we casse-roll.

The Nutritious U Food Pantry is ready for the spring semester with a new location in the St. Paul Student Center. And get this—all locations are open an extra hour from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance, pencil in the next pantry day on February 17.

You’re soup-er: In this season of resolutions, volunteer your time or donate to our campus food pantry to bring kindness and fresh food to your peers in need. 

Fill the grocery list: Looking for something else? Find food pantries, shelves, and more from this food resources document. It is courageous to ask for help. You are not alone. 

🫵 Safety roundup: A safer U starts with you

  • No nonsense: Update your emergency contact info in MyU under “My Info.” No excuses, no drama—just do it.
  • Stayin’ alive: Being someone's hero is always in style. Get certified in CPR with RecWell
  • See ya!: Give norovirus the boot with thorough handwashing, clean surfaces, and staying home when sick. Plan a trip to Boynton Health if those stomach cramps overstay their welcome.
  • In the know: Don’t get lost in the new semester haze. Review these theft prevention tips from DPS. 

 

P.S. Shout out to everyone for doing their part to keep our campus and surrounding neighborhoods safe.

 

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