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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Safety & Campus Conduct

Cornell University, Ithaca campus is generally a very safe. But we all play a role in keeping it that way. One major role in keeping our University safe is Cornell’s own  Division of Public Safety . This division is focused on safety and providing services is a comprehensive approach that prioritizes transparency and empathy in delivery of public safety services. 

Cornell Police

Cornell Police is your campus law-enforcement agency. Cornell Police strives to enhance the safety and security of everyone on campus and can enforce local, state, and federal laws.  

Community Response Team

The Community Response Team is a person-centered, trauma-informed mobile crisis care program serving persons in crisis on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.

Cornell University Public Safety Communications

Cornell University Public Safety Communications Center is the university’s own 911 center staffed by three telecommunications supervisors, nine full-time telecommunications officers, and two system administrators.  The Communications Center operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. To contact the Communications Center please dial 607-255-1111

Caring Community

Cornell is committed to maintaining a bias-free climate based on civility, decency, and respect. If you are a victim, are concerned for someone's well-being, or have witnessed a questionable activity, you can help Cornell maintain a caring community by using the resources found on Mental Health at Cornell or by reporting a bias incident. 

Cornell will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form. The Sexual Harassment and Assault-Response and Education (SHARE) website provides comprehensive resources for community members.

Safety Dos 

  • Lock and secure your valuables when they are unattended
  • If you are leaving a common area or taking a study break while on campus, please take your computer, phone, and any other valuables with you; this will prevent them from becoming stolen. 
  • Learn the university landscape and be aware of your surrounds 
  • Learn about the Good Samaritan protocol and laws
  • Watch out for identity theft! Take steps now to protect your personal identity and financial information from security breaches. Safeguard your devices and find out more with identity theft resources. 
  • Keep your contact information up-to-date on Student Essentials
  • Familiarize yourself with the Cornell Student Code of Conduct and university policies

Tips & Topics

  • Cornell University has over 950  Blue Light emergency phones around the campus which provides you with a direct line to the Cornell Communication Center. These blue light phones should be used in a emergency, if your lost, or do not have another way to contact us for general questions. 
  • Take advantage of the Blue Light and TCAT Bus services when traveling around campus. This is a great way to get to and from a location in a quick and safe manner. 
  • As a member of the Cornell community, you can download a free app on your phone that provides an extra layer of safety while on campus. Download the free safety app for your smartphone. 
  • Take advantage of the Safety Planning programing that Cornell University Police offer to all members of the community. To learn more about it, please reach out to their Community Engagement team at cupd_engagement@cornell.edu. 
  • Bringing a bike on campus? If so, please consider replacing your cable lock with a Kryptonite U-lock to help prevent bike theft. 

Additional Resources 

Mental health, alcohol and drugs

Your health matters to us. As a community we must look out for one another. If you are having a difficult time with your health at the University. We suggest searching the links below and connecting with the right resource for you: 

Hazing

Cornell has many terrific student groups, organizations, and teams. However, like other colleges and universities, we are not immune to hazing. The university take hazing very seriously and so do students. If you find yourself in that situation, resources are available. But, please remember you can always call the Cornell Communication Center for immediate assistance at 607-255-1111.