Kent State was named the safest campus in Ohio and 11th in the nation in July, according to the data from FBI crime reporting and the National Center for Education Statistics. 

The research encompassed over 2,000 colleges and universities.

Much of this success comes from awareness, said Kent State Police community resource officer Tricia Knoles.

“In general, people are starting to become more aware of their own surroundings, which really helps,” she said.

In light of this recent accomplishment, Knoles said there are several resources available to students on campus to help maintain its position as the safest in Ohio.

Kent State Police Department: Campus police urge the use of 911 in the case of an emergency of any kind. For non-emergencies, the number is (330) 672-2212

Escort Service: This service allows students to call (330) 672-7004 for an escort at night when walking on campus.  Security Aides can provide escorts while on duty: 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS): The SRVSS office serves as a way to provide education and support related to personal safety and violence. The SRVSS office website defines “power-based personal violence” as sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking, noting that women have a one in six chance of being sexually assaulted, and men have a one in thirty-three chance.

Green Dot Program: Run out of the carriage house at 125 Midway Drive on campus, this program is a bystander movement encouraging proactive behavior against power-based personal violence, as noted on Kent State’s website.

Student Mediation Services: This easy-to-use service only requires that a student call (330) 672-0355 to get students connected with the assistance they need to resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Psychological Services: Students who feel overwhelmed or are struggling emotionally or mentally, may contact Psychological Services  at (330) 672-2487 or the counseling center in White Hall at (330) 672-2208 for guidance and help.

In addition to these resources, Knoles urged students to follow the guidelines of personal safety set by Kent State, including locking your residence hall or apartment doors, never letting callers know you are home alone, never leaving your keys in your car and walking with confidence.

“Many young adults walk around looking down at their phones,” Knowles said. “That disables you from noticing potential dangers.”

Cody Patton is the diversity reporter. Contact him at [email protected].