Many parents and families are concerned about the safety of their students while they are away at college. SUNY Polytechnic Institute works to provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community.
The following information provides an overview of SUNY Poly's University Police, campus security practices, student responsibilities and residence hall safety.
Department of University Police
The University Police Department is located on the first floor of Kunsela Hall, Room B126. University Police personnel include police officers, supervisors, civilian dispatchers and administrative staff.
Uniformed University Police personnel are sworn police officers with full police powers and have successfully completed a New York State Municipal Police Academy. Officers conduct foot, bicycle and vehicle patrols of the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
University Police works closely with the New York State Police and Oneida County Sheriff's Office to enforce New York State laws and report criminal incidents when appropriate.
When situations pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community, SUNY Poly may issue emergency notifications through its emergency alert system.
General Security Information
Students, faculty and employees have access to academic, recreational and administrative facilities during regular hours of operation. Access to residence halls is limited to students and their guests according to University policies and procedures.
Additional information about residence hall access and guest procedures is available in the Student Handbook.
Access to residence halls by University employees is provided on an as-needed basis and follows established key-control procedures. Members of the public may attend cultural and recreational events on campus, with access generally limited to the facilities where those events are being held.
Reporting Safety or Security Concerns
Students and members of the campus community are encouraged to report suspicious activity, safety concerns or potential security hazards to University Police.
The Facilities Department maintains campus buildings and grounds with safety and security in mind. Campus facilities are inspected regularly, and repairs affecting safety and security, such as broken windows or locks, are addressed as appropriate.
For concerns about the physical safety of campus buildings and grounds, contact the Facilities Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at campus extension 7456. For emergencies outside of regular business hours, contact University Police.
Campus Safety Features
Campus safety and security measures include exterior lighting and blue-light emergency telephones located throughout campus. Blue-light emergency phones connect directly to University Police.
Student Responsibility
The cooperation and involvement of students are important parts of campus safety. Students are encouraged to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their personal belongings.
Recommended safety practices include:
- Walk with a friend or request an escort from University Police if you do not feel comfortable walking alone.
- Lock residence hall room doors at night and whenever the room is unoccupied.
- Park vehicles in well-lit areas and keep them locked.
- Keep valuables out of sight and secure them whenever possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity or unusual incidents to University Police.
Residence Life and Safety
SUNY Poly's residence life program is designed to provide students with a safe, healthy and welcoming living environment that supports the University's academic mission. Residence halls also provide opportunities for students to interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Residence Life staff work closely with University Police and Facilities to help maintain safe and secure residence halls. Professional Residence Life staff and resident assistants live in the residence halls and receive training related to residence hall policies and safety procedures.
SUNY Poly does not provide supervision for off-campus housing, including apartments, individual homes or rooms in private homes. Students experiencing concerns related to their living situation are encouraged to seek assistance from the appropriate University office.
Residence Hall Safety and Security Features
Safety and security features within and around SUNY Poly residence halls include:
- Fire extinguishers in common areas and buildings
- Fire-resistant or self-extinguishing upholstered furniture
- High-visibility blue-light emergency call boxes
- Keyless access controls on exterior doors
- Doorbell systems at exterior entrances
- Vision panels on entry doors
- Door viewers at suite entrances
- Contact switches or alarms on designated exterior doors
- Security cameras in residence hall and campus areas
University Police conducts vehicle, bicycle and foot patrols of residence hall areas and is prepared to respond to campus emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness
Members of the campus community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and know how to respond if a dangerous situation occurs.
Review the Active Shooter Brochure (PDF) for additional emergency preparedness information.
