Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,
As we begin a new academic year, Campus Safety wants to share a few reminders and resources to help everyone stay safe on and around campus.
MCAD is an Urban Campus
MCAD is located in an urban neighborhood, and members of our community regularly travel between campus, residences, parking areas, public transportation, and surrounding businesses. Being aware of your surroundings is an important part of personal safety—both on campus and as you travel through the neighborhood.
A few simple practices can help:
- Pay attention to your surroundings, particularly when traveling alone or after dark.
- Keep your phone accessible, but avoid becoming distracted by it while walking.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, change direction, enter a public or secure location, or contact Campus Safety.
- When possible, consider traveling with others, particularly at night.
- Do not confront or follow someone you believe may be involved in suspicious or criminal activity.
Campus Safety is Available 24/7
Campus Safety officers patrol campus around the clock and are available to assist with safety concerns, emergencies, access issues, and other situations that may arise.
Safety Escorts are available to members of the MCAD community and guests traveling to or from campus, including residences, parked vehicles, transit stops, and other nearby locations within the escort area. Escorts may be provided on foot or by Campus Safety vehicle, depending on the location and circumstances. There may be a wait during periods of high call volume.
See the Campus Safety Escort Area map for details, or contact Campus Safety at (612) 874-3801 for assistance.
Know How to Get Help
Call 911 for an immediate emergency, a crime in progress, or when police, fire, or medical assistance is needed.
When calling 911, be prepared to provide your location, including a street address, building, floor, intersection, or nearby landmark whenever possible.
After contacting 911, you may also contact Campus Safety so we can assist and coordinate as appropriate.
If you are confronted by someone demanding property, remember that your safety is more important than your belongings. Do not physically resist or pursue someone over property. Once you are in a safe location, call 911 and report what happened.
Campus Access & Security
MCAD is open to visitors and members of the public, but campus buildings are secured and access is controlled. During business hours, visitors should enter through designated entrances and check in at the Welcome Desk in coordination with Campus Safety.
After hours, access to academic buildings is limited to designated entrances. An MCAD ID card is required for after-hours entry, and everyone must badge in individually—do not allow others to enter behind you without using their own ID card.
Please carry your MCAD ID with you whenever you are on campus.
Stay Connected
MCAD uses Omnilert to send emergency notifications and important safety information by text and email. Please make sure your contact information is current so you can receive emergency communications.
Depending on the situation, MCAD may also communicate through email, campus monitors, public-address systems, or other available methods.
The college monitors activity in the surrounding neighborhood and works with the Minneapolis Police Department and our campus partners when incidents may affect the MCAD community.
Because MCAD is part of the broader Minneapolis community, you are also encouraged to sign up for the City's Smart911 emergency notification system. Smart911 can provide alerts about severe weather, snow emergencies, public safety incidents, and other situations affecting the community.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Different emergencies require different responses. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to evacuate, shelter in place, or take other protective action.
- Evacuation: Leave the building using the nearest safe stairwell. Do not use elevators. Follow instructions from Campus Safety or emergency responders.
- Shelter in Place: If conditions outside make it safer to remain indoors, go inside, close exterior doors and windows, and monitor your phone and email for instructions.
- Other Emergencies: Follow instructions provided through MCAD emergency notifications or by Campus Safety, law enforcement, fire department personnel, or other emergency responders.
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes and emergency exits in the buildings where you spend time.
We're Here to Help
Our goal is to maintain a campus environment where everyone feels informed, prepared, and comfortable asking for help. You do not need to wait for an emergency to contact Campus Safety. If something concerns you, if you are unsure what to do, or if you simply need assistance getting safely to or from campus, please reach out.
For additional information, visit the Campus Safety page on the MCAD Intranet.
Questions or concerns can also be directed to:
Campus Safety campus_safety@mcad.edu | 612-874-3801
Parking & Transportation parking@mcad.edu
Environmental Health & Safety ehs@mcad.edu
We look forward to a safe and successful academic year.
Sincerely,
Pam Hoffmann