Public Safety & U: Welcome Week 2026

Welcome to Drexel University! As you prepare for the start of the fall term, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the safety resources available to you on campus and in the surrounding community. Drexel Public Safety (DPS) believes that safety is a shared responsibility. In that spirit, this guide covers the essential tools, services and tips to help you stay safe throughout the year.

Start Here: 3 Ways to Use Your Phone for Safety

DPS encourages every student to take these three steps before classes begin.

1. Save Drexel Public Safety in Your Contacts: Store 895.2222 in your phone and label it Drexel Public Safety. This number connects you to the DPS Communications Center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with emergencies, walking escort requests, and reports of crime or suspicious activity. You can find additional emergency and non-emergency numbers to add to your contact list on the DPS website.

1. Confirm Your DrexelALERT Information: DrexelALERT is the University's emergency notification system that distributes critical information to students, faculty and professional staff via text and email. All students are automatically enrolled to receive text alerts for their primary campus, but it is important to keep your contact information current. To confirm or update your information:

• Log in to DrexelOne.
• Select the Welcome
• Select DrexelALERT under the Safety, Security and Support
• Update your contact information and select Submit.

1. Download the Drexel Guardian App: The free Drexel Guardian app is available for Android and Apple devices and turns your phone into a personalized safety tool. Features include: one-touch emergency communication; emergency GPS locator; safety timer; and Guardian management and messaging for family members, roommates, friends and any others you select.

BONUS - Follow DPS for Tips & Updates: Look for our monthly newsletter, Public Safety & U, in DrexelNOW (you can browse past issues on the DPS website), and follow @drexelpublicsafety on Instagram.

Safety on the Go: Beginner's Guide to Getting Around

By Foot: How to Request a Walking Escort

A walking escort is a trained security professional who will accompany you so you don't have to walk alone. Here's how to request one from various locations:

• Within Drexel Patrol Boundaries, 24/7 (30th to 36th streets and Chestnut to Spring Garden streets): Call 215.895.2222, use a blue-light emergency telephone, or asking any public safety officer on patrol
• Mantua Neighborhood, 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Spring Garden Street to Wallace Street between 31st and 40th Streets): Call 215.895.2222
• Center City Campus, 24/7 (Vine Street to JFK Boulevard and 16th Street to Broad Street): Call 215.895.2222
• University City District (UCD), 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (30th to 42nd streets from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue): Call UCD at 215.387.3942.

By Bike, E-Bike or E-Scooter: Secure Your Ride Responsibly

• Use a U-lock for the best protection. You can learn proper U-lock use through the instructional video on the DPS website or by asking a DUPD officer for a demonstration.
• Registeryour bicycle or scooter at Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. and receive a bicycle lock.
• E-bikes and e-scooters can pose a fire hazard due to their lithium-ion batteries. You are prohibited from connecting e-bikes and e-scooters to any electric outlet within Drexel buildings for the purpose of charging. Use marked, designated scooter racks throughout campus to properly secure your device. Do not lock your device onto trees, railings or any other property.

By Transit or Rideshare:

• Drexel Bus Service: Drexel offers free shuttle bus service across its three Philadelphia campuses. Visit the Real Estate and Facilities website for bus schedules. Download the Drexel Transit app, powered by TripShot, for bus tracking and the latest updates on schedules (iOS | Android).
• SEPTA: Get the latest information, emergency numbers and more at org/safety.
• Rideshare Services: Exercise best judgement and caution when using ridesharing services. DPS' Safety Tips page has eight steps you can take to ensure you're riding safety.

By Car: Protect Your Vehicle From Theft

DPS provides comprehensive guidance on how to safeguard your vehicle and what to do if your vehicle is stolen. The highlights:

• Never leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Always lock your vehicle, close all windows and sunroof, and take your keys.
• Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
• Use theft-deterrents such as steering wheel locks
• Park in busy, well-lit areas.

Secure Your Stuff

Most crimes on campus are unattended thefts. Safeguard your valuables by taking these simple steps:

• Keep your personal items with you or secured at all times.
• Always lock and never prop doors or hold doors open for others; all members of the Drexel community should swipe their DragonCard to access campus buildings.
• Register your bikes, skateboards, computers, laptops, cell phones, larger headphones and other valuables with Drexel Public Safety's free property registration service at Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St. (bring your items to be registered). DPS is also offering property registration at various locations throughout campus during Welcome Week (see below for details).
• If you have packages delivered to your home, take precautions to avoid theft. Do not leave packages outside for long periods of time. Arrange for alternative delivery options or make sure someone is present to receive the delivery.
• If you need a safe, public space in which to meet someone to complete an online transaction, you can use the front lobby of the Drexel University Police Station (3219 Arch St.), which is under 24-hour video surveillance and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• When visiting the Recreation Center, use the lockers provided and purchase a lock to ensure your belongings remain safe and secure. An unlocked locker is an advertisement for theft.

Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

The men and women of DPS are thrilled to welcome all the new Dragons beginning their Drexel journey this fall, and we hope these tips will help you start with a solid foundation of safety! For more safety tips and information, please visit the Drexel Public Safety website. We also invite you to join us at the following events being held during Move-In and Welcome Week:

Public Safety Information Sessions, Nesbitt Hall, Room 111 (every hour on the hour):

• Saturday, Sept. 12: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 14: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Family Friendly Resource Fair, Behrakis Grand Hall, Creese Student Center:

• Saturday, Sept. 12: noon to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 13: noon to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 14: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Veterans and Military Dependents Resource Fair, Bossone Research Enterprise Center Lobby:

• Wednesday, Sept. 16: 8:30-11 a.m.

Property Registration:

• Monday, Sept. 14: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lancaster Walk
• Wednesday, Sept. 16: noon to 2 p.m., Perelman Plaza
• Monday, Sept. 21: noon to 3 p.m., Korman Quad

Water Ice With Cops:

• Thursday, Sept. 17: 2-4 p.m., Korman Quad

Cookies With Cops:

• Friday, Sept. 18: 7-9 p.m., Recreation Center Gym
• Sunday, Sept. 20: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Race Lawn/Spangler Walk

GSA Graduate Food Festival Resource Table:

• Sunday, Sept. 20: 1-5 p.m., Perelman Plaza