Security
North Park University takes the safety of its’ on-campus residents very seriously, especially because of its urban setting. Many members of the campus community work together to ensure students’ security and safety.
Campus Safety
Campus Security Officers patrol North Park’s campus 24 hours a day and keep their eyes open for any suspicious or wayward behavior. They are on-call for the hours they are on-duty and may be reached at any time. Please see Campus Safety’s website to learn more (www.northpark.edu/focus/security).
The Blue-Light Emergency system is composed of numerous tall posts, with the word Emergency down the side, located throughout the campus. These Blue-Light Emergency systems have emergency phones and a button one may push in case of an emergency; if the emergency button is pushed, the emergency system will connect the person in need of help to someone who can assist them. See a map of all the locations of the Emergency Phones (www.northpark.edu/home/PDF/about/102NPUEmergencyPhones.pdf.
North Park also has a Community Bulletin (www.northpark.edu/home/PDF/about/102NPUEmergencyPhones.pdf that describes issues and statistics related to safety and security and also provides important phone numbers.
Front Desks – Desk Attendants & Buzzer Systems
Five of the seven living areas (the other two are apartment/house style) have front desks staffed 24/7 by Desk Attendants. Desk Attendants are most importantly present to monitor who enters and exits the buildings; they also offer assistance to students in an emergency by calling the Resident Assistant on-duty, security, and/or 911. When students enter a living area with a front desk, they must show the Desk Attendant their Student ID. If they do not reside in that living area, they must wait for their host to come down and check them in as a guest; the host and the guest(s) give their IDs to the front desk until the guest leaves. Though this can become tedious for residents, it is extremely important as it ensures that only appropriate visitors are present in the living area.
For residents’ safety, all of the front doors to the five living areas with desks (Anderson, Burgh, Ohlson, Park North, and Sohlberg) are closed and locked between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. If students desire to enter these living areas during that time, they must show their IDs in order for the Desk Attendants to buzz them in. The Buzzer systems are also equipped with an intercom system that allows for communication between the Desk Attendant and the person(s) wishing to enter the building.
Between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., residents of Burgh Hall and Sawyer Court may unlock their respective front doors by scanning their electronic ID card in front of the doors' sensors.
Escort System
Security officers are available for students to call if they desire an escort. Students may ask for an escort from one building or place to another on-campus as well as from the local “El” Kedzie and Kimball stops if it is late at night. Students can call x5600 to request an escort.
RA & RD “On-Duty”
Every day from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each living area has a Resident Assistant On-Duty who remains in that living area during that time. In addition to building relationships, answering questions, and doing lock-outs this person is the person that residents may call in case of an emergency or crisis situation. Each Resident Assistant wears a pager and may be contacted at that number or through the front desk. If the emergency or situation requires more assistance than the Resident Assistant can provide, he/she will page the Resident Director On-Duty and he/she will help respond and call further help if needed. If the emergency is dire, life and death, the front desk or the Resident Assistant will immediately call 911 and security and then the Resident Director On-Duty. The pager numbers for each of the living areas are listed below.
Anderson Hall RA Pager: 773-649-2950
Apartments/Houses RA Pager: 773-649-2955
Burgh Hall RA Pager: 773-649-2951
Ohlson House RA Pager: 773-649-2953
Park North RA Pager: 773-649-2956
Sawyer Court RA Pager: 773-649-2493
Sohlberg Hall RA Pager: 773-649-2954
Reminders
• If you choose to bring valuables, please be aware that you bring these items at your own risk, as North Park is not responsible for the possible damage, loss, or theft of these items. We also encourage you to be diligent in keeping your room locked at all times as most problems occur when students neglect to lock their doors.
• As we do live in the city, we encourage students to exercise common/street sense when walking around campus, the surrounding neighborhood, and Chicago in general. When you are walking around or taking public transportation late at night, remember that it is safest to walk in groups or at least with one other person. Be conscious and aware of your surroundings and of the time of day it is and make wise decisions based on this information. If you feel unsafe or are concerned about anything, please let the Desk Attendant, a Resident Assistant or a Resident Director know.