Campus Safety

Set up Account

For easy and fast information Rio used the Nixle service for emergency alert texting.
To subscribe to our messaging system within Nixle, create an account at: https://local.nixle.com/register/

After you have set up your account:

• Click “Settings”
• Click “Search for more Agencies, Community Groups & Neighbors”
• Type “University of Rio Grande Campus Police” into the search box
• Click “Go”
• Check the box where it says “Subscribe to University of Rio Grande Campus Police”
• Click the “Subscribe to Selected Agencies”

Message Publishing
Our police department and other local municipal agencies use Nixle as a publishing system. Messages are created and assigned a priority level ensuring important information reaches you in a timely manner.

Receiving Messages
Enter your mobile phone number to receive messages by SMS (text message). You can also choose to receive emails, or simply view the messages by logging into your Nixle account.

Information available:
Road Closures
School delays
Closing announcements
Dangerous/suspicious people on campus
Gas leaks/water breaks/hazardous materials

NOTE: You can decide to receive messages from various agencies. Including hometown or employment area. 

• Keep your room door locked when you are napping or sleeping.
• Never let unauthorized persons come into your room, enter residence halls, or enter apartment security doors. Always ask to see proper identification.
• Never prop open inside or outside doors.
• Do not hide keys outside of your room or apartment. Do not put your name or address on your key rings.
• Avoid working or studying alone in a campus building.
• Never dress in front of a window. Close blinds or curtains after dark.
• If you are awakened by an intruder inside your room, do not attempt to apprehend the intruder. Try to get an accurate description of the intruder and then call the police.
• Any suspicious activity should be reported to the University Police immediately.

• Carry your car keys when approaching your vehicle so you can enter quickly.
• Always check underneath your car upon approach and in the rear seat for intruders before entering your automobile.
• Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
• Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
• Never hitchhike, and never pick up hitchhikers.
• If someone tries to enter your stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive to a safe area such as a convenience store.
• If your vehicle breaks down, ask any person who stops to help to call the police. Do not allow any person access to you or inside your car. Roll down your window no more than an inch. Be aware that an accident may be staged to provide the other driver an opportunity to commit a criminal act.
• Leave enough room between your car and the one ahead so you can drive around it if necessary.
• Call ahead when driving to your home or apartment late at night and have someone watch you walk from your car to the residence.
• Limit distractions such as cell phones.

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, and try not to walk or jog after dark.
• Avoid dark or vacant areas. Walk along well-lit routes.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed: Run in a different direction, go to the other side of the street and yell for help, or move quickly to a lighted area, a group of people, or a blue light emergency phone.
• Have your keys ready when returning to your residence hall or apartment. Keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body.
• Avoid wearing headphones when walking or jogging. Always be aware of your surroundings and practice risk avoidance techniques.

• Lock your door whenever you leave your room for ANY length of time or when sleeping.
• Secure your vehicle. Close all windows and lock all doors.
• Never prop open any door.
• Adequately protect all valuables in your room, such as wallets, jewelry, credit cards, cash and computers. Do not leave valuables or cash in plain view.
• Protect your books and put your name in them. Do not leave them in public places.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone.
• Never hide your keys outside your apartment or room. Do not put your name or address on your key rings.
• Take all valuable items home with you during vacations.
• When in a public place, keep valuable possessions out of sight. If you must leave an area for any length of time, take personal items with you.