Campus Safety

Texas Tech University is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and educational environment for all students, employees and visitors to campus. Violators of University policies risk disciplinary actions from Texas Tech and prosecution by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Security Of and Access To Texas Tech University Lubbock Campus Facilities

Generally, university facilities are open to the public. Entry stations are kiosks found at Texas Tech's primary entrances. They are staffed by Transportation & Parking Services employees on weekdays from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm in the fall and spring semesters and weekdays from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm in the summers. When the university is closed, buildings are locked, and only faculty, staff, and students with authorization are permitted access.

The campus "access control" system provides electronic access to all residence halls as well as selected campus buildings and labs. This system is overseen by the Texas Tech Police Department. The system is frequently tested and updated to ensure proper function. Officers conduct routine patrols of campus buildings to evaluate and monitor security related matters.

Select campus academic buildings and all residence halls except Carpenter/Wells are equipped with keycard access and door alarms. In addition, many offices, labs, computer rooms, and other secure areas have alarm and camera monitoring systems.

Public areas, such as lobbies, within residence halls are restricted to card access only beginning at midnight and reopen to the public at 6:00 a.m. the following day. The non-public areas of residence halls are secured 24-hours a day to residents and their escorted guests. Only students with proper TTU ID card credentials, or guests to whom a resident grants escorted access, are allowed in the secure areas of the building.

Approximately 8,000 students live on campus within 19 residence halls during the academic year. Residence hall staff members have been trained to be a resource for students and assist them with any situation. They have a great working relationship with offices on campus and can refer students who may require additional assistance. All housing staff can assist with filing a police report or reporting incidents to the university without police assistance. University Student Housing staff and TTPD officers assist with security needs in the residential facilities and encourage building residents to report suspicious or unusual activity.

Maintenance of Texas Tech University Lubbock Campus Facilities

Texas Tech facilities and landscaping are maintained to minimize unsafe conditions. Operations Division staff and TTPD regularly patrol the campus and document malfunctioning lights and other unsafe conditions for correction. Campus community members can report hazards directly to Operations through an online reporting process. The campus' overall safety and security program is supplemented by a variety of technological systems including access control, security cameras, emergency phones, and fire detection, suppression, and reporting systems.

Security and Access to TTU Regional Campus Facilities

Generally, university facilities are open to the public during regular office hours except holidays and some evening hours when classes or other official university activities are in session. At other times, the campus buildings are generally locked and only faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors are permitted access.

The Texas Tech University regional campuses do not have any university-owned student housing facilities at their locations.

Maintenance of TTU Regional Campus Facilities

Texas Tech University regional campus maintenance personnel have the responsibility to maintain campus buildings and have physical key access to all buildings/ university-controlled areas. Routine maintenance usually occurs during daytime hours. Texas Tech policy is that these activities be conducted with focus on safety and security and that facilities and landscaping are maintained in a manner to minimize unsafe conditions. TTU faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to report security concerns observed while in campus buildings and property. The university will respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards, such as broken windows, locks, and lighting problems. Members of the university community are encouraged to immediately report any security deficiencies or suspicious activity to any facilities staff member, security officer, or law enforcement officer.

Responsibilities of the Texas Tech Community for Their Safety and Security and for Other Members of the Community

Texas Tech University community members should assume responsibility for their safety and the security of their personal property and are encouraged to assist others. The following precautions provide guidance:

Report All Suspicious Activity to the Local Police Immediately

General Information

• At night, travel in well-lit areas and in pairs, when possible. If on Texas Tech University Lubbock campus, use Raider Ride.
• Report incidents and suspicious activity or persons to local police
• Notify the Police if you have a protective order issued against an individual listing Texas Tech as a protected location.
• Limit your alcohol consumption and use caution at social functions.
• Remember to call for help at the first sign of trouble.
• Be aware of email scams; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never take personal safety for granted.

Personal Property

• Record the serial numbers of your property and mark personal items with your name and some other traceable identification.
• Keep your credit cards, debit cards and important documents out of sight and secure.
• Leave items of high monetary value at home.
• Do not leave personal property (wallets, purses, books, phones, etc.) unattended.
• Do not carry excess cash.
• Keep your purse/backpack close to your body.
• Inventory your personal property and insure it with personal insurance coverage.

Vehicles

• Lock your car doors and close windows when leaving your vehicle.
• Keep your keys with you at all times and do not lend them to anyone.
• Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle.
• Do not park in isolated areas.
• Secure your bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, etc. and register them with TTU Transportation and Parking or local campus officials, where applicable, to help prevent theft or aid in recovery if the item is stolen.

Residence Hall/Apartments (On or Off-Campus)/Houses

• Always lock the door to your residence hall room/apartment, even when you are asleep or not at home.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone.
• Keep windows closed and locked.
• Do not prop open interior or exterior doors to buildings or residence halls.
• Do not attach your name and address to keys.
• Do not let strangers enter the residence hall.
• If someone knocks on your door, find out who it is before you open the door.
• Never give out your personal information.
• Do not leave a message on your door concerning your whereabouts.
• Report any lost or stolen keys immediately.
• Make sure the apartment or house locks have been changed since the previous tenants moved out.
• List only your first initial and last name on a mailbox.
• Leave lights on or put them on a timer when you are away for an extended time or plan to arrive home after dark. Ensure that it's sufficient inside and outside.
• Be aware of how safe the area/neighborhood is.
• Know where the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are (especially around the bedroom).