Pedestrian Walkway Facing Police Station and McCormick

No one likes to imagine a disturbance to the peace and safety of our university. While we hope that a crisis or emergency will never occur at UNCG, the university has made emergency preparedness a priority. An Emergency Planning and Response Team (EPART) and a Crisis Management Group are ready to be activated if an urgent situation arises. UNCG’s Spartan Safe response system helps ensure campus-wide awareness of how to respond to crises. It is based on a strategically-developed and continually updated Crisis Communication Plan.

By using multiple communication systems, the university will provide rapid notification to our more than 17,000 students and 2,500 faculty and staff. The Office of Housing and Residence Life has prepared the following information for your benefit and safety. HRL and the University make every effort to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Check out what you can do to receive alerts, ways you can stay safe on campus and contacts you can call for help.

Safety in the Residence Halls

Keeping Building Entrances Safe

The security of residents is a primary concern at UNCG. For safety reasons, residents must use their Spartan Cards for entry. Residents should never give these cards to anyone else to use, nor should doors be propped open. Please remember that safety starts with each resident. Access to residence halls is governed by computerized 24-hour electronic control system. All halls maintain controlled access on a 24-hour, seven day/week basis. Card readers, which are located just outside the entrance, will only recognize and grant access to a properly encoded University identification card. The door will unlock and then immediately re-lock when it closes. Access to each residence hall is limited to only those students that reside in the building or otherwise require access (for classes, etc).

You can help to ensure your safety by following a few simple rules:

  • Never let someone into your building or your room that you do not know. 
  • Never prop open an exterior door or tamper with propped door alarms. 
  • Always know the location of your room access key and Spartan Card. 
  • Lock your door at all times. This means whenever you are not in the room, or if you go across the hall to visit with friends, or if you go to take a shower or if you go to sleep. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to enter a room and steal property.
  • Walk in groups when traveling outside the residence hall, especially at night. If this is not possible, utilize the University services available to you such as Spartan Chariot, Safety Escort and HEAT buses. Always travel in well-lighted, heavy traffic areas. Immediately call the UNCG Police if you see any suspicious activity (at 336.334.4444).

Campus residents are responsible for reading emergency/evacuation procedures posted in the corridors of each hall, knowing locations of exit stairwells and doors, planning more than one exit route and not tampering with fire safety equipment in their rooms or throughout the building. If a resident becomes temporarily injured during the year, they need to notify the RA and the building coordinator and ask to be placed on the “Evacuation Assistance List.” Tampering with life safety equipment is a felony and is taken extremely seriously. Tampering of any kind could result in a fine and/or imprisonment and dismissal from campus housing.

When you hear your building’s fire alarm, always assume it indicates an emergency, never assume a false alarm. Then, immediately exit the building, close your room door and assemble at the appropriate meeting place(s) outside designated by your hall staff. Do not open doors if the door knob is hot to the touch or if you cannot get out of your room because of a reported disability – stay in room and call 334-4444 (Campus Police). First, inform authorities of your location. Campus Police are able to respond quicker and communicate more effectively with Greensboro emergency personnel. However, if you are unable to call Campus Police, please call 911 immediately. Use stairways to exit. Never use elevators during an emergency evacuation. If smoke is encountered, crawl on floor where air is cleaner.

If smoke or fire is present, pull the nearest alarm station. Close your room door(s), and most important thing to do is to get out of the building. Call 334-4444 (Campus Police). (See above explanation for this). Never attempt to fight or put out a fire.

Inform staff or the authorities of the exact location of fire or smoke. If you are trapped by smoke or fire, sometimes it is safer to stay in place. If all exits are blocked, go back to your room or unit and close the door(s). Don’t jump! The fire department will rescue you. Call the Campus Police at 334-4444 and report that you are trapped in your room. Keep the door(s) closed: seal cracks under the door with a wet towel or clothes. Signal for help: Hang an object from the window (a bed sheet, jacket, or shirt) to attract the fire department’s attention.

Some of the common causes of fires in residence halls are arson, candles, incense, smoking, overloaded electrical outlets, extension cords, cooking equipment and halogen lamps, which are all illegal and therefore in violation of UNCG policy.

Keep exits and stairwells clear and unobstructed at all times. Report any fire safety issues to the residence hall staff. You should report damaged or suspected malfunctioning equipment to Housing and Residence Life Maintenance Department using a FIX Work Request.

These Fire Emergency Procedures were developed as an operational document to insure that all university personnel follow the same guidelines in the event of a fire. The primary consideration in the event of a fire will be the life safety of the building occupants. Secondary considerations will be made for the protection of property In the event of a fire emergency, all university personnel are to completely evacuate the building(s) involved and take instructions from the University Police on the scene. 

When the Greensboro Fire Department arrives they will have primary responsibility, and the University Police will assist them with crowd control and limiting access, as required. Failure to obey public safety officials at the scene of an emergency is a violation of NC Law and this policy.

Residence HallAssembly Location
ConeMcIver Parking Deck or grassy area in front of the high-rise area
GroganGuilford lawn/patio – Up the Hill Near Ragsdale
GuilfordMary Foust lawn
HaywoodThe small parking lot behind Lee
HighlandThe small parking lot behind Lee
JamisonWeil/Winfield lawn
Jefferson SuitesGrassy area in front of Tower Village/TV Parking lot
LeeThe small parking lot behind Lee
Lofts on LeeOut the back door towards the parking lot on the corner of Silver and Union Streets near the back gate.
Mary FoustGuilford lawn/patio
Moore/StrongStudent Health Services parking lot area
North SpencerAcross College Avenue towards Petty Science Bldg
Phillips/HawkinsMoore/Strong lawn
QuadThe fountain area
Ragsdale/MendenhallAcross street towards Coit and Weil/Winfield lawns
ReynoldsGuilford lawn/patio – Up the Hill Near Ragsdale
South SpencerLibrary lawn/across College Avenue to Stone Bldg lawn
UnionThe oak tree in the back of the Union parking lot

Winter Weather Hotline

During the winter season, we can experience a variety of winter weather conditions such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain around campus. These conditions may lead to delays, closures, slick walkways and other concerns. A comprehensive plan is in place to address these concerns, to ensure that primary campus routes and buildings are made accessible as quickly and safely as possible. However, following some winter weather events, there may be newly discovered areas of concern that have not been cleared or areas that have refrozen due to weather conditions.

  • To report a winter weather-related concern or ask a related question, contact the winter weather hotline (available 24 hours a day during winter weather): Phone: 336.256.8639 or email: BeReady@uncg.edu.
  • For all information regarding Adverse Weather Announcements, please visit Spartan Safe.

PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Get Informed!

Visit Spartan Safe to find out how you will be notified during emergencies that impact the campus community.

Watch v. Warning

Watch: Means conditions are favorable for severe weather (winter weather, thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc…). Monitor the weather and be prepared to take immediate action.
Warning: Means that severe weather has been detected and there is imminent danger. Monitor the weather and take immediate action.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

During a thunderstorm, remember the 30/30 rule: Go indoors if you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before you hear thunder. Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Never drive across a flooded roadway.

If you have questions or would like to request more information about severe weather, please contact the UNCG Office of Emergency Management.
Phone: 336.506.8632
Email: BeReady@uncg.edu

SEVERE WEATHER INFORMATION

Severe weather can occur throughout the year in North Carolina with little or no advanced warning; and has the potential to adversely impact the UNCG community. The peak season, however, for severe weather in North Carolina is March through May. In the event severe weather does strike the UNCG community, you should be prepared to take action and know what to do.

Each residence hall has a designated severe weather shelter location where you can take shelter during severe weather events, such as a tornado. Most residence halls have a green sign that indicates a severe weather shelter location. You should locate these areas in your building now, before severe weather occurs.

Remember: When taking shelter, you should always go the lowest, most interior area of a building if time permits. Crouch down and cover you head to protect yourself from flying debris.

Residence HallLocation of Signs
Cone, Grogan, ReynoldsInterior stairwell (center of the building).
Guilford and Mary FoustInterior hallways, close to the middle.
HaywoodInterior hallways and stairwells.
Jefferson SuitesInside the bathrooms.
LeeInterior hallways and stairwells.
Lofts on LeeShelter inside your apartment away from windows.
Moore-StrongInterior hallways, close to the middle.
North and South SpencerThe main, interior hallways (long hallway in the center of North and South Spencer), close to the middle.
Phillips-HawkinsThe center stairwell in both Phillips and Hawkins.
Ragsdale/MendenhallIndividual resident rooms inside of the closets with the closet doors closed. Note: No signs are posted in this building.
Spring Garden ApartmentsInterior hallways, close to the middle.
Tower VillageIndividual resident rooms inside of the bathroom and shower areas with doors closed. Note: No signs are posted in this building.
UnionInterior hallways and stairwells.
QuadMain hallways, with the fire doors closed at both ends of the hall, close to the middle.
Weil-WinfieldInterior hallways, close to the middle.

Cleaning Chemicals

The use of cleaning chemicals can present a hazard if they are not used correctly. The single most important thing to remember in using them safely is to read the label, follow the directions, and heed the warnings. If you would like additional information, contact the manufacturer (or check the web) for a Material Safety Data Sheet about the product. If you are on campus, many of these are also found on the Office of Safety’s website. 

What, Exactly, Are Bedbugs?

HRL would like to provide students with information to help identify these nuisances should bedbugs ever be suspected here.

Bedbugs are insects that are oval and flat and about the size of an apple seed. Their bites leave white to red welts that are extremely itchy. Typically, they spread in areas where there are high turnovers of guests, such as in hotels or motels. They are most often transported in clothing and luggage from these areas to secondary areas, such as your home or residence hall. 

An excellent and comprehensive resource for learning about bedbugs – what they look like, why they spread, and how the bites appear – is available at the Mayo Clinic website.

If, upon reading this material, you suspect that you may have bedbugs in your residence hall room, please contact your CRL immediately, and you will be provided with a comprehensive list of preparations to take to eliminate them.

About UNCG Police

The UNCG Police Department is a full service agency, capable of handling a full range of police matters. Uniformed Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, on foot, in patrol cars and by bicycle. The Police Officers work closely with Security Officers to patrol the academic buildings and residence halls. All UNCG Police Officers are commissioned under North Carolina General Statute and have the full range of police authorities granted to municipal law enforcement officers. UNCG Police Officers receive the same level of training as county and municipal officers.

UNCG WebsiteEmergency information will be posted on the university homepage (www.uncg.edu) and on the university’s emergency information web site (spartansafe.uncg.edu/). During a major crisis this emergency information site will replace UNCGs homepage.
Text Messaging & Email through UNCGenieEmergency notification through text is available to students, faculty and staff who have signed up and provided their cell phone contact information through their UNCGenie accounts. We also send an email to the entire campus community every student, faculty or staff member — through their UNCG email account.
Network Pop-Up (Computer Screen) and RSS FeedAlert messages will be delivered to all computers logged onto the internet and running this program. New campus computers will have the software installed as a part of the standard campus image.
Public Address & SirensUNCG is equipped to deliver emergency public address messages and to sound siren alarms.
Classroom Public AddressEmergency announcements and call-ins can be heard or made through a speaker system in classrooms that is handled through the Information Technology network.
UNCG Information Radio Station 1640 AMThis channel will broadcast updated information during an emergency. More than 120 administrative offices on campus have hand-powered radios to receive information during power outages.
Emergency and Adverse Weather Telephone LineYou can call to check on alert messages that will be posted at 336-334-4400 and also on UNCGs main number 336-334-5000.
Mass EmailThis system will send an email to the entire campus community every student, faculty or staff member through their UNCG mailbox.
Other Email CommunicationLists have been created to inform the resident student population through the Office of Housing and Residence Life, and to inform parents and family members who have signed up through the Office of Orientation & Family Programs.

Adopt-A-Cop

In an effort to better establish personal relationships between students and campus police officers, the Adopt-A-Cop Program was established. Residence halls are paired with specific officers so that students in each building become familiar with them.

Safety Precautions to Take

Add the UNCG Campus Emergency numbers to your cell phone list and report any suspicious activity. The campus emergency number can be used for any emergency (police/fire/ems). In fact, when on campus, calling that number will typically provide a much faster response time than dialing 911.

  • Campus Emergencies, 336.334.4444
  • Non-emergency., 336.334.5963
  • Campus Safety Escort, 336.334.5963

UNCG has resources to help if you, or a friend, have personal issues or a crisis. You can call:

  • Student Health Services, 336.334.5340
  • Counseling & Testing Center, 336.334.5874
  • Dean of Students Office, 336.334.5514
  • Campus Emergencies (for immediate assistance), 336.334.4444

Other precautions you can take:

  • Get the Spartan Safe Personal Safety app on your phone.
  • Subscribe to SMS text messages.
  • Keep your contact information up-to-date in UNCGenie.
  • Update your family contact information, including both email addresses and telephone numbers.
  • Report safety hazards to the UNCG Office of Safety at 336.334.4357.

Crime Prevention Programs

The UNCG Police Department offers a number of programs intended to prevent crime and encourage safety. Presentations on safety are included in the orientation of incoming students and are held frequently each semester for the benefit of student, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community. We encourage everyone to take an active role in crime prevention and help us make UNCG a safer place.

Partnerships for a Safer Campus is a community policing initiative started by the department aimed at creating cooperative relationships between the various shareholders on campus and the police. These relationships are positive, have mutual trust, focus on open communication and share responsibility for finding workable solutions to community problems.

The Safety Escort Service is coordinated by the UNCG Police Department and is offered to all students Sunday through Friday 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. This is a free service and offers safe passage for faculty, staff and students, who need to traverse the campus after dark. The Student Safety Patrol utilizes 12 student employees to walk with those who express concern about their safety.

The UNCG Police Department, in partnership with the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Housing and Residence Life, would like to share a few safety tips you can use to maintain personal safety while on and off campus.

  • Know how to use the Spartan Safe Personal Safety app on your phone.
  • Stay alert! Immediately report suspicious person(s) or activity to the UNCG Police (336.334.4444) or call 911 if off campus.
  • Use discretion and caution when walking across campus or through isolated areas of campus.
  • If you find yourself in danger, start yelling to draw attention to yourself.
  • Program emergency numbers in your cell phone: ICE (In Case of an Emergency). Also, update your emergency contact information through UNCGenie.
  • Park in a well-lit area and have your keys in hand as you approach your car.
  • Don’t walk alone and stay alert: Avoid headphones and other distractions. Ask someone to walk with you or contact UNCG Police for a Safety Escort: 336.334.5963.
  • If you are driving and think you are being followed, go to the nearest police or fire station, or somewhere public. DO NOT STOP OR GET OUT OF THE CAR!
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you a prime target.
  • Avoid working or studying alone in a campus building. Communicate with others where/what your plans are so that others know where you will be.

Students who have been victimized or affected by violence can experience fears, anxiety, and memories of painful events. The Counseling and Testing Center staff is available to provide support and assistance in a confidential and affirming environment. We invite you to stop by their office on the second floor of Student Health Services, or contact them at 336.334.5874.

Personal safety is the most powerful tool you have to protect yourself!

Emergency Contacts

ServicePhone
Campus Emergencies336-334-4444
Police/Fire/EMS911
Non-Emergency336-334-5963
Greensboro Police336-373-2222
Guilford County Sheriff336-641-3690
NC Highway Patrol336-334-5500
Student Health Center336-334-5340
Student Counseling Center336-334-5874
Safety Escort Service336-334-5963
Poison Control Center800-848-6946
Moses Cone Hospital336-832-7000
Wesley Long Hospital336-832-1000
Women’s Hospital336-832-6500
Guilford Mental Health336-641-4993
Crisis Hotline800-784-2433
Substance Info. Hot Line336-334-5112
Family Service Crisis Line336-273-7273

Contact Us

Housing and Residence Life
Ragsdale/Mendenhall Residence Hall
201 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
PO Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE: 336.334.5636
FAX: 336.334.5680
EMAIL: hrl@uncg.edu

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