SMU is committed to the safety and well being of your student. Since September 11, 2001 and in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, SMU has intensified its emergency preparedness with in-depth planning, new equipment, campus drills and close working relationships with area cities and state and federal agencies.

Parents also play a key role in students' safety. Here are some ways you can stay informed and involved:

Emergency information: Call 214-SMU-PARENTS (214-768-7273) for updated campus alerts, or visit the SMU Parents site. In the event of an emergency, the Parent Info Line will convert to a staffed phone center.

Emergency preparation: Encourage your student to become familiar with safety procedures and notifications on campus including what to do in the event of evacuations, lockdowns and severe weather.

SMU Police: The Police Department is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 214-768-3333 from an off-campus phone in the event of an emergency – or 911 from a campus phone – or visit the SMU Police Department website for campus alerts and general safety information.

Parent address updates: Keep your contact information updated and urge your student to do likewise via Access.SMU.edu. Whether an emergency occurs campuswide or in the life of an individual student, it's crucial that SMU have reliable contact information.

Personal safety: Remind your students to be aware of their environment on campus and report suspicious activity. Safety tips from the SMU Police Department and the Office of Student Life are also available.

Family emergency plan: This form for important contact information, meeting places and medical information, from the Department of Homeland Security, can help your family prepare.