A fully furnished double suite showroom sits in Vandergriff Hall on July 21 at UTA. The dorm opened in 2012 and houses up to 501 students.
Moving into dorms can be a fun and exciting experience. From students living on their own for the first time to decorating based on their style, there are many aspects of dorm life they can look forward to.
While deliberating hanging lights, bed sheet colors and other decorating options, students should consider safety measures needed while living in the dorms.
Students can register for UTA’s emergency notification system, MavAlert through MyMav. Guests can also register through the New Student, Transition and Family Programs website.
It is also encouraged to have all UTA emergency contact numbers saved either on a phone or somewhere easily accessible.
UTA emergency contacts:UTA Police, emergency 817-272-3003UTA Police, nonemergency 817-272-3381Crime Victim Services 817-272-925Environmental Health and Safety Office 817-272-2185Health Services 817-272-2771Emergency Information and Inclement Weather Hotline 866-258-4913MAVS Talk 24-hour Crisis Line 817-272-TALK(8255)Title IX 817-272-4585Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention 817-272-3947
If a student feels unsafe or unsure in a situation, they are urged to contact the UTA Police emergency number or Crime Victims Services, said Jennifer Sterling, UTA Police Department Crime Victim Services coordinator.
Students should also familiarize themselves with emergency exits and protocols their dorms have in place. All UTA dorm halls have evacuation routes available on the Housing website.
Housing also has a document titled “Security Awareness,” that contains safety suggestions for students living on campus.
The following contains some personal security guidelines mentioned in the document:
Lock doors and latch windows, even while inside the dorm.Don’t lend keys to anyone other than a registered additional occupant.Students should be careful about who has their phone number, apartment number or address.If a key is lost or someone whom the student distrusts has a key, contact the Housing office to have the lock changed. Students have a right to have locks changed, provided they pay the $60 for the service in advance.Close curtains, blinds and window shades at night.
Sterling recognized that calling the police could be stressful for students and said that there are other options for them to stay safe.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” she said. “We are not police officers; we’re social workers, and that’s what we’re here for.”
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