Safety: What Students Need to Know

Discover essential resources to help you stay safe, protect your wellbeing, and navigate campus confidently. Your safety is our priority.

USEFUL LINKS

Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)
Harvard Shuttle
Sexual Harassment/Assault Resources and Education (SHARE)

Safe Transportation Resources

Harvard University Campus Escort Program  

The Harvard University Campus Escort Program (HUCEP) provides walking escorts for students, faculty, and staff during the academic year. HUCEP operates Thursday through Saturday, from 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Escorts respond to calls through the HUCEP hotline:
617-384-8237 or 617-38-HUCEP.

They may also be flagged down by individuals on campus needing assistance.

Campus Shuttles 

  • Longwood
    • M2 Cambridge-Boston: Direct shuttle between Harvard Medical School (LMA) and Harvard Square (Cambridge). Harvard ID or pre-purchased ticket required.
    • Ruggles Station: Shuttle service to Ruggles MBTA Station. ID required.
    • JFK Station: Shuttle service to JFK/UMass MBTA Station and Andrew Square MBTA Station. ID required.
    • Fenway: Combined commuter and park & ride shuttle between LMA, satellite Fenway parking lots, and Lansdowne MBTA Station.
    • Renaissance Garage: Park & ride shuttle to Renaissance and Columbus garages. ID required.
    • Landmark: Office shuttle between Harvard Chan School of Public Health and the Landmark Center at Fenway. Harvard ID required.
    • Midday & Evening Ruggles-JFK Combo: Combined commuter and park & ride shuttle between LMA, Renaissance, Ruggles, and JFK Station. ID required.
  • Cambridge/Allston
    • Shuttle bus services provide transportation to and from Allston, the Longwood Medical Area, and Cambridge. Please visit the Live Shuttle Tracker for the most current fixed route shuttle information.

On-Demand Van Service (Fully Accessible)

The Evening Van offers safe, accessible transportation for faculty, staff, and students as a supplement to fixed-route shuttles.

  • Operates nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., throughout the academic year.
  • Service is available in the Cambridge/Allston campus and within University boundaries.
  • Free rides are available on demand via the Harvard Evening Van app or by calling 617-495-0400.

Safety and Wellness Resources 

Fire Safety

  • Report all fires to 617-495-5560 or 617-495-1212 immediately.
  • Never enter a room that is smoke-filled or if the door is warm to the touch.
  • As a reminder, cooking, especially unattended cooking, is the leading cause of residential fires/alarms.

R.A.C.E Protocol

  • Relocate: When you discover a fire, stop what you are doing and relocate people in immediate danger if you can do so without endangering yourself.
  • Alarm: Activate a fire pull-station (located near fire exits).
  • Confine: Close all doors as you exit, if time permits. Closing doors will segment the space, reducing the rate of fire spread.
  • Evacuate: Evacuate via a safe fire exit and stand well away from the building (even during inclement weather). Never ride an elevator during a building-wide emergency.  

Digital Safety 

Discover essential tips and resources to help you protect yourself from online harassment and maintain your digital security:  

Help Keep Our Campus Safe

Your involvement makes a difference! 

  • See Something, Say Something:
    • Immediately report suspicious activity or crimes to the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)—you know what’s out of the ordinary in your area! Quick, accurate reports help us respond effectively. If an issue isn’t directly handled by HUPD, we’ll connect you with the right campus resource.
    • Community members can report criminal or suspicious activity anonymously either by calling the 24/7 automated voice mail system at 617-496-2700 or by reporting online.
  • You’re Not Alone—Seek Help When Needed:
    • Whether you or someone else is facing a personal challenge, connect with campus resources early for guidance and support.
  • Practice Crime Prevention:
    • Always lock rooms and offices
    • Never leave valuables unattended
    • Stay aware of your surroundings
    • Walk in groups on well-lit paths
    • Use the campus shuttle, escort van, or HUCEP 

Together, we can create a safer campus community.
 

CONTACT

For questions about safety resources, please contact the Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Student Services.

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