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Safety & Security

Protecting the Western campus community.

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The Western Colorado University campus is a safe place for students to live and learn. Campus Security Services work with the Gunnison Police Department to create a comfortable and secure campus environment and provide support for the community. They are also available for on-campus safety escorts for students, faculty and staff.

Overview

Safety & Security

Providing a safe and secure environment.

The mission of Western Campus Security Services is to help provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. This is accomplished through a community-friendly approach, visibility of security personnel, 24-hour accessibility, roving patrols and cooperation with all local emergency agencies.

Spaces to thrive

Western Campus Security Services provide a safe and secure environment where students can thrive.

Small town community

Western is located in the small town of Gunnison, a safe and friendly community.

Information

We’re here to support the safety, security and well-being of our students, faculty and community.

We ensure that students, staff and faculty have peace of mind whenever they are on the Western campus. Learn more about the role and procedures for Campus Security Services below.

Please use the following list of phone numbers to call for safety and/or security concerns on campus and in the Gunnison community. If you have an emergency, immediately call 911.

Dashown Wilson – Director of Campus Security 970.901.9857
Gunnison County Dispatch 970.641.8200
Campus Security Duty Cell 970.209.1020
Office of Student Affairs 970.943.2011
Office of Residence Life 970.943.2101

For on-campus residents:

Chipeta/Pinnacles Apartments 970.209.1025
Escalante Complex 970.209.1026
Ute Hall/Mears Complex 970.209.1029

Western Campus Security Services is not a law enforcement agency. The primary jurisdiction of the Western campus lies under the authority of the Gunnison Police Department. As a public institution, Western is bound to uphold all Federal and State laws. University security guards do not have arrest powers, law enforcement efforts are performed in conjunction with municipal, county, state and federal agencies as appropriate.

  • Assist the Gunnison Police Department in providing a safe and secure campus environment.
  • Co-manage the Western Emergency Operations Plan and operationalize when appropriate.
  • Interpret, provide revision, communicate, and enforce University policies.
  • Support all departments of the Western campus community.
  • Support all local law enforcement and emergency management.
  • Investigate, assess, and respond to campus incident scenes.
  • Prepare detailed reports and submit work orders after incidents and, when possible, perform minor maintenance repairs and custodial duties.
  • Provide security for the Western infrastructure.
  • Provide on-campus safety escorts for students, faculty and staff.

All non-emergency campus crimes, other than low level cooperative under age alcohol pour-outs, are to be reported to Western Campus Security Services. Contact the Campus Security office at 970.943.3084 or the Campus Security duty cell phone at 970.209.1020. In the case there is no guard on duty contact the Campus Security emergency cell phone at 970.901.9857. The Campus Security representative will contact the Gunnison Police Department if needed and document the incident.

Western uses the 911 system. For all campus emergencies or to report an emergency in relation to a campus crime, immediately call 911. This service is available on a 24-hour basis. Non-emergency crimes may also be reported to the Gunnison Police Department at 970.641.8200.

For information on Sex Offender Registration information, please visit the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Convicted Sex Offender site at https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/dps/sor/.

Western Campus Security maintains a daily security log that records all campus crimes and security related issues.

Additional Resources

Emergency Guide

See an important list of emergency guidelines.

Learn More

Emergency Notification System

In fall 2010, Western implemented Rave Mobile Safety as our primary emergency notification system. This system has had tremendous success across the country.

Learn More

Operations Plan

The Emergency Operations Plan is a basic guide for providing a response by Western Colorado University staff, faculty and administrators to major emergencies occurring on Western property.

Learn More

Parking Policy

The intent of these regulations is to protect the health, safety and property of everyone on campus and to provide access for fire and emergency equipment.

Learn More

Safe Walk Program

These tips will serve to enhance your safety whether on or off campus. Consider the following suggestions in your day-to-day activities.

Learn More

Reports

See a list of various security and safety policy reports.

Learn More

Take the Next Step

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We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

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