Safety and Security
Safety and security in university housing
UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating a safer and supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive. This page highlights the many programs, people, and tools that help keep our residential communities safer. From our on-campus safety teams to late-night ride services and emergency alerts, these resources are here to support your well-being around the clock.
Community safety teams
Residential Community Service Partners (RCSPs)
RCSPs are dedicated campus staff who help create a safer and supportive environment in our residential communities at night. Trained in emergency response, first aid, CPR, and disaster response, you can find them in campus housing areas between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m., checking that everything is running smoothly and responding to concerns. RCSPs work closely with Santa Cruz Fire, University Police, and campus partners, and carry radios linked to University Dispatch to coordinate help when it’s needed.
They can assist with:
- Lockouts and securing buildings
- First aid
- Noise and quality of life concerns
- Documenting policy violations
- Nighttime maintenance issues
- Emergency calls (fire, medical, or crisis)
- Residential event security
RCSPs are approachable and ready to help—if you see one in your community, you’re always welcome to say hello or ask for assistance. You can also reach their Dispatch line at (831) 459-2100.
To provide feedback about the Residential Community Service Program, please submit a feedback form, or reach the program office at (831) 459-4692. All comments, questions, and concerns are welcome.
UCSC Police Department
Our campus police officers have full municipal authority and practice community-oriented policing—engaging with students, staff, and faculty to build trust and support safety on campus 24/7.
- Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 or use a Blue Light phone (see below).
- Non-emergencies: (831) 459-2231 ext. 1.
Campus Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT)
An extension of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), the Campus Mobile Crisis Team brings culturally competent behavioral health support to students in distress:
- Wellness checks & crisis intervention
- Coordination with CAPS referrals
- De-escalation & mental health first response
- Contact CMCT: (831) 502-9988
Quick safety tips every Slug should know
- Lock your doors and windows—even if you’re just stepping out or hanging out inside.
- Don’t prop open exterior doors or let in people you don’t know.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night (keep earbud volume low and your phone away).
- Don’t tamper with smoke detectors or sprinklers—and never hang anything from them.
- Know your exits—review your building’s evacuation map.
Emergency alerts & phones
Blue Light Emergency Phones
Installed in high-traffic areas, these phones connect you directly to Public Safety Dispatch. The blue light turns on automatically after dark; just pick up the handset to call for help.
Campus alerts: CruzAlert & SlugSafe
UC Santa Cruz uses two official notification systems to keep our community informed:
- CruzAlert is used for emergencies that involve an immediate threat to health or safety—like natural disasters or active threats. Alerts go out by text, phone, and email as soon as a situation is confirmed. All UCSC students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled.
- SlugSafe provides non-emergency updates about campus safety, operations, or disruptions—like road closures, power outages, or weather advisories.
Additional campus safety and security resources
After-hours transportation: Safe Ride
Safe Ride offers free, student-operated rides across the residential campus from 7 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week (when classes are in session). Request a ride the same day using the Flexigo app. Drivers are fellow UCSC students who are fully trained, background checked, and certified in defensive driving.
Emergency maintenance: CruzFix
If you notice a safety- or security-related repair—like flooding, a broken entry lock, or loss of power—that can’t wait until the next business day, call our CruzFix helplines right away:
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.: (831) 459-7043
- After hours, weekends & holidays: (831) 459-4861
For all other non-urgent maintenance needs, please submit a standard service request through CruzFix.
Fire safety and prevention
UCSC has a Campus Fire Station. The Fire Prevention Division of the Office of Emergency Services makes it a priority to educate campus staff, faculty, and students to reduce fires and injuries on campus and routinely gives presentations to campus members.
Emergency preparedness
The Office of Emergency Management offers resources and training to help students prepare for emergencies—from campus evacuation plans and safety videos to volunteer programs and CPR training. Learn how to stay informed, stay ready, and take action when it matters most.
Reporting hate and bias
UC Santa Cruz has zero tolerance for any form of hate or bias. We have a reporting structure in place to report hate or bias, and a Hate/Bias Response Team.
Need immediate support?
Whether it’s a mental health crisis, safety concern, or urgent basic needs, help is available—day or night. Visit our Get Urgent Help page to find the resources you need, when you need them.
