Laws and Safety
Laws & Safety
WKU has multiple systems in place across the campus community to keep students, faculty, staff and visitors safe. Some of the services include:
- The WKU Police
- Campus Explorers (Student Escort Service)
- Emergency poles & safety lighting
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous tip line)
Emergency Text Alerts
WKU employs emergency text alerts to communicate with our internal and external community during an emergency, weather-related event or any time events may cause disruptions in the normal campus routine. Sign up for emergency text alerts on Topnet.
Important Numbers:
WKU Police |
270-745-2548 or 911 |
Fire Emergency: |
270-745-2548 or 911 |
Environmental Emergency: |
270-745-2548 or 911 |
24-Hour Telephone Counseling |
1-800-273-TALK Kentucky Suicide Prevention Hotline Database |
WKU Employee Assistance Program |
1-877-327-4753; 24/7 or, with WKU company ID ZB3042Q at www.guidanceresources.com |
Facilities Emergencies |
270-745-3253 or after hours call WKU Police at 745-2548 |
General Environmental & Safety Concerns Non-Emergency |
270-745-2395 |
Accident Reporting |
Student and Non-Employee; WKU Employee |
If you are the victim of a crime, or if you witness a crime or suspicious activity, you may report it anonymously to the WKU Police Department at 745-2548 or to Crime Stoppers at 270-781-2583.
Additional Safety Resources:
- Safety Protocol: What to Do and Who to Call
- WKU Emergency Preparedness
- Severe Weather Alerts
- The WKU Counseling and Testing Center
- WKU Health Services
U.S. Laws
It's important that you also follow the laws and rules below to stay safe during your time in the U.S.
- If you are under 21, it is illegal to drink alcohol in the U.S.
- It is against the WKU student code of conduct to buy alcohol for someone under 21
- It is a violation of the WKU student code of conduct for your drunken behavior to disturb someone else’s ability to sleep, study, or live peacefully
- It is a violation of the WKU student code of conduct for you to hurt or endanger yourself or someone else through drinking
- Never drink and drive. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are serious crimes in the U.S.
- It is illegal for alcohol to be consumed in a vehicle by the driver or passengers - previously opened containers of alcohol must be carried in the car's trunk
- View WKU's alcohol policy
- It is a University policy that smoking is prohibited inside buildings and all other areas designated by no smoking signs
- Signage will indicate appropriate designated smoking areas adjacent to university buildings - view the 12 designated areas
- Smokers are required to utilize smoking waste receptacles - littering is prohibited
- Marijuana is illegal in Kentucky
- Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in the U.S.
- View WKU's drug policy
- If you own and drive a car, Kentucky law states that you must have automobile insurance
- It is Kentucky law that you must wear a seatbelt - children must be in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall
- You can be arrested for excessive speeding (reckless driving)
- Never drink and drive - Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence
(DU
I) are serious crimes in the U.S. - Always obey police officers and never flee the scene of a crime to avoid a ticket
- Children must not be left alone at home or in the car
- Children must be supervised in public
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