EIU uses several tools to notify the campus community during emergencies or situations that may affect campus safety. These may include:

• Alert EIU text messages
• Campus-wide email alerts
• Outdoor emergency notification sirens
• Other campus communication channels, when appropriate

Students are encouraged to sign up for Alert EIU text messages and keep their contact information current.

Sign up for Alert EIU

The Eastern Illinois University Police Department serves the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

University Police officers are sworn law enforcement professionals who help protect the campus community, respond to emergencies, investigate incidents and provide safety support across campus. The department also works closely with local and regional law enforcement agencies, including the Charleston Police Department, Mattoon Police Department, Coles County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police, when additional assistance is needed.

University Police Department

EIU maintains several resources to support campus safety and student well-being.

• Emergency call boxes are located across campus. When activated, the call boxes connect directly to a 911 emergency dispatcher and help identify the caller’s location.
• Security cameras are installed in various campus locations to support safety and response efforts.
• Residence hall access is restricted. Students use keys or approved access methods to enter residence hall areas, including floors accessed by elevators or stairwells. Night Assistants also help support residence hall safety and work in coordination with University Police.
• The EIU Counseling Center provides professional support for students who may need help managing stress, personal concerns or difficult situations.
• EIU also has a Threat Assessment Team made up of staff from areas such as the Counseling Center, University Police, Student Affairs and University Legal Counsel. The team works together to review and respond to concerns that may affect campus safety.

Everyone can help make EIU safer. Students are encouraged to:

• Keep residence hall doors locked
• Never prop open exterior doors
• Walk in well-lit areas whenever possible
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Have your keys ready before you reach your destination
• Carry a cell phone
• Report suspicious behavior or safety concerns
• Use emergency call boxes when needed
• Monitor your EIU email for official campus safety information
• Call 911 immediately in an emergency

Emergency call boxes should only be used when assistance is needed so emergency responders remain available for those in need.