Campus life at Northern State University is relatively safe. In addition, Aberdeen is a relatively safe community. This is not the case in many cities and at a number of universities in the United States. Northern State University wants to provide you with a safe and secure environment in which to pursue your academic and social goals.

Northern State publishes an annual security report detailing campus security policies and procedures and presenting statistics of crime on campus and in the surrounding area. You can obtain the most recent report by contacting the admissions office.

"Better safe than sorry," goes the American saying. No matter how safe Northern State University and Aberdeen appear to be, you should acquaint yourself with your new environment by reading the safety information. Upon arrival, begin orienting yourself:

• Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and the campus by walking around in the daylight.
• Avoid drinking with people you do not know and trust.
• Ask fellow students or staff members about areas you should avoid at night.
• Do not walk alone at night.
• Note the address and telephone of your country's nearest consulate or embassy.
• Locate the nearest fire-alarm box and learn how to report a fire.
• Identify the St. Luke’s Hospital emergency room and know what to do in case of an accident.
• Keep "emergency" numbers near your phone at home (9911 is the general emergency number on-campus).
• Visit the Student Affairs office for further information.
   

Public Transportation

Aberdeen does not have an extensive public transportation system. There is a taxi service, but there is no bus transportation.

While you are in the United States you will probably want to visit some of the major cities. New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco have the largest metropolitan rail systems in the United States. Such systems provide inexpensive and very convenient transportation for students. Stay safe by observing these rules:

• Choose a car in which others are riding; avoid riding in a car alone.
• Note the location of emergency equipment, usually located near the doors or at the end of the car.
• Do not fall asleep: you could end up far from home.
• Do not stand on the edge of the platform.
• Do not display money, jewelry, or other valuable items.
• Keep your wallet in a side pocket, keep your purse closed and in your arms.
• If someone is bothering you, change your car or inform the train operator or a security guard. Avoid confrontations.
• To avoid unwanted attention, be discreet when consulting maps.
• Beware of pickpockets and purse-snatchers, skillful people who may gently remove your wallet or purse.

Automobiles

Cars are the most common form of transportation in the United States, but they are also a very great responsibility. You can avoid a lot of trouble by observing several rules that apply to owning and driving a car:

• Automobile insurance is required in South Dakota.
• Never drink alcohol and drive; you may end up in jail even if you are not in an accident.
• Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
• Keep your car in good operating condition.
• Keep safety equipment (e.g., a flashlight and reflectors) and a first-aid kit in the trunk.
• Observe speed limits.
• If parking on campus, purchase a university parking permit
• Report all accidents; failure to do so is a crime.
• In the winter, be aware of the weather forecast and don’t get caught out in the highway in bad weather.

Crimes and Scams

Sadly, crime is a fact of life in the United States. Northern State University is not immune from these problems, but help is available. The primary duty of the police is to serve and protect you, and you should not hesitate to seek their help at any time. Northern State University does not have a campus police force. The university does have a city police officer on campus Monday through Thursday from 7:00PM to 3:00 AM. The officer is located in the University Center Room 201 and may be contacted by phone ext. 2474. If students should have need of a police officer when the campus officer is not on duty, contact the local police (9911).

The most common crime on Northern State University’s campus is theft of property left unattended or in an unlocked room, car, or apartment. More serious crimes--such as drug dealing, assault, and rape--could occur. Some behaviors, such as sexual harassment and spouse abuse, are crimes in the United States even though they may not be crimes in your country. (See Chapter 12.) Protect yourself by exercising good sense and caution:

• Keep your residence hall room or apartment locked whenever you are away.
• Do not leave your books, backpack, or purse unattended anywhere.
• Buy a good lock for your bicycle and use it.
• Learn what parts of town you should avoid at night.
• Use caution with strangers who are overly friendly, offer you gifts, or ask you to accompany them to an unknown place.
• Remember that 911 is an emergency number that you can call at any time from any telephone in the United States for help in an emergency.
• Ask a reliable friend or your foreign-student adviser if you are in doubt about a person or an activity.

Sexual harassment is a particularly American concept and a very hot topic on campus and in the workplace. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature. Northern State’s Sexual Harassment policy is clearly explained in the Student Handbook. If you have any question please read this section of the handbook. If you feel you are being sexually harassed, it is important that you tell someone. The vice president for student affairs can direct you to sources of information at Northern State.

If you are accused of committing a crime and have been arrested, remember that you do have certain rights. You should notify the Vice President for Student Affairs as soon as possible. You also have the right to notify your government about your arrest or detainment. If you choose to do so, the police must inform the appropriate foreign consulate or embassy immediately. Your consular officers have the right to visit you and arrange for your legal representation. Many countries (for example, China, Nigeria, and Singapore) require that the consul be notified when their nationals are confined or detained. In these cases, you have no choice in the matter of whether the authorities notify your consulate; they must do so. Depending upon the severity of the crime of which you are accused, you should obtain legal assistance

The CIA and "FBI"

No doubt you have heard a great deal about the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These agencies exist to investigate very specific criminal activities. However, the chances of any foreign student actually encountering agents of either of these agencies are extremely remote. The only federal agency responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations governing the presence of non-immigrants in the United States is the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). In addition, you are individually responsible to the Internal Revenue Service for the payment of your federal taxes. If you are contacted by any other federal agency for any reason, consult the Vice President for Student Affairs about your rights and responsibilities.