Colleges.niche.com, a website which offers millions of college reviews and rankings based on statistics and student surveys graded campus safety at CMU at a "B" in 2015. The ranking is determined by a combination of factors, including campus crime statistics, drug safety and surveys of student health. Of 1,127 schools surveyed for health and safety, CMU is ranked 381.

CMU Police Department Chief Yeagley said students can increase their safety on campus, and protect their possessions by taking a few simple measures.

“The number one crime we deal with is the theft of personal property,” Yeagley said.

According to university reports under the 2014 Jeanne Clery Act, there were 17 cases of on campus theft in the 2013-14 academic year. Five more cases involved theft from a motor vehicle and there were two incidents of robberies.

Bikes are one of the most commonly stolen items. Students can take steps to protect themselves from bike theft by using heavy duty U-bolt locks, and registering their bike online with the university. Yeagley encourages all students to register their bikes.

“It’s a free service,” Yeagley said. “Sometimes we recover unregistered bikes and cannot locate their owner.”

Another common threat on campus is the theft of electronics in residence halls. Yeagley said thieves rarely force their way into a room.

“Don’t leave your door unlocked,” Yeagley said. “Lock up your electronics, if you can.”

Besides theft, CMUPD recognizes assault, alcohol and drug abuse, fires and motor vehicle accidents as the leading threats to student safety.

Liquor and law violations accounted for the majority of incidents listed in the Clery reports, last year There were 333 cases of violations referred for disciplianary action with CMU's Office of Student Conduct and 112 on campus violations that resulted in arrests.

The department offers several tips on avoiding these safety concerns on their website.

“CMU is one big community,” Yeagley said. “We all need to look out for each other.”

CMUPD Lt. Larry Klaus advises students to take advantage of the Safe Rides program whenever they are concerned about traveling on campus.

“You can call them anytime before 2 a.m.,” Klaus said. “They won’t report on you if you’re intoxicated.”

Above all else, CMUPD encourages students to call their dispatch number anytime students feel at risk.

“We’d rather have you call over something little than become the victim of a crime,” Klaus said.

CAMPUS SAFETY TIPS

How can I prevent being a victim of assault?
Go with someone. There's safety in numbers. Stay away from isolated areas. Try to stay near streetlights. Avoid shortcuts. Alleys, parks and parking lots maybe dark and isolated. If you notice unlit street lights, report them to Facilities Management at (989) 774-6548. Protect your valuables. Hold your purse or briefcase tightly, close to your body. Do not carry a purse or backpack hanging from your shoulder. Don't flaunt expensive jewelry.

What do I do if I think I'm being followed?
Cross the street. Change direction. Keep looking back so the person will know you can't be surprised. Go to a well-lit area, enter a store, house, residence hall, classroom or library — anywhere there are people. Notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description. Locate a Blue Light Emergency Phone or telephone and contact CMU Police.

What if someone tries to rob me?
Don't resist. No amount of money is worth taking chances with your life. Don't take risks. You can never tell if a robber is armed. Notify the campus police immediately. Try to give a description that includes approximate age, height and weight and details on hair, clothing, jewelry, scars — anything that's noticeable.

How can I keep my room and property safe?
Keep your doors locked. Keep money and jewelry locked up and out of sight. Make a record of your valuables, record model and serial numbers. Do not hide a spare key. Take your valuables with you when you go home during school vacations.

How do I keep my car safe and secure?
Always lock your doors. After driving passengers, they often forget to lock their door, double check and make sure all doors are locked. Park in well lighted areas. When you arrive in the day time be aware of what the conditions of the parking lot will be during the night. Park near lighted areas. If you must keep valuables in your car, keep them locked in the trunk or out of sight. Remember to maintain your vehicle. Look for wear and listen and feel for unusual sounds or shakes.

How do I keep my Textbooks from being stolen?
Book theft is a serious problem on college campuses. Protect your books by marking them with your name and driver's license number in a specific place. Keep your books with you; do not leave them unattended in public places such as the library, the testing center, or the Student Activities Center. Do not leave them on coat racks or in unsecured lockers. Report book thefts immediately to the CMU Police Department if they were taken from an on-campus location, or the Mt. Pleasant Police Department if they were taken from an off-campus location. Often, recovery may be made at the resale counter of the UC Bookstore or the Student Book Exchange.