Housing Safety Tips

As students return to campus and settle into their housing, it's important to keep safety in mind. Please take a moment to review these essential housing safety tips to help ensure a secure and comfortable living environment.

On Campus Housing

• Never prop or open a building door or allow access to a stranger.

• Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when home or sleeping.

• Do not open the door to someone who does not carry proper identification. If you feel uncomfortable confronting a person who is following you into a residence hall, alert your RA or other staff member.

Off Campus Housing

• Keep your windows and doors locked, when occupied and unoccupied.

• Don’t buzz people you don’t know into the building.

• Never prop open an exterior building door.

• Report safety concerns (non-working hallway or outside lights, locks, etc.) to your property manager immediately.

Behind the Badge with Lt. Ron Ross

In this week’s Behind the Badge spotlight, we’re featuring Lieutenant Ronald “Ron” Ross of the CWRU Police Detective Bureau. With 38 years in law enforcement, Lt. Ross has built a career defined by service, leadership, and dedication. Starting in 1987, he spent 22 years in the Cleveland Police Department’s Bureau of Special Services, working on specialized units such as the Drug and Gang Task Force, Narcotics, and Gang Investigations He served with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an ATF Task Force Officer, revitalized Cleveland’s Gang Task Force, and was instrumental in the arrest of serial killer Anthony Sowell. Today, Lt. Ross brings his wealth of experience to the CWRU community, continuing to make a positive impact both on and off campus.

Here's what he had to  say:

What do you enjoy most about working at CWRU?
What I enjoy most about working at CWRU is that I’m still doing the job I’m passionate about. Being part of a team and knowing I’m making a difference on campus keeps me going.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it’d be the ability to pick winning lottery numbers. 

What’s your dream vacation destination and what would you love to do there?
That’s a tough one since I’m on the road a lot, but I would say taking a trip to Australia or going on an Alaskan Cruise.

SKYWARN® Storm Spotter Training

Each year, severe weather events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and lightning result in hundreds of injuries and deaths and cause billions of dollars in damage across the United States. To improve early warnings and help save lives, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN®, a nationwide volunteer program of trained storm spotters.

Join over 350,000 volunteers—including police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, utility workers, teachers, and everyday citizens—who are the eyes and ears on the ground for the NWS. SKYWARN® spotters provide real-time, accurate reports during severe weather events, helping meteorologists issue more timely and precise warnings for tornadoes, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms.

Interested in becoming a storm spotter? Register on Campus Groups!

Bus Stop Safety Tips

Whether you're heading to class, work, or home, it’s important to stay alert and aware while waiting for the bus. Being mindful of your surroundings can help prevent accidents and unwanted encounters. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

• Stay alert and avoid distractions: Keep your phone use to a minimum and avoid wearing both earbuds so you can stay aware of your environment.

• Wait in well-lit, populated areas: Especially at night, choose bus stops with good lighting and where other people are present

• Be mindful of traffic: Use crosswalks and avoid darting into the street, even if you're running late.

• Travel with a friend when possible: There’s safety in numbers, especially in the evening or early morning hours.

• Know when to report: If something feels off or you notice suspicious behavior, trust your instincts. Contact CWRU Police at (216) 368‑3333 

A Message from Chief Owens

Welcome back, Spartans. Maverick and I are glad to see everyone back on campus and ready to take on the semester ahead. As we kick things off, remember to take care of yourself and look out for each other, that’s how we stay strong. Keep your belongings safe by locking doors and staying aware of your surroundings. And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to stop by the Public Safety Building, even if it’s just to give Athena or Maverick a few belly rubs. Let’s make this semester a great one!

Division Whoa K9 Edition 

Since 2022, our K9 Unit has grown stronger and more diverse with the addition of some exceptional canine partners and their dedicated handlers. Spartie, our highly skilled bomb detection dog, works alongside Officer Edwards to help keep our campus safe from explosive threats. Maverick serves as an emotional support dog, providing comfort and calm during difficult situations, and is proudly partnered with Chief Owens.

Athena, only 8 months old and currently in training as an emotional support dog, is handled by Lead Crisis Response Clinician Gwendolyn Austin, LPC, as she prepares to join the team in offering support and care. Together, this remarkable team strengthens the safety and well-being of our community. And who knows, might there be another pup joining the Public Safety Villa soon? Stay tuned to find out!

Locks Work!

Keep valuables and electronics secured and out of site, including in your vehicle. Get a bike lock and steering wheel lock free from the CWRU Police. If you notice something or see something missing, report it by calling 216.368.3300.

On‑Campus Fingerprinting Services

The Division of Public Safety is proud to offer fast, reliable fingerprinting services right on campus! Whether you're preparing for a clinical placement, internship, volunteer opportunity, or professional licensure, they've got you covered. Appointments are easy to schedule and designed to fit your busy schedule. Just bring a valid photo ID, your completed fingerprint request form, and the destination agency information. Planning for a group of 10 or more? Group appointments are available, just email publicsafety@case.edu to get started! 

Learn more about fingerprinting services here.

Did You Know? 

Case Western Reserve University’s mascot, the Spartan, was originally adopted by the Case Institute of Technology to represent strength, discipline, and strategic thinking. These values reflected the school's focus on science and engineering. When Case merged with Western Reserve University in 1967, the Spartan stayed, becoming a lasting symbol of CWRU’s resilience and fighting spirit.