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Safety Myths

A series of myths have been circulating about safety and security on EMU's campus. Check the facts below compared to what you may have heard:

Myth #1: EMU has an unsafe campus.

Fact: Crime rates at EMU are comparable with other mid-sized to large urban universities. With the exception of a homicide in 2006 — the only on-campus homicide in the University’s 159-year history — the incidence of crime at Eastern Michigan University is at or below what would be expected in a community of its size. By taking basic precautions, our students, faculty and staff remain safe while enjoying everything the active, on-campus educational environment has to offer.

Myth #2: Crime on EMU’s campus is increasing.

Fact: According to U.S. Department of Education crime statistics, EMU has seen a decline in sex offenses, robberies and aggravated assault from 2005 to 2006.

Myth #3: EMU’s residence halls and on-campus apartments are unsafe.

Fact: U.S. Department of Education crime statistics demonstrate that on-campus crime is at or below what is expected within an urban educational environment. While EMU did experience a spike in burglaries in 2005, the University has been dealing aggressively with the problem by adding substantial security improvements, including adding more cameras, swipe cards at entrances, private-security patrols, emergency assistance centers and hours for night watch. EMU takes the security of its campus living community seriously and is making a significant investment in resources to keep its students, employees and visitors safe.

Myth #4: EMU has experienced a high level of sexual assaults.

Fact: While any sexual assault is one too many, Eastern Michigan University does not average any more incidents of sexual assault than other institutions of comparable size. In fact, EMU has experienced a nearly 50-percent decrease in forcible sex offenses (from 11 to 6) during the last year.

Myth #5: EMU is not serious about combating crime.

Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. EMU is committed to becoming a national leader in initiating proactive campus safety improvements, such as specialized security training for top administrators and security personnel. In addition, EMU has added a private security firm, is nearing completion of a comprehensive security audit, installed more than 200 security cameras, added swipe cards at entrances to all 11 residence halls, and changed more than 5,500 locks.