Since assignments went out yesterday, we have had a few students and parents share concerns about on-campus safety.  The University takes a strong position in providing security measures on all parts of campus, but we also place some responsibility for personal safety on the individual student.  The Division of Student Affairs website has extensive information about the safety measures we take and tips for personal safety.   We recommend you review this information prior to your arrival on-campus.

While we understand the concerns that have been shared, we want to emphasize that no building is more or less safe than another.  We take the safety of all of our residents very seriously, and we don’t assign students to a space that we don’t consider to be safe.  If you have specific concerns about safety, we recommend contacting Duke Police.  Members of our team are also happy to speak with concerned students and parents.

Several updates from OIT that we want to share with you…

Telephone Service in Student Rooms and Apartments

Duke’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) has informed RLHS that normal telephone services (ability to call the room or make outgoing calls) will not be available in university residences.

You can, however, plug your own phone into the phone jack in your room/apartment to dial “911″ and connect directly to the Duke University Police Department (DUPD).

Cell Phone Coverage in University Residences

All campus residences have cell phone coverage, however, the university only assures coverage for cell phones with services provided by Verizon or AT&T. Students with other cell phone plans may wish to consider getting a plan through one of these two companies.

Data Connectivity in Duke Residences

Students have increasingly utilized wireless connections to access the university’s computing system. In fact, less than 5% of students are connecting to the system using the data ports in their rooms.

All university residences have wireless coverage.

To make better use of the equipment required to support data connections across campus, there will be only one wired port in your room/apartment this coming year. If you and your roommate find that you need more than one wired port, the university’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) will activate a second port. Second ports not used for a 30-day period will be deactivated.

Please go to the OIT website for additional information regarding these services:  http://www.oit.duke.edu/