Students, faculty and staff will have dozens of opportunities during October to engage in safety awareness, education and training—from a student listening session on safety to workshops on diversity, bystander intervention and healthy relationships.

President Ruth Watkins designated October as SafeU Month and tasked a working group with overseeing a month-long emphasis on safety-related improvements and resources along with ways all campus community members can contribute to a culture of safety.

“Our hope is that everyone gains an elevated sense of responsibility to one another and to being part of a culture change to create a safer campus,” said Brittany Badger, director of the Center for Student Wellness and co-chair of the SafeU Month working group.

Phil Chaffee, director of emergency management for University of Utah Health, also is a co-chair of the SafeU Month working group.

Each week in October will spotlight a different safety-related theme, with activities and events planned across campus.

“The timing is right for us to have these important conversations and really come together,” Badger said. “I am excited and hopeful that this campaign will have a large impact on redirecting and refocusing our work to improve campus safety.”

The themes are listed below, with a few highlighted events. For more information about SafeU Month, visit the events calendar at safeu.utah.edu/events or @theU.

Continue reading after the theme weeks for more information on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, in addition to SafeU Month on the University of Utah campus. Join campus partners throughout the month for important information, student perspectives, workshops, events, calls to action and campus resources by following @uofuwellness and #uofudvam and visiting the Center for Student Wellness for more information and connection to resources.

Affecting millions every year, domestic violence can take many forms that may not be recognized by college students. The more visible signs range from yelling or public humiliation to physical violence and abuse and emotional or intimidating threats online.

Domestic violence is a form of manipulation and coercion meant to threaten, intimidate and isolate a person from support. Domestic violence occurs across all socioeconomic boundaries and all genders, races, religions, cultures and status.

During #UofUDVAM, the U will be raising awareness about domestic violence, how to recognize signs of unhealthy and healthy relationships, as well as how to support someone who is in a domestic violence situation.

Survivors of domestic violence are not alone and have the full support of the university.

Safe U Month and DVAM events can be found at safeu.utah.edu/events.