WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University’s persistent pursuit to prioritize the campus community’s safety is reflected in a new national ranking by Academic Influence that names Purdue America’s safest college.
Academic Influence, an organization of academics and data scientists, lists Purdue as No. 1 among the 15 safest colleges. The ranking considered the following elements:
- Compliance with the Clery Act
- Various security features
- Low crime statistics
- Mental health services
The Purdue University Police Department plays a critical role in the ranking. Officers patrol campus 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and provide security services for all large campus events. The department also offers several community services, including a Safe Walk program, crime prevention initiatives, and verbal de-escalation training. A daily log documenting all crimes reported to the department is also available on the department’s website. The Commission recently reaccredited PUPD for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. for its professional policies and standards.
“Purdue is committed to providing a safe campus environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Jay Wasson, vice president for physical facilities and public safety. “Our public safety staff — including the police department, fire department, and office of emergency preparedness — work tirelessly with our campus partners to meet the safety needs of the campus community.”
Other factors contributing to the ranking include the nearly 300 emergency telephone call boxes across campus, mental health services offered through Purdue University Student Health Service, and the ongoing partnership with CityBus to provide free rides for anyone with a Purdue ID. These elements impact safety and contribute to a positive college experience.
“Safety is always the top priority at Purdue,” President Mung Chiang said. “We thank the outstanding work 24/7 by the professional colleagues and appreciate the safety mindset of over 60,000 members of the West Lafayette campus. This ranking is another reflection of our continued focus on safety.”
While the Academic Influence ranking is an immense achievement, the university will continue to ensure additional giant leaps are made to provide a safe and secure campus environment.
More information about the ranking can be found on the Academic Influence website.
