Safety FAQs

There are 1,219 video cameras located throughout campus and in the near-campus neighborhood. They are linked to the Command Information Center at the Marquette University Police Department and are used to help monitor suspicious behavior and document activity in a given area. Installation of more cameras was announced in March 2022.

More than 450 Blue Light phones are located throughout campus and in the nearby neighborhood. Blue Light phones have cameras that are always recording. By picking up the phone, a caller is connected with MUPD immediately.

Surface lots and parking structures have cameras and are patrolled by public safety officers and police officers. In both parking structures 1 and 2, cameras are on each floor of the structure as well as in the elevator lobbies. There are also panic buttons in every stairwell landing that connect directly to the Command Information Center in MUPD.

The university balances measures that ensure our urban environment is active and vibrant while also being safe. Known as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), this multi-disciplinary approach uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments to deter potential offenders, while building a sense of community and control. Examples include more lighting, landscaping, traffic mitigation strategies, restricted parking, building access control and surveillance cameras.

All residence hall doors are locked 24/7. Anyone with a MUID is able to enter the residence halls by tapping their MUID at the exterior entrance. Once inside, only those with current access permission to the residence hall will be able to check in at the front desk using their MUID. All residence halls also have front desk staff.

Chief Edith Hudson leads more than 68 trained public safety professionals, including 48 sworn law enforcement officers, who deliver an extensive safety infrastructure throughout campus and in the near-off-campus neighborhood. As a commissioned police force, MUPD has the authority to protect campus, make arrests and issue citations.

MUPD’s patrol zone is extensive and exceeds campus boundaries. The patrol zone is generally bordered by:

• Highland Avenue to the north
• North James Lovell and 6th streets to the east
• 24th Street to the west
• Canal Street to the south

MUPD and the Milwaukee Police Department frequently collaborate on investigations near patrol borders.

MUPD works closely with Near West Side Partners, a nonprofit organization focused on making the Near West Side a great place to live, work, play and stay by revitalizing and sustaining thriving business and residential corridors. Its board and working teams include institutional stakeholders, civic leaders and residents. Members of MUPD serve on NWSP working teams and assist with orientation for the NWSP Ambassador Program, which is integral to building important, trusted relationships. This group interacts with the homeless population and connects them with resources. Ambassadors are Near West Side residents themselves who are well-connected in the community.

A safety alert text message is only sent if there is an active threat to campus or if there is a significant police presence. Occasionally an alert may be sent if there is a building issue. Text alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. For example:

• Use caution: If you are in the area, use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid area: Stay away from the area.
• Shelter in place: Stay where you are until an all clear is given.
• Evacuate: Evacuate the building you are in immediately.
• Run, Hide, Fight: If you can safely leave the area, leave. If you are unable to leave the area safely, find a safe and secure location to hide. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.

When more information is known as MUPD investigates, a follow-up email is sent that includes suspect and vehicle descriptions, if applicable. This information encourages people to avoid a certain area and watch for suspects who match the description. All Safety Alert emails are posted online in Marquette Today, and alerts may be updated with new information if and when it becomes available.

Because MUPD is a commissioned police force, it responds to many incidents each day that do not pose a threat to campus and, therefore, do not warrant a text alert. MUPD keeps a daily log of all crimes or serious incidents that occur within its patrol boundaries. Learn more about daily log information.

Marquette University complies with the Jeanne Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety. MUPD’s patrol zone includes neighboring communities and the university, so this process is in place for those who live and work at the university.

All students, faculty and staff are automatically opted in to the text messaging system as long as their mobile phone numbers are up-to-date and labeled as a mobile number in CheckMarq for students or in MyJob for faculty and staff. (Faculty and staff with university-owned cell phones will automatically receive text alerts.) Please ensure your device settings are not blocking mass notifications or emergency notifications. Parents and guardians may opt into text messages and will need to do so every June 1.

• Students: Go to CheckMarq. Go to "Profile" and select "Contact Details." Scroll down to "Phone" and enter your mobile number. Make sure it's labeled "mobile," not "home."
• Faculty and staff: Please go to MyJob to add or update your mobile phone number for text alerts.
• Parents and guardians: Parents and guardians of current, active students should visit the Family Safety Texts webpage and enter their student’s MUID number. After submitting, the authentication process will confirm (or deny) the request and provide further instruction for enrolling your mobile number. Upon receiving a confirmation text message of enrollment, your mobile number is immediately active and will receive future safety alert text messages. You will need to re-enroll every June 1.

All students, faculty and staff with Marquette email addresses automatically receive emails. After MUPD sends a text message and gathers more information through its investigation, an email is sent that includes suspect and vehicle descriptions, if applicable. This information encourages people to avoid a certain area and watch for suspects who match the description.

All Safety Alert emails are posted online in Marquette Today, and alerts may be updated with new information if and when it becomes available.

The EagleEye app hosts many safety resources, and anyone — including parents and neighbors — can download it via the App Store or Google Play. Location services must be enabled and push notifications allowed for full functionality. In addition to providing housing maps, emergency procedures and support resources, the app offers important real-time services:

• Safety alert push notifications: These are the same notifications received via text. You must have your push notification settings on for the app to receive these.
• Mobile BlueLight: By tapping a button, MUPD will be dispatched to your device’s location to immediately respond.
• Friend Walk: This allows you to send your location to a friend so the friend can ensure you get to your destination safely or call emergency services if they are concerned. When you finish your trip, disconnect, and it will stop tracking.

Note that MUPD does not track devices with the EagleEye app installed. Device location information is only shared with MUPD when a Mobile BlueLight communication is activated, and, even then, MUPD does not have a name associated with the device.

MUPD offers many protective services and programs to protect self and property.

Trainings:

• Student orientation: Each year, MUPD participates in student orientation to introduce the students to MUPD with a brief presentation of who we are and what we do. In addition, we provide general safety tips and explain the available training programs.
• Self-defense: The free self-defense program combines a hands-on approach to learning effective techniques with information about the latest national and local crime trends. Designed for female and male audiences, the class incorporates simple strategies for escaping potentially dangerous situations.
• Personal security: Personal Security Awareness training reviews steps to take to limit exposure to personal and environmental security risks.
• Active shooter training: MUPD provides active shooter training to students, faculty and staff upon request.

During winter and spring breaks, MUPD offers the Vacant House Watch program to students residing in the near-off-campus neighborhood. Students can register their residences before leaving campus, and officers monitor vacant residences during routine patrols of the neighborhood.

Additionally, crime prevention officers are available to assess the security of a residence. The officer walks through the residence with tenants and, if requested, prepares a written report detailing any security concerns. Written reports are given to tenants to use in discussion with landlords.

• • Bicycle registration forms help students identify their bikes by documenting serial numbers, models and descriptions.
  • For students buying and selling personal items, the MUPD office at 749 N. 16th St. serves as a safe meeting place for students to exchange property instead of at their personal residences. This allows them to protect their housing information while having the comfort of nearby security.
  • With the uptick in car thefts targeting Kias and Hyundais, MUPD has been providing free steering wheel locks for students, faculty, staff and citizens who live in the patrol boundaries to better protect their cars.

Yes, students are welcome to call Marquette’s Counseling Center at (414) 288-7172 to speak to a counselor on call. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and currently offers both virtual and in-person clinical services. Students should call the main number to schedule an initial screening appointment with a professional counselor, or they can walk in for urgent concerns during business hours. For mental health emergencies on weekdays after 4:30 p.m., on weekends or during most holidays, call MUPD at (414) 288-6800 and request to speak with the on-call counselor.

Marquette offers many mental health resources for students as well as faculty and staff:

• Active Minds: Marquette chapter: A national organization promoting mental health and wellness for young adults
• Camino small groups: A program for students to connect, build friendships, and bolster their relationships with God
• Culturally diverse student resources: Find community with peers of similar cultural backgrounds
• Employee Assistance Program: A free service for employees to receive work-life services and short-term counseling
• Faber Center: Dedicated to providing faculty and staff with support and guidance in leading a reflective life
• GROW courses: Personal and professional development programming for faculty and staff
• SilverCloud: A virtual mental health resource for all faculty, staff and students
• Spiritual Direction: A program through Campus Ministry for students to be matched with a guide for their spiritual journeys
• Tutoring: Available for students

Additionally, the following offices are also here to help:

• Division of Student Affairs
  • CARE Team Resources
• Office of Student Educational Services
• Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
• Center for Engagement and Inclusion

A bias incident is any discriminatory or hurtful act that appears to be motivated or is perceived by the victim or victims to be motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, sex, ability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, socioeconomic status or language. To be considered a bias incident, the act is not required to be a crime under any federal, state or local statutes. Please use this form to report an incident.

For other ways to report a bias incident and to learn about how Marquette is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful community that allows students, faculty and staff to achieve their fullest potential, please visit this Division of Student Affairs page.

Vans are active from 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. every day of the year. 

You must first download the EagleExpress app, powered by Via, from the App Store or Google Play. Set up a profile. You will need to input your Marquette email address to verify your identity. After you enter your email address, you will get a confirmation email to that account to verify that it is you. You must confirm this to be able to use the service. 

Once your profile is set up, you request a ride like you would on any other ride-share app. Verify your pickup location and input your drop-off location. EagleExpress app uses Google Maps, which has outdated information about the Marquette University campus. We are actively working with Google to get our campus maps updated. Please use exact street addresses for locations that are not yet updated in Google Maps.

Step 1: Move the map until the blue marker is at your desired pickup location and press "Set Pickup." You can also manually type your address in the search bar and select the correct one from the drop-down. 

Step 2: Move the map until the orange marker is at your desired drop-off location and press "Set Drop Off." You can also manually type your address in the search bar and select the correct one from the drop-down. EagleExpress will check for available vans and connect you with the best vehicle for your ride. 

Step 3: Review the ride offer in the proposal screen. Select "Book This Ride." Proposals expire in 30 seconds. If your proposal expires, you can resubmit the request to see what’s available. 

All the details will be displayed, including the pickup location (remember it may not be exactly where you requested it), an estimated arrival time for your pickup, and information on the van and driver picking you up. 

If you are in a location next to a drivable road, your pickup location will be where you requested it. The app will confirm that when you book. However, if you try to book for a location on the interior of campus, such as near the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, the app will direct you to the nearest pickup location next to a drivable road. 

There are three designated pickup locations, two of which are also approved off-campus locations: Valley Fields, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (Amtrak) and the Eleven25 at Pabst apartments. This is to help ensure riders and drivers can find each other more easily. If you request a ride from one of these locations, the app will direct you to a specific spot. 

If there is a temporary road closure, the driver may not be able to pick you up where requested. If this is the case, dispatch may call, text or email the rider to coordinate an alternate pickup location.

EagleExpress will accept ride requests for groups up to eight individuals. 

After your ride is confirmed, you will see the driver’s first name and last name initial. You will also have the van number and license plate. Please verify these details before boarding the van. 

EagleExpress vans are navy, gold and white. The wheelchair accessible van is white. The EagleExpress logo and a van number are on every vehicle.  

There are two approved off-campus locations to which EagleExpress will transport passengers: Milwaukee Intermodal Station (Amtrak) and the Eleven25 at Pabst apartments. All other rides are restricted to campus.  

You will receive a notification that your requested ride is confirmed, when your van is five minutes away from your location and when your van has arrived. You should make your way to the meeting point once you receive the five-minute warning message. You will not receive a phone call.   

The van will wait two minutes for you to arrive and will then move on to its next request. Please pay attention to the five-minute notification you receive about your ride so you’re ready on time. Please be outside or within visual range of the pickup location at the time of your estimate. 

Our objective is to provide a safe service for all passengers to increase safety on campus. Wait times can vary depending on many factors, such as weather, call volume, events on campus and the number of available vehicles. You will be able to track your EagleExpress on the app.  

If you know you can't make your ride, please cancel your ride in the EagleExpress app so we can serve another student in your place. If you called to request a ride, please call 414-288-6363 to let the dispatcher know that you are canceling the ride. 

Please call dispatch at 414-288-6363, and they will check the vehicle location for you. 

No. You just won’t be able to receive notifications when your ride arrives, so please be ready and waiting near your pickup location. 

The minimum version of the operating system needed for the rider app is:

• 5.0 for Android
• 12 for iOS

In addition to checking for operating system updates, please check for any carrier updates as well.

Use of EagleExpress is available to anyone with an active Marquette University email address and their guests. To request a ride, download the EagleExpress app and log in with your university email address. You will need to show your MUID before boarding the van. 

Yes, the EagleExpress fleet includes a vehicle that can transport people who use a wheeled mobility device. This vehicle is available during every shift.

If you use a wheeled mobility device, when you set up your EagleExpress account in the app, go to account settings, click special settings and turn on the wheelchair accessibility option. This will ensure every ride request you make will always dispatch the WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle) for you.

If you are booking a ride for yourself and a friend who uses a wheeled mobility device, when you input the number of passengers in the ride request, simply select the option for a passenger with a wheelchair. The WAV will be dispatched to accommodate your party.

The EagleExpress WAV has a driver-deployed rear entry ramp. Please select a pickup location that allows you to safely approach the vehicle. 

Yes, you have two options for transport while using a mobility aid, including crutches, walker, scooter, etc. You can book the standard EagleExpress van, or you may request the wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), which is available during every shift. To book the WAV, you will need to update your EagleExpress account. In the app, go to account settings, click special settings and turn on the wheelchair accessibility option. This will ensure every ride request you make will always dispatch the WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle) for you. You may bring up to three additional passengers in the WAV. If your need is temporary, remember to update your settings again when you no longer have a need for the WAV.

Students with other needs related to mobility or temporary impairments are encouraged to contact our Office of Disability Services.

If you cannot use the app, you can call dispatch at 414-288-6363 to request a ride. Dispatch will book your request, provide an estimated wait time, and share the driver and vehicle information. Note that the first time you do this, dispatch will need your name, phone number and Marquette email address to verify identity. You will get a confirmation email to that account to verify that it is you. You must confirm this to be able to use the service.

Please make sure you are at the pickup location and watching for your ride, as you will not receive any notifications.  

No. All rides are dispatched and managed through the app to optimize fleet availability with ride request volumes. Vans are dispatched based on available seating and destinations of passengers. Please make sure you download the app and set up a profile so you can request a ride when you need it. 

No, it is against our policy to have open containers of alcohol on the van. If the alcohol is sealed in its original store packaging, you may bring it on the EagleExpress. Kegs are never allowed in our vans. 

Anyone who vomits in an EagleExpress van will receive a $100 fine to pay for cleanup. 

Our drivers do interior checks of their vans at the beginning and end of their shifts to locate any items that may have been left behind. If we find your item, the latest it will be available for pickup will be at the end of our nightly operations at 3 a.m. Our policy requires us to turn in any found items to MUPD. If we've found your item, it will be available for pickup at MUPD headquarters on 16th Street. 

EagleEye is the university’s safety app that integrates with Marquette University's safety and security systems. The EagleEye app hosts many Marquette safety resources, and anyone — including parents and neighbors — can download it from the App Store or Google Play. Location services must be enabled and push notifications allowed for full functionality. Learn more about its features. 

EagleExpress is one of many resources the university offers. Learn about the EagleEye app, safety tips, safety classes and seminars, and safety alert process.