Security and Well-Being on Campus

Wayne State University Police Department officers patrol the campus and surrounding areas, offer important security resources and respond to emergencies. (Courtesy WSU Police Department)

A vibrant hub of cultural diversity, Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, has multifaceted communities, including a sizable Indian student and employee demographic. Wayne State caters to this diverse population by providing an array of facilities and services, including health care assistance at the Campus Health Center and mental health assessments throughout the semester at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for all enrolled students.

CAPS, accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, offers free and confidential mental health evaluations to suggest treatment options like counseling, case management and referrals to Wayne State students. Its team includes licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, a psychiatrist, and graduate-level trainees in clinical work.

Campus security

The Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) patrols the campus and responds swiftly to any issues. Through the Safe Walk program, students can have an officer escort them to their vehicle or dorm. The Wayne State Alerts system informs students, faculty, and staff of closures and emergencies through text notifications, extending this safety net to parents and community partners as well. To ensure crisis readiness, the university has plans in place to deal with various emergencies, including severe weather and infrastructure failures like gas leaks or power outages. It has crisis management and behavior intervention teams to deal with different situations.

Student well-being

The wealth of resources and training programs at Wayne State empowers students with the knowledge and tools to navigate safety concerns. This includes student conduct services, support programs and intervention offered by the Dean of Students Office, as well as specialized WSUPD-run training sessions like the rape aggression defense. Offered throughout the year, this hands-on training teaches various realistic tactics to help students defend themselves in the event of an attack.

Incoming students are introduced to campus security resources and training programs during orientation. To ensure familiarity and effective utilization of available resources and mental health services, students are expected to actively participate in training and drills on university protocols and systems. Wayne State University offers a secure and nurturing environment where students can thrive. Well-lit walkways, round-the-clock patrols by the WSUPD and a 24-hour police hotline all contribute to a safe and secure campus environment. This focus on safety complements Wayne State’s reputation as a great institution of learning, providing students with the full support they need for their holistic well-being.

Shaheen Y. Bhat is a doctoral student of physiology at Wayne State University, Michigan.

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