UMSL students walk between classes outside the Science Complex on North Campus. (Photo by Jay Fram)

Fostering safety and security is critical to building a learning environment where students can thrive as they pursue their goals.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis is proud to have ranked among the top five safest campuses in the country in a 2024 study from SafeHome.org, but UMSL Police haven’t stopped seeking new ways to improve peace of mind among all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

The UMSL Guardian App is free to download and offers speed dial functionality to reach police, a safety timer that allows friends and family to act as a virtual safety escort and a call directory of university support services.

This week, the department launched the UMSL Guardian app which is free to download and turns any smartphone into a personal safety device by providing speed dial functionality to connect with police, a call directory for university support services and access to other resources.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the UMSL Guardian app, which replaces the Rave Guardian app,” UMSL Police Chief Marisa Smith said. “This latest version includes custom branding and all the trusted features users rely on – such as real-time emergency alerts, direct access to campus police and the safety timer that allows friends and family to act as a virtual safety escort.”

With the safety timer, users can invite friends or family members in their contact list to monitor their walk on or off campus, even if they don’t have the UMSL Guardian app. The guardians can ensure that users get to their destination safely. During the timed trip, the app will share your approximate location and route with the selected guardian, who can follow along using GPS. Once users reach their destination, the guardian will know they have arrived safely.

Users can also dial their guardian, campus police or 911 with one touch dialing should an issue arrive during their trip.

Real-time location helps facilitate a quicker emergency response.

The app also includes:

• An easy way to report a tip to the UMSL Police Department
• Shuttle tracker: Shuttle location updates in real-time
• Campus Resources: Access to the most common support resources available to help students
• Safety Plans: Information and resources for safety planning
• Interactive Campus Maps: Features include parking on campus and campus building information

There is also a guest mode for guests and visitors to the UMSL campus.

“We encourage all students, faculty, staff and visitors to download the UMSL Guardian app to take full advantage of its expanded features,” Smith said.