On this page: Campus Safety • Staying Safe in the Community • Scams and Fraud
Your safety matters. Learn more about campus resources, community laws, and practical ways to stay safe and make informed choices while living in Tucson.
Campus Safety
The University of Arizona is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all students. There are many campus safety programs and services to help you feel secure and prepared both in daily life and during emergencies.
University of Arizona Police Department
Many universities have their own police department, and the University of Arizona is no exception. The University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) helps keep campus safe through regular patrols, community engagement, and safety education. It’s common to see officers on campus, even when there isn’t an emergency.
If you come from a country where police officers don’t typically carry firearms, you might notice that most officers in the U.S. do. Please know that you can approach UAPD officers for assistance or information at any time.
Other Campus Safety Resources
Explore the resources below to learn how to stay safe and connected on campus. You’ll find these and many more in the Wildcat Safety Guide.
Active Shooter Preparedness Training
Mandatory safety training for all employees on responding to active threats on campus
Blue Lights
Located throughout campus and in parking garages and offer a direct connection to UAPD
Public CARE Report
Notify the Dean of Students Office if you know of a student having difficulties who may benefit from assistance
SafeCats App
The university’s safety app, designed to help you stay prepared and connected on and around campus
Safety Strolls
Join public safety leaders for a one-hour walk through main campus to help identify areas of concern
Spotting Trouble Training
Online trainings to recognize the warning behaviors of targeted violence
Staying Safe in the Community
Staying safe in Tucson means making responsible choices and being aware of local laws that may differ from those in your home country.
For questions related to your F-1 or J-1 status, meet with an international student advisor. However, if you’re facing complex legal issues beyond our scope, such as criminal charges, family law matters, or complicated immigration cases, you may need to consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Tucson is a great place for biking. To keep everyone safe, cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers. Find practical bike safety tips, including how to ride responsibly, stay visible, and navigate Arizona’s roads safely on the Arizona Department of Transportation Bicycling Safety page.
Use the Tucson Metro Bike Map to plan safe, bike-friendly routes around the city and campus.
For additional guidance, review University of Arizona Police Department Safety Tips for cyclists and pedestrians on campus.
Driving in Arizona can be a great way to explore Tucson and the surrounding areas, but it’s important to understand and follow local traffic laws. Arizona’s regulations are designed to promote safe driving and prevent accidents on the road. Use the resources below to familiarize yourself with official driving laws and safety guidelines.
- Driver License Manuals: The official guide to Arizona’s traffic laws and safe driving practices, including seat belt use, speed limits, hands-free requirements, "Move Over" laws, child safety seat regulations, and penalties for traffic violations.
- Transportation Safety: Learn about statewide programs and resources for safely handling conditions like heat, dust storms, and construction zones.
Always carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance when driving, and contact law enforcement in the event of an emergency or accident. Watch What to Do & Expect When Pulled Over By Law Enforcement to learn how to act appropriately if you are ever pulled over by the police.
Domestic violence is a serious crime in Arizona. Abuse can occur in any relationship, including between family members, intimate partners, or even roommates.
Survivor Support Services on campus offers confidential support and advocacy services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including intimate partner and dating violence, sexual assualt and rape, revenge porn and cyber harassment, stalking and harrassment or abuse in any form. They can support any student who has been subjected to interpersonal violence, regardless of when or where it occurred.
If you are in imminent danger or need medical assistance call 911. Even if you are on campus, calling 911 will connect you with law enforcement and emergency services.
Scams and Fraud
In recent years, scammers have increasingly targeted international students by pretending to be officials from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or other government agencies. They may already know some personal details and try to pressure you by threatening arrest, deportation, or loss of immigration status if you don’t pay money or share more information.
The tricks that scammers use are very sophisticated, and it is easy for anyone to fall victim. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from scams:
- Government agencies will never request money by phone or email. Official payment requests arrive only by mail on official letterhead.
- Never share your SSN or ITIN by phone or email. Keep these documents secure; you don’t need to carry them.
- Use only official “.gov” websites for immigration information and forms. All application forms are free to download.
- Reporting scams will not impact your immigration status. You have the right to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.
- If you’re unsure about a call or email, don’t share personal or bank information. Ask for the caller’s name and number, then contact us at (520) 621-4627 or by email for help reporting the scam.
- Report a phish. Before reporting, check the Office of Information Security phishing alerts to see if it has already been reported. If it has, delete the email; no further action is required.
- Block malicious senders. This helps protect your privacy and reduce cybersecurity threats.
- Report security incidents. An Information Security Incident is a violation or imminent threat of violation of computer security policies, acceptable use policies, or standard security practices.
Use these resources to learn how to recognize scams and protect yourself from fraud:
- Common Scams: Learn how to recognize and avoid immigration-related scams.
- Fraud Warning: Official U.S. government guidance on preventing visa and travel-related fraud.
- Identity Theft: Steps to protect your personal information.
- Rental Scams: Red Flags & Real Life Examples: Guidance for identifying fake rental listings and avoiding housing fraud.
- University of Arizona Information Security: Learn how to spot phishing attempts, protect your university accounts, and get help if you’ve been targeted.