Public Safety Information & Services

Department	Phone Number
Public Safety	(614) 251-4700
Student Development	(614) 251-4595
Wellness Center	(614) 251-4709
Residence Life	(614) 251-4718
Columbus Police	(614) 645-4545
Suicide Prevention	(614) 221-5445
Poison Control	1 (800) 222-1222
Impact Student Life Assistance - 24/7 Hotline	1 (888) 475-2669

The Ohio Dominican University Security Department is not a commissioned law enforcement agency, nor do personnel within the department have arrest authority. Rather, the department is designed to help keep the likelihood of criminal activity to a minimum and to keep the campus community aware of any safety/security issues.

The Public Safety officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Ohio Dominican University. Public Safety officers have the authority to issue parking tickets that are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty and staff. Criminal incidents are referred to the local police who have jurisdiction on campus.

The Public Safety office maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Columbus Police Department as well as other local, state and federal agencies. The Public Safety Department does not have any Memoranda of Understandings with any agency.

All students, faculty, and staff are provided the Panther Card, the official ID card of the University.  To obtain a Panther Card, students must be accepted for admission and registered for classes.  Photos for Panther Cards are taken in the Public Safety Office. An ID card is required for access to the residence halls and other facilities, using the meal plan, learning and information services, entry to campus events, and all transactions in the Business Office. Lost, stolen, or damaged ID cards should be reported to the Public Safety Department (614) 251-4723 immediately.  Replacement cards are obtained through the Public Safety Office for a replacement fee of $20.00.  The ID must be carried at all times and presented upon request by a University official.  Any student using a University ID card improperly or loaning his/her ID to anyone is in violation of University policy and subject to disciplinary action.

All motor vehicles, including motorcycles, parked on campus must be registered with Public Safety and display a valid parking permit at all times.

ODU Parking Permits

• Student Permit
• Faculty/Staff Permits
• Sodexo Permit

New Parking Permit Registration

If you have previously registered for an ODU permit, you do not need to register again. Annual registration is no longer required.

All permits must be registered online.

To register your vehicle, you'll need the the following information:

• Your 7-digit ODU ID number.
• Current license plate number (omit spaces).
• Vehicle description- make, model and color.
• Address where you will reside during the academic year.

Additional information:

• You are responsible for your permit.
• Pick up your permit in the Public Safety Office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The Public Safety Office is located on the first floor of Erskine Hall (room 100D), in the hallway above Panther Plaza.
• No more than two vehicles may/can be registered at a time. In addition, if you have registered more than one vehicle, it is your responsibility to transfer your permit to the car that is being driven.
• If you need to amend information on your vehicle registration (for example, adding a second vehicle, changing or correcting information), contact Public Safety at publicsafety@ohiodominican.edu.

Any student, staff member or visitor may request a security escort at any time. This service is encouraged for those walking on campus after dark.

Call 251-4700 to request an escort anywhere on campus. An officer will meet you and walk or drive you to your destination.

The Escort Program is to be utilized for safety purposes, or for those who have temporary or permanent disabilities. 

There are five outside emergency phones located throughout campus. These phones are marked with blue and white "Security Phone" signs. Simply push the button and you will be connected to an officer.

Use these phones to request an escort, report suspicious behavior and other security-related requests. 

View the Campus Map for their locations around campus (designated by a phone). 

The Public Safety Department maintains a lost and found in the Public Safety Office. Lost items can be reported by phone or by utilizing the Lost Item Report on our webpage.

Found items can be left at the Public Safety Office in 100D Erskine Hall (in the hallway above Panther Plaza). 

Lost & Found items will remain in storage for 30 days. After that period has elapsed, sensitive items will be destroyed and usable items will be donated to charity.

Report a Lost Item

Public Safety Officers will help with minor vehicle problems such as jumpstarts. For liability reasons, officers can not help on vehicle lockouts. Should you need special parking because of a temporary handicap, notify Public Safety for parking arrangements.

All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report crimes to the Department of Public Safety and the appropriate police agency.

Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics. We also invite your suggestions for improving our services. Please feel free to call us or stop by the office anytime you are in need of assistance, emergency or otherwise, or if you have any questions or suggestions.

Campus Public Safety Officers and Campus Security Authorities must report crimes in the annual crime statistics.

Information on the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and information on how to report is available in the training presentation below and associated forms.

• CSA Training Powerpoint (PowerPoint download)
• CSA Checklist (PDF)
• Clery Incident Report Form (PDF)

Public Safety works closely with the Maintenance Department in maintaining safe facilities. Officers routinely report on the condition lighting, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. Officers make monthly inspections of fire equipment and emergency lighting in all campus buildings.

Complete our online appeal form.

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