Public Safety and Security
SNHU Alerts
SNHU Alerts is an optional emergency alert text messaging service for students, faculty and staff. SNHU Alerts is just one method the university will use to communicate emergency information. SNHU uses this notification system to send alerts about crisis situations affecting the SNHU community as well as closings, cancellations or delays of office hours or classes. Register for SNHU Alerts to have text messages sent to up to two cell phone numbers and two email addresses.
Uniformed Public Safety Officers
Our Public Safety Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day. Our officers are trained in crime prevention, fire prevention, investigations, and security patrolling, first aid and general services. Our officers work closely with the Manchester and Hooksett police and fire departments. A spirit of cooperation is maintained as we work hand-in-hand to keep the campus and the adjoining communities safe.
Use of Video Surveillance Cameras on Campus
The Public Safety Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life to the campus community by integrating the best practices of public and private security. A critical component of our comprehensive security plan is using video surveillance. Its primary purpose is to deter crime and to assist the Public Safety officers in protecting the safety and property of our university community. Video monitoring for public safety purposes will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. On campus video monitoring of areas is limited to locations that do not violate an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by state law.
Student IDs
Students are required to show their ID when requested by any university official, and should expect to be asked whenever returning to campus. All vehicles must display the appropriate parking decal or pass.
Residence Halls
The Office of Residence Life, in conjunction with the facilities and public safety departments, provides security for the residence areas by installation of dead bolts in all students' residences, provision of public access emergency call boxes, and extensive exterior lighting of walkways and parking lots. The residence halls have a dual locking system that includes external and room door locks. In addition to these systems, the university staffs its residence areas with resident assistants and resident directors.
Campus Escort Program
SNHU's Public Safety department provides a Campus Escort Program for members of the campus community. The service is designed to enhance students and visitors safety and peace of mind, and provide a sense of security for anyone who feels uneasy while walking alone on campus. This is a walking escort service and conducted by public safety officers within campus boundaries.
Fire Protection and Prevention
Southern New Hampshire University's residential and non-residential buildings are thoroughly equipped with combinations of sprinkler systems, smoke and heat detectors, fire hose connections and extinguishers, which are at all key locations and are easily accessible. All of our fire suppressant systems meet or exceed current codes and alarm systems are wired into or radio dispatched to the Manchester and Hooksett fire departments.
Unannounced fire drills are conducted each semester and any deficiencies found are immediately addressed. Resident Assistants and Public Safety officers are trained in hands-on fire suppression.
Public Safety Education
The key to preventing crime is awareness. Safety at SNHU is reinforced through informal conversations and regular educational programs presented by Public Safety, Residence Life and the Wellness Center. These programs cover topics such as safety awareness, self-defense and residence hall security.
We update security publications periodically and provide them to all students and employees, as well as to applicants for admission. Additional detailed information is distributed to each student by public safety.