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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

General safety tips

  • Never risk personal injury to protect property or personal belongings.
  • Never admit you are alone, either in person or on the phone; mention that someone else is present.
  • Wait in well-lit areas for public transit and sit near the driver.
  • Be alert to others watching you and keep your distance.
  • Refuse to give your name, address or phone number to strangers, unless for legitimate purposes.
  • Trust your instinct.
  • If you feel at risk, act.
  • If an assault occurs

    If an assault occurs on campus:

    • Call for assistance as soon as possible
      • 905.721.3211 (mobile phone)
      • Ext. 2400 (Dial 2400 on any campus phone)
    • Record as many identification indicators and details about the suspect as soon as possible.
  • If you are being followed

    If you think you're being followed on campus you need to:

    • Look behind you.
    • Go to the nearest well-lit, populated area.
    • Vary your speed and change direction.
    • Attract attention.
    • Call 911.
      • 905.721.3211 (mobile phone)
      • Ext. 2400 (Dial 2400 on any campus phone)
    • Report suspicious people or incidents to Campus Security at:
  • Safety indoors
    • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly the general campus layout, exits, rooms and offices.
    • Be alert in confined spaces such as washrooms and stairwells.
    • Before you leave an area, check for strangers.
    • Have a friend join you if you plan to stay late.
    • Do not use headsets which distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
    • Use exits closest to your mode of transportation.
    • Do not leave a purse, computer or other possessions out of your site, even for a brief time, mark personal items with your initials or student number.
    • Do not give your locker combination to others, and always spin your lock past the last number.
  • Safety in public places
    • Avoid walking alone and using shortcuts through unfamiliar, deserted areas.
    • Look confident and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone.
    • Travel in well-lit areas and away from bushes, doorways and buildings.
    • If you must stay late, move your car closer to a building and to a well-lit area.
    • Have your keys ready so you can enter your car or residence quickly.
    • Check in and under your vehicle before entering.
    • Lock your car as soon as you enter or leave it.
    • Keep windows and sunroof closed.
  • Traffic safety

    Be alert, obey traffic signs:

    • Use crosswalks or traffic lights to cross the street. Never step off the curb, assuming a vehicle will stop for you.
    • Be alert at the intersections.
    • Be aware of accessible pedestrian signals and use them accordingly.
    • If you are using headphones, keep the volume low and only use them in one ear so you can hear sounds and signals around you.
    • Be aware of ongoing construction by checking the Service Disruptions webpage.
  • Running safety
    • Run with a friend or in a group.
    • If you run alone, let someone know the time and route of your run.
    • Plan your route carefully, use familiar routes and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
    • Familiarize yourself with emergency phones, populated areas and businesses along your route.
    • Always carry ID, your medic alert ID (if applicable) and emergency cab or bus fare.
  • Personal safety
    • Be responsible and use common sense.
    • Know how and where to get help.
    • If you are on campus late, request an escort to your vehicle or on-campus residence through our Campus Walk program.
    • Travel with crowds or with an individual you know.
    • Report strange incidents or suspicious behaviour. For example, if someone is loitering near your vehicle, leave immediately and call Campus Security.
    • Trust your instinct.