January 27, 2026

Dear Seawolves,

Your safety and well-being are top priorities at Stony Brook. As you begin the semester, we want to make sure you're aware of the many resources, policies, and services available to help keep you and those around you safe and supported. Please review the information below and learn how you can protect yourself, support others, and contribute to a respectful and safe campus environment.

YOUR SAFETY 

Whenever you are walking, biking, or driving, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the road. It gets darker earlier in the winter, so be careful when walking after dusk, wear light clothing or carry a flashlight so you are more visible to drivers, and use the sidewalks and the crosswalks whenever possible. If you’d like to have someone accompany you when walking on campus late at night, call the Residential Safety Program (RSP). RSP offers a walk service to any points on campus from 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM. Call 631-632-WALK (9255) to arrange a walk. 

Enhance Your Safety with the SB Guardian App

The SB Guardian app is a safety tool that connects you directly with University Police (UPD) through a one-touch panic call, enabling a quicker emergency response. It also includes a safety timer feature you can set for trips across campus. If you don’t check in by your expected arrival time, the app automatically alerts UPD with your location. For more information, visit the website. 

Emergency Alerts and Notifications

Sign up for SB Alert, our emergency notification system. SB Alert notifies you about emergencies and impending situations via email or text such as weather related disruptions and safety updates. To sign up, go to the SB Alert Emergency Notification Registration tab in SOLAR. 

Update Your Emergency Contact Information 

Please update your Emergency Contact Information in SOLAR by February 15. This information is essential so that we may contact your loved ones in the event of an emergency or hospitalization. This tutorial shows how to update this information. 

If you are an international student studying on Stony Brook’s campus, please include a contact person in the United States, if possible. This contact person could be a relative, family friend, or your host family. 

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

If there is a situation where you feel unsafe, call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from a non-campus phone. If you are not on campus, contact 911 for your local police. Visit our Campus Safety website for more information.

Stony Brook’s Good Samaritan policy encourages students to call for help during alcohol- or drug-related emergencies without fear of disciplinary action. Both the student in need and the bystander who acts in good faith may be protected from University sanctions. Learn more at stonybrook.edu/goodsamaritan.

Hazing is not tolerated at Stony Brook. Hazing is any action taken or situation that endangers another person’s psychological, emotional, or physical health, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership with any organization, group, or team. It can happen in many shapes and forms, and not only through the use of alcohol or other drugs. Report hazing incidents using the “Report” form or contact University Police at (631) 632-3333. To view the Stony Brook Hazing Policy and the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, visit the Hazing Prevention website. 

Sexual misconduct is not tolerated at Stony Brook. The University takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and is committed to the prevention of sexual assault and violence. We have policies and procedures in place and the Office of Equity and Access investigates every claim that is received. To report any concern or incident involving sexual misconduct, contact the Office of Equity and Access. In addition, the Survivor Advocacy Team provides confidential advocacy and support to students who experience sexual or interpersonal violence.

BECOME A TRAINED BYSTANDER

We offer three bystander intervention programs through the Center for Prevention and Outreach: 

• Green Dot helps you recognize risky or potentially violent situations.

• QPR focuses on suicide prevention.  

• Red Watch Band teaches you how to intervene to prevent toxic drinking and save a life. 

To sign up for training sessions, visit the Center for Prevention and Outreach’s website. 

DRUG-FREE AND TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS

State University of New York campuses are bound by the federal requirements under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Under this requirement, the use, possession, cultivation, and sale of marijuana remains prohibited on all SUNY campuses and is subject to disciplinary action under the University’s Code of Student Responsibility. This prohibition covers all SUNY property in public as well as campus residence halls, University apartments, and offices, University-owned and leased buildings, housing, parking lots, and all SUNY events. In addition to this federal requirement, smoking or vaping marijuana on campus remains prohibited under our Tobacco-Free Policy.

Thank you for taking the time to review these important safety updates. Being informed and proactive helps create a stronger and safer Stony Brook for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the appropriate offices or visit the websites linked in this message.

Stay safe and stay connected. Go Seawolves!

Sincerely,

Rick Gatteau, PhD

Vice President for Student Affairs