Our Commitment
Public Safety exists as both a service provider and enforcement unit, responsible for providing a safe, secure environment for the Arcadia community and its guests.
Our staff conducts themselves in a polite, courteous, tactful, and professional manner while collaborating with community members, law enforcement, and fire agencies to ensure compliance with federal, local, state, and University laws, rules, and regulations.
Our Services
- Event coverage and security
- Criminal and non-criminal incident investigations and prevention
- Patrols (vehicle, bike, foot)
- Parking and traffic enforcement
- Emergency and routine medical assistance
- Safety escorts
- Motorists assistance
- CCTV monitoring
- Emergency notifications
- Building access (for lock-outs)
- Safety awareness and self-defense education
Meet the Director of Public Safety
Dear Arcadia Community,
Welcome to the Arcadia University Department of Public Safety! It is the primary goal of our department, in partnership with you, to make your experience at the University a positive one. Public Safety strives to provide a safe and secure living, learning and working environment through quality security services and community-engaging partnerships.
We take your safety very seriously, and we want you to do the same. Public Safety is committed to preventing criminal incidents and poor decisions from interfering with your educational experience. Your safety is, and always will be, our department’s greatest concern. Public Safety is always available to you, 24/7 and we encourage you to contact us for any reason at any time. As a member of our campus community, we remind you that it is also your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the University’s rules and regulations.
Public Safety is located in Dilworth Hall, on the first floor. Our officers conduct foot, bike, and vehicle patrols, respond to reports of crimes, provide information and resources to the community, and works in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies.
Recognizing our department’s motto, “Securing the Future, What Matters Most!” we ask that you join our efforts in keeping Arcadia University safe.
Go Knights!
Ruth A. Evans
Director of Public Safety
A Knight to Watch
Public Safety would like to acknowledge Officer Jeffrey Ganz for his dedication to the Arcadia University Community.
For over 23 years, Officer Ganz continues to exemplify the excellence of a Public Safety Officer. Affectionately called “The Mayor of Public Safety”, Officer Ganz is a great resource to have on our team. “He knows everybody!” says Director Evans.
“Officer Ganz’s consistently promotes the lived values of the university and his commitment to a safe environment is unwavering. Officer Ganz fosters an environment of family and team-building and enthusiastically accepts special details without hesitation. Officer Ganz’s quality customer service makes it easy for him to work with our internal and external stakeholders, while promoting Arcadia University in every sentence,” shares Director Evans.
Officer Ganz is an asset to the University overall.
Resources and Information
Emergency Resources
Missing Person Protocol
We investigate all reports of missing students. In investigations, we may use phone, email, text, and social media to reach the student; contact friends, roommates, faculty, campus employers, and others who have had contact with the student; explore and verify use of student ID to enter buildings or make purchases on campus; and consult with other campus authorities who may know the student or circumstances pertinent to the situation. If we determine that the student’s whereabouts have been unknown for 24 hours, we will notify the student’s missing person contact, parent or guardian, and the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Reporting Missing Persons
If you suspect that an Arcadia student living in University housing is missing from campus, immediately contact a staff member in:
- Public Safety (215-572-2800): 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Student Affairs (215-572-2933): 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Each year, Arcadia students voluntarily provide emergency contact information (may be the same as or distinct from the contact information you provide in the event of a medical emergency). If you wish to provide or update your contact information, complete the Emergency Contact Form in MyArcadia.
Ask the Director?
Do you have a question or concern for Public Safety? Would you like to compliment us or have constructive criticism to share? I’m interested in what you have to say. Please reply to Director of Public Safety Ruth Evans evansr@arcadia.edu.
Public Safety FAQs
What steps has Arcadia taken to prevent crime?
Arcadia University is situated in a safe, residential suburb of Glenside, Pa, near Philadelphia. Arcadia is ranked as a low crime area by the local Cheltenham Township Police Department. Call boxes are strategically placed throughout campus and the University is well lit. Public Safety Officers patrol on and off campus properties 24 hours per day.
Am I able to park on campus?
All motor vehicles parked on Campus property by students, faculty, staff members must be registered with KnightCard Services. Visitors to the campus can obtain a temporary parking permit from the Public Safety Office. Note: First-year resident students are not permitted to have a vehicle on campus for any period of time without written permission from the Department of Public Safety.
There are 14 parking areas on campus. Each area requires a valid parking permit to park on campus.
Is public transportation available?
Students without cars will find the public transportation systems easily accessible. The SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) Bus #22 stops on the corner of campus and the Glenside train station is within walking distance of campus. In less than 25 minutes via train, students can reach Center City Philadelphia. Visit www.septa.org for information and schedules.
Do I need an ID card? What happens if I lose my card?
KnightCards are issued by KnightCard Services to full-time and part-time students, faculty and staff. KnightCards identify the individual's affiliation with Arcadia University. KnightCards are needed to enter residence halls, use in dining hall with a “meal plan”, borrow books from the Landman Library, and to use the facilities and equipment in the Kuch Recreation Center.
To report a lost or stolen KnightCard, call 215-572-2362 or email KnightCardServices@arcadia.edu. In the future, you can also log in to your GET account and freeze your card. If someone returns your KnightCard, simply bring a picture ID with you to the KnightCard Services Office to retrieve your card.
