Free app seeks to ensure safety across campus
Guelph has consistently been ranked as one of the safest Canadian cities to live in, boasting the title of the safest city in Canada for several years. The University of Guelph is no exception to this high standard of safety. With the Campus Police, Safewalk services, the First Response Team, and numerous emergency poles available, the university prides itself on taking a proactive approach to campus safety.
Now, the university is taking things a step further with the creation of the SafeGryphon smartphone app, which aims to enhance campus safety.
The app has a user-friendly design that allows students to easily report suspicious activity to Campus Police. The app also features a loud alarm that can be used to attract attention in a risky situation, a flashlight, and a map to help navigate around the campus.
The mapping function pinpoints exactly where you are on campus and indicates the names of nearby facilities and on-campus resources.
A key feature of the SafeGryphon app is the ability to get notifications at any time, whether or not the app is in use. Students will be notified if there is a dangerous situation on campus or if the university is closed due to inclement weather or lockdown.
Students can also stay up to date with the Campus Police through social media, as the app contains a link to their twitter page.
University of Guelph student Valmy Assam recently downloaded the app. “When you have to work late, it can be scary having to walk around town alone in the dark,” said Assam. “SafeGryphon is a great idea, especially for first year students who are still not completely familiar with the campus or city.”
Apps similar to SafeGryphon have popped up at other universities across Ontario and have been met with great success. Queens, McMaster, and Western have all developed apps intending to enhance security and safety on their campuses.
The hope is that SafeGryphon will have a positive impact on campus life and expand in the coming years, offering even more services to students.
Campus Police Sergeant Steve Forbes explained that “[the app is recommend] not just for students, but for staff, faculty, and even visitors who are on campus regularly as a simple way to connect with campus police or to search for safety-related information.”
The app is available for download at the Apple store, Google Play, and BlackBerry World.