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December 9, 2024
Now that daylight saving time has ended, we’ll all be walking, riding and driving in the darkness more often. As a part of Northwestern’s commitment to campus safety, the University has launched a new resource for students on the Evanston campus that can be used no matter the hour of the day.
NUGuardian is a free, peer-to-peer mobile app that turns a smartphone into a personal safety device. The app allows users to designate their phone contacts as “guardians” who walk with them, virtually, wherever they’re going — on campus or off — to help them arrive safely at their destination.
“NUGuardian is one tool in a tool kit to help students manage their safety,” said Mona Dugo, dean of students. “We do not expect this app to replace other safety measures such as Safe Ride, walking with friends, use of the blue lights or calls to 911. But the functions and interactivity enable students to determine who they wish to be involved in their personal safety plan.”
The move to NUGuardian began when the former Safe Walk app for students became incompatible with Android phones. At the same time, Associated Student Government (ASG) requested a peer-to-peer solution with features beyond police involvement. The University considered a range of options before landing on NUGuardian, which leverages its existing contract with Rave for emergency notifications.
In the app, users can set a safety timer with departure and arrival information before they leave. Their designated guardian will be alerted if the user does not deactivate the timer upon reaching their destination. Additionally, 911 is a tap away, connecting the user with local emergency services.
How to download NUGuardian
- Download the Rave Guardian mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Enter your mobile phone number and register with your Northwestern email address to receive NUGuardian, Northwestern’s customized version of the app.
- Select Northwestern University as your organization and confirm your identity.
NUGuardian is available to any student on the Evanston campus with an active NetID. The app only shares data between the user and the people they choose as guardians.
For more information visit https://northwestern.edu/nu-guardian.
