The Mississippi State University Dean of Students' Office would like to welcome all students to campus for the fall semester. Dean of Students' Office staff are always happy to meet students and answer any questions you might have about Mississippi State. Drop by the office anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students do not need an appointment and can just stop by. The Dean of Students' Office is on the sixth floor of Allen Hall (room 608) or can be reached by phone at 662-325-3611.         

Since some of you will be living on your own for the first time, the Dean of Students' Office wants to encourage you to make good decisions that will ensure your academic success and enhance your personal safety.           
           
Here are a few tips to pay attention to below:           
           
Vehicles must stop at all times for pedestrians in the crosswalks on campus.   Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing in crosswalks. Please pay attention when approaching crosswalks.            
           
Bicyclists should walk their bike in crosswalks and when coming into contact with pedestrians in sidewalks. Cars are only required to stop for pedestrians and not for bicyclists who ride their bike through a crosswalk.           
           
Never leave your personal property unattended this includes- backpacks, laptops, books, cellphones, etc.            
           
Be aware of your surroundings. If you have to walk campus after hours, walk in groups.  Don't forget to use Safe Walk which is operated by MSU Police, this service will allow you to get an escort anywhere on campus by calling 662-325-2121.           
           
If an incident occurs or you become concerned about your safety, call police immediately.  If you are on campus, call MSUPD 662-325-2121; if you are off-campus, call Starkville PD 662-323-4131 or the Oktibbeha County Sheriff 662-323-2421. Program these phone numbers into your cell phone but remember for emergencies that dialing 911 anywhere will reach help.           
           
Lock your doors and windows at all times, even when you are home.           
           
The speed limit on campus streets is 20mph (10mph in parking lots). Speeding as well as other traffic citations are issued by our University Police Department.           
           
Weapons are not allowed on campus for any reason by MSU students at any time.  This means all weapons including hunting weapons, weapons in your vehicle, weapons concealed on your person or in your backpack, or weapons in your residence hall room. Weapons include not only rifles and pistols, but bows and arrows, BB guns, paintball guns, and other weapons.           
           
Any student that operates a motor vehicle on-campus (even if only for one day a year) needs a valid parking permit on the vehicle they are operating. Parking for both residents and commuters is at a premium, visit Parking and Transit Services to find your designated lots and the best ways on and off           
campus: http://www.parkingservices.msstate.edu.
           
Please take a few minutes to visit MSU Police's webpage for safety tips: http://police.msstate.edu/safetytips/. 
           
Finally, become familiar with the Maroon Alert Emergency Notification system. This is how MSU will communicate to campus should the university need to get an emergency or advisory message to you.
           
Visit: www.emergency.msstate.edu for more details.     
     
Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of our campus. This short video provides information on some basic procedures and instructions on how to respond in certain types of emergencies: https://vimeo.com/17904752.