Division of Student Affairs

August 24, 2026

 

Dear Seawolves,

 

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

 

YOUR SAFETY

Whenever you are walking, biking, or driving, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the road. Remember that it gets darker earlier in the fall, so if 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 free walk service to any points on campus from 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM. Call 631-632-WALK (9255). 

 

Update Your Emergency Contact Information 

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

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. 

 

Enhance Your Safety with the SB Guardian App

The SB Guardian app 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 UPD 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. 

 

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 you 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 on our Hazing Prevention website or contact University Police at (631) 632-3333. For more information, 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 Advocate & Prevention Team provides confidential advocacy and support to students who experience sexual or interpersonal violence.

 

BECOME A TRAINED BYSTANDER

We offer three popular bystander intervention programs through the Center for Prevention & 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

SUNY campuses are bound by the federal requirements under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The use, possession, cultivation, and sale of marijuana are prohibited on all SUNY campuses and subject to disciplinary action under the University’s Code of Student Responsibility. This prohibition covers all SUNY property including campus residence halls, offices, and parking lots. 

In addition, smoking and vaping on campus are prohibited under our Tobacco-Free Policy. No forms of tobacco use are allowed on University property, including all indoor and outdoor locations.  

Thank you for doing your part to help create a safe and respectful Stony Brook community.

 

Sincerely,

Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs