Dixie State University introduces new safety app, emergency alert system

In line with its commitment to fostering a safe campus environment, Dixie State University is launching DSU Safe App to provide information about safety and emergency resources.

DSU Safe App is the official safety app for Dixie State and can be download at both Google Play and Apple’s App Store. The app is free to download and available not only to the university community, but also to anyone who visits campus.

“The DSU Safe App will enhance the institution’s ability to inform and provide a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors,” Josh Thayn, executive director of event services and risk management at Dixie State, said. “This tool is an innovative way to get safety and emergency resources into the palms of our Trailblazer community. It also allows us to add dynamic features and customize them to fit the growing needs of the university.”

The app offers a variety of safety features in addition to emergency alerts, which visitors and members of the university community don’t have to download the app to receive. Those who were enrolled in the university’s past emergency alert system were automatically transferred to the new system.

“Safety and security for all Trailblazer community members is our top priority,” Blair Barfuss, Dixie State chief of police, said. “Progressing our ability to communicate and coordinate safety and security needs through industry leading technology is now available. The DSU Safe App was designed as a one-click access location on your phone for everything related to your safety and security at Dixie State University.”

In addition to offering services such as Friend Walk, which allows university community members to be in real-time contact with a person when they walk across campus, and a Report a Tip function, DSU Safe App provides quick access to resources such as a emergency contacts and procedures, the institution’s COVID-19 Response Plan, fingerprinting, notary, lost and found, lockout or jumpstart services and safety escorts.

DSU Safe App is just one initiative in Dixie State University’s commitment to campus safety. The university’s overall dedication to safety has led to CollegeChoice and Background Checks.org both including Dixie State in their separate 50 Safest Colleges in America rankings. Additionally, Safe Campus ranked DSU’s Department of Public Safety third in the nation in 2020 for accomplishments in improving campus safety.

To download DSU Safe App or learn more about its functionality, visit utahtech.edu/DSUSafeApp.