by erin albright, staff writer

XUPD has recently partnered with the Rave Guardian app in an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of those at Xavier.

The Rave app is a free safety app that provides an extra level of security to users.

Rave Mobile Safety also has partnerships with several universities across the U.S.

The app has customizable features that allow users to tailor the safety facets to their needs. The safety features offered include a virtual escort, dispatch chat, emergency on-campus call, guardian inbox and campus content. 

With the virtual escort, users can be escorted by one of their contacts or an XUPD dispatcher. The dispatch chat offers two-way communication, as well as an optional anonymous mode, should one wish to remain nameless. 

The emergency on-campus call gives a direct phone line to the XUPD dispatch office for quick contact with an officer. 

The app’s guardian inbox sends users campus notifications and updates, while the campus content feature provides campus resources, news and local maps. 

XUPD Chief Robert Warfel has encouraged students, faculty and staff to download the app. Warfel explained that the safety app can notify friends, family or XUPD if one doesn’t check in upon arriving at their destination. 

“The Guardian app makes calling campus emergency numbers like XUPD very convenient. I also love that I am notified of potential danger nearby,” sophomore actuarial science major Lewis Wentler said.  

Some students who have not heard about the app, but who do not have it yet are showing support. 

Aidan Poliseno, a first-year finance student, said, “I have not heard about it but would be willing to download the Guardian app. I already feel safe on campus, but I wouldn’t mind an extra sense of protection.”