Department of Public Safety
Transylvania is committed to keeping its campus safe. Working together, the university’s professionally trained officers in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and well‑qualified residence life staff—in concert with safety‑conscious students—help ensure that individuals and their possessions are secure. Incidence of on‑campus crime is very low.
T‑Alerts Keep You Informed
The T‑Alert system is an emergency notification system that delivers subscription‑based emergency messages to the campus community by texting cell phone subscribers, emailing all Transylvania accounts and displaying messages on digital signage throughout the campus.
Members of the campus community who are not receiving notifications should complete the T‑Alert permission form. Guests and family may also sign up to receive T‑Alert messages.
Our Safety Officers Are Always Available
The Department of Public Safety offices are located at 439 W. 4th Street. Officers patrol the campus by foot, bicycle, and automobile 24 hours a day.
Students or university employees can request a safety escort any time, day or night. A public safety officer will escort them by car, golf cart, or on foot within approximately one block of the campus.
The Campus is Designed for Safety
Transylvania’s campus is well lighted, especially parking lots and frequently traveled pathways. The facilities management staff inspects facilities regularly and responds immediately to reports of potential safety and security hazards.
Over sixty emergency red phones are available in buildings or outside locations across campus. Anyone concerned about his or her personal safety or any other potentially hazardous situation can simply lift the receiver to automatically connect to DPS.
Ten automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are also available across the campus. Public safety staff and others are trained in the use of the devices.
Students are allowed to park a vehicle on campus, provided the vehicle displays a valid parking permit obtained from DPS. Parking regulations emphasize vehicle security.
We also encourage students to bring a bicycle to campus. Bicycles are also required to be registered with DPS.
Vehicle registration
Bicycle registration (no fee)
Emergencies: (859) 233‑8118
Or simply lift the receiver on any of over 60 red phones available in buildings or outside locations across campus to automatically connect to DPS. A blue light above each outdoor emergency phone makes it easily identifiable at night.
DPS Office
439 West 4th St.
Lexington, KY 40508
To text a message or tip directly to the DPS staff
DPS Text‑a‑Tip: (859) 351‑7343
Local police: 911 or (859) 258‑3600
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Transylvania University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available below for viewing and/or printing, along with reports from previous years.
This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off‑campus buildings owned or controlled by Transylvania University; and on public property immediately adjacent to campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters.
The Transylvania University Department of Public Safety Daily Crime Log can be found online. This log contains all of Transylvania University Department of Public Safety’s activities such as reports taken and arrests made, as well as any incidents reported to the designated Campus Security Authorities.
Additionally, crimes occurring on University property that are reported to the LFUCG PD are included on this log once the University is notified by the LFUCG PD. This site is updated every twenty‑four (24) hours. Additionally, a printed log containing Transylvania University Department of Public Safety activity is maintained by the Department of Public Safety Office and is available for viewing at all times.
If you would like a printed version of the report or if you have any questions, please contact Transylvania University Department of Public Safety at 859‑233‑8118 or dps@transy.edu.
Campus Safety Records
DPS maintains a daily log of safety incidents and fires and annually reports crime statistics and security information according to the federal Clery Act and Kentucky’s Minger Act.
Information pertaining to registered sex offenders is available from the Kentucky State Police.
Preventing Sexual Violence
Transylvania offers a variety of safety education programs, including several related to preventing sexual violence . We are compliant with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and strive to eliminate hostile environments resulting from sexual harassment, sexual violence or other forms of gender‑based discrimination.
For questions, email the Title IX Coordinator.