Memphis is the 16th largest city in America and The University of Memphis is its urban University.  Our program has been located in the present location for 50 years. Over that time, we have thankfully never had a safety issue with our students or staff on site. That hasn’t happened by good fortune; rather it has resulted from concerted efforts to make our learning environment safe and pleasant.  The University of Memphis ranks as one of the “safest universities “anywhere” in the state of Tennessee.  In 2007, the University of Memphis had the lowest overall incident (crime) rate compared to other schools in the state with enrollments over 5,000 students.  It has the distinction of being rated the safest metropolitan campus in the State of Tennessee.

Our School has attempted to anticipate potential problem areas and we have been proactive in addressing them.  For example, we have formal arrangements with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Campus Police and Security Department to routinely patrol the area around the School.  In the evening, we encourage our students to park in our gated parking lot, behind the building. This area is well lit, and is visible amongst the other public buildings of the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences.  Students can request escort services to other parking areas or buildings from UT Security.  Entrance into the School may only occur with security fobs, specifically registered to our enrolled students.  Within the School, all entrances, stairwells and restrooms are always well lit, even on the week-ends.  The parking areas are video-monitored to add another layer of security around the building.  First aid and emergency equipment is readily available to designated personnel to distribute as needed.  Additionally, the University of Memphis offers emergency alert texting services to students.

In addition to our downtown site, we also offer services on our East campus. A police person is at the door at 5:00 and monitors the building throughout the evening and early morning. The University of Memphis campus police patrol the campus on a regular basis and are available to escort students and faculty to their cars.

We want our students, to be challenged by academics and clinical practice—not by issues concerning their personal safety.  We will continue to make efforts to ensure this.