Brown University’s Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs welcomes students from the city of Providence and across the United States and over 70 other countries to participate in academically rigorous, developmentally appropriate, non-credit coursework and experiences. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a variety of domestic and international locations through two different programs: Pre-College Programs and the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program.

In the wake of the act of violence that victimized the Brown community on December 13, 2025, we understand that some students, families, and schools interested in Brown’s programs may seek more information about the strength of safety and security measures for our programs.

This page includes Frequently Asked Questions that provide safety and security information for those considering attending in-person Brown University Pre-College Programs on campus in Providence, Rhode Island, in summer 2026 or the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program throughout the year. To ensure that students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) have the most up-to-date information as they prepare for their Brown Pre-College experience, information will be updated to reflect any policy and process changes. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY AT BROWN

What is Brown’s commitment to safety and security?

Brown is deeply committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. The safety and security of the Brown community is not only a priority, but a responsibility aligned with the University’s core institutional values that affirm that the University “holds itself responsible for generating the conditions necessary for every individual member of its community to thrive.” We recognize that a secure campus is a necessary condition for fulfilling our mission of education and research, and for all members of our community to feel a sense of security and belonging as they pursue knowledge in service to society.

What is the staffing model for safety and security at Brown?

Brown University’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM) is a fully functioning police department that serves the Brown community year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, patrolling the campus to deter crime, develop community relations, and respond to calls for service and assistance. The department’s mission emphasizes crime prevention, problem solving and joint officer-community responsibility. DPSEM also works in close partnership with the Providence Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as needed.

Brown University’s public safety officers are a blend of dedicated professionals, including sworn police officers who are specially trained to meet the unique needs of a university setting and non-sworn safety staff, who provide essential layers of support alongside officers, from campus building security to community assistance. Brown’s sworn officers are Rhode Island state-certified graduates of a police academy, licensed as Special Police Officers with the authority to maintain safety on and around the Brown campus and enforce the laws of the state of Rhode Island and the ordinances of the City of Providence. Please review the Brown DPSEM website for additional safety information and resources.

What measures are in place for securing Brown residence halls?

All residence halls on the Brown campus are accessible by Brown ID card swipe, and individual rooms within residence halls are accessed by keys. Only those students and Brown staff who reside in a specific residence hall, and other authorized Brown staff, have access to swipe into the building. Authorized Brown staff are able to access individual rooms in an emergency.

Pre-College student curfew is at 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Students must check in with their Residence Assistant (RA) anytime between 9:30 and 10 p.m. and must remain in their assigned building and on their assigned floor after check-in.

What should students know about using their Brown ID on campus?

Students should carry their Brown ID card at all times. Students use Brown ID cards for access to a range of campus facilities and services. Examples include:

• Access to their assigned residence hall
• Access to all-you-care to eat meals in the dining halls
• Access to $30 for printing at specified campus locations
• Access to operate washers and dryers for free
• Access to the Nelson Fitness Center facilities and classes

What resources are available to students if they have a security concern while on campus?

If a student is unsure whether a security concern warrants a call, it is best to call public safety to allow the department to assess and determine any appropriate action. The Brown Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management handles both emergency and non-emergency calls.

• Emergencies: Call the Brown Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM) at 401-863-4111 or dial 911.
• Outdoor emergency phones/blue lights on campus: There are approximately 150 outdoor phones located on or near the exterior of all residence halls and most university buildings. Outdoor emergency phones are housed in gray or yellow cases and have a blue light above them. These phones have a direct speed-calling button (marked in red) with an automatic identifier so that the Communications Officer will know your location when the call is answered. When getting acquainted with the campus, note the locations of these phones.
• Non-emergencies and safety concerns: Call DPSEM at 401-863-3322.

How is the Brown community notified in an emergency?

For Parents/Guardians: All members of the Brown community and affiliates are strongly encouraged to ensure your contact information is current in the RAVE BrownAlert notification system to receive timely emergency notifications and important safety updates. Any member of the greater community — including parents and family of Brown students — who would like to opt in to receive BrownAlert updates should text BrownEmergencyList to 67283.

For Students: Students are automatically registered to receive emergency alerts at the phone number they provided in their application. They are also strongly encouraged to download the RAVE Brown Guardian app which provides an additional way to contact public safety. The app has GPS capabilities to help emergency responders locate a person in distress and dispatch help quickly. A Brown email address is required for download which is provided to students upon the completion of enrollment.

CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY ACTIONS FOLLOWING DECEMBER 13 TRAGEDY

What security updates has Brown made since the events of DecEMBER 13, 2025?

The University has increased police and security staffing and expanded patrols, supported through ongoing coordination with local and federal law enforcement agencies. We also are accelerating physical security enhancements that directly affect academic and administrative facilities, as well as residential life. This includes expanded card-access systems, integrated cameras at blue light phones, installing additional security cameras in key areas, and expanded panic alarms in key locations. This work is supported by an expedited physical security review of all Brown-controlled buildings, including residence halls, which will continue to inform ongoing enhancements to academic and residential spaces. 

All of these actions will be completed by summer 2026 when students come to the Brown campus for Brown summer programs. Our goal is to ensure that residence halls remain secure as they support student growth, wellness, and development. 

The University has appointed Hugh T. Clements, former chief of police of the Providence Police Department and nationally recognized expert in community-oriented policing, to serve as interim vice president for Public Safety and chief of police. In his interim role, Interim Vice President Clements is charged with implementing rapid safety and security enhancements while assuming day-to-day leadership of Brown’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Additionally, the University has already begun an external comprehensive Campus Safety and Security Assessment of the entire Brown campus. This work will be supported by an on-site physical security assessment of the perimeter of all buildings (including residential halls) access points, cameras and technology, and other infrastructure conditions.

How can I learn more about Brown’s emergency response following the DecEMBER 13 incident?

Community Messages from the University regarding the events of December 13, 2025, including the emergency response, are available to the Brown community, visitors and all members of the public on the University’s Brown Ever True Roadmap to Recovery website.

Where can I learn more about Brown University’s emergency preparedness efforts?

The BrownReady website reflects emergency preparedness guidance written by experts to keep college and university campuses safe, including information about programs, emergency communication systems, training and response.

STANDARD SECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITY FOR PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS

What are the security protocols for Pre-College students traveling off campus?

Students are permitted to travel within the state of Rhode Island without supervision from Pre-College staff or written permission from their parents or guardians. Travel should not interfere with a student’s ability to attend all mandatory classes and activities, complete out-of-class assignments, or abide by curfew. Students who plan to travel outside of the state of Rhode Island are required to submit a form signed by their parent or guardian at least 24 hours in advance of departing campus. Students are expected to continue to abide by all applicable program policies while off campus.

What is Brown’s Overnight Leave Policy for Pre-College students?

Students who plan to leave campus overnight are required to submit a form signed by their parent or guardian at least 24 hours in advance of departing campus. This policy does not apply to staying out past curfew.