Safety is a concern on all university campuses. As a result, the University of Virginia strives to provide the University community with a professional law enforcement response. In order to accomplish this goal, the University police department offers the same level of services as a municipal police department, as well as many other services unique to an academic institution.

The University has established a number of programs and physical improvements to help keep your child safe. The University has 170 emergency phones located near dorms, academic buildings, walkways, parking lots, and many other locations around the Grounds. In addition, cellular phones, programmed with 911, are available for student loan at the libraries. The University police also provides safety seminars, self-defense classes for women, and neighborhood, worker, and student watch programs. The police department's web site offers a comprehensive list of safety programs as well as crime statistics for the past six years.

Education through the Office of Health Promotion at Student Health also supports the creation of a safer, more connected community through their education programs and classes.

Buses run at least until midnight, and go to the dorms and downtown, so that students who are uncomfortable walking can take a University (or a city) bus.

The University of Virginia does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to know the risks associated with substance use and abuse. This responsibility obligates students to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and local laws and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies. To these ends, the University publishes the following information regarding University policies and sanctions; laws and penalties concerning substance use and abuse; health and behavioral risks of drug use; and resources for treatment and educational programming. More information.

U.Va. offers the following treatment/awareness programs.
Substance Abuse Resources Educational Programming
Center for Alcohol and Substance Education — The coordinating body for alcohol and other drug prevention and education at the University. Services include peer education programs, educational classes, and intervention training (924-5276).
Peer Health Educators — A peer group trained in substance abuse information providing informal educational sessions (924-1509).
University Police Department — Officers provide information and seminars in the legal aspects of areas related to substance abuse (924-7166).