The CWRU Police Department would like to say welcome back to all our returning students and faculty – the staff never really leaves, we just hibernate – and special welcome to the class of 2017. Welcome to Cleveland, welcome to CWRU. Now get ready for your first quiz, it’s coming sooner than you think!

September is a busy month for everyone. The first six weeks of college are often termed the “Red Zone,” as college students are most likely to become victims of crime during this time. Here are some tips as you settle into life in Spartanland.

First things first – the number to the CWRU PD dispatch center is 216-368-3333. This number is answered 24/7. Put it in your cell phone and use it whenever necessary; call us if you need immediate help, a police report, to report suspicious activity or anything else you might need. Recommendations on the best pizza in town are extra.

Wherever you came from originally, you are now in University Circle, a busy urban area with heavy vehicle traffic. As a pedestrian, pay attention to your surroundings and follow traffic signals and signs. Don’t do the Case shuffle: electronics stuffed in ears, eyes fixed firmly on toes, oblivious to the zombie horde coming up behind you. Be aware of your surroundings.

If you are a cyclist, follow the rules of the road if you are on the street and use bike lanes on campus when you can. Be aware pedestrians on campus walkways often can’t hear you coming up from behind them at Mach 3, so use a little common sense and courtesy. We’ll have more on bikes in future columns.

When moving around the Circle late at night use the shuttle bus system, the Safe Ride vans (saferide@case.edu or 216-368-3000 to get to the automated dispatch system), or walk with friends.