Safety & security
Peace of mind for parents: how the A-State campus is looked after
When your child studies half a world away, the first thing you want to know is whether they are safe. We are the university’s own admissions office, and our answer is transparent data, concrete systems and day-to-day support — not empty promises.
Why parents can feel at ease
Jonesboro is a small college town with a slow pace of life, and the A-State campus is its own well-tended community with a dedicated police force. First-year students live on campus, where every layer of protection below is always close by.
24/7
University Police patrolling all year round
1,100+
Security cameras across campus
Free
Night escorts and rides back to the hall
3 numbers
Parents receive A-State Alerts with their student
Layers of protection always beside your student
University Police (UPD) on duty 24/7
The University Police Department is a state-certified police force based on campus, patrolling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Because it is right here, UPD responds far faster than city police. Contact: +1 870-972-2093.
More than 1,100 security cameras
Cameras cover residence-hall entrances, parking lots, academic buildings and walkways, monitored by UPD. Most minor incidents are resolved quickly as a result.
Blue-light emergency call boxes
Blue-light towers stand across campus. One press of a button connects a student directly to UPD and pinpoints their location.
Free night escorts and rides
Studying late at the library? Students simply call UPD for someone to walk with them or drive them back to their hall — free, no reason needed, at any hour.
A-State Alerts sent to parents too
Emergency notifications by SMS, email and phone call. Each student can add up to three phone numbers, so parents back home hear the news at the same moment as their child. The system is tested monthly.
Access-controlled residence halls
A student ID is required to enter; each floor has a Resident Assistant (RA) and there are overnight staff. First-year students live on campus, so in the year that needs the most care your child is always close to UPD, cameras and RAs.
Source: A-State Campus Safety / UPD · Updated 08/2026
On-campus security figures 2022–2024 (Clery Act)
We believe parents should see the real numbers. The US Clery Act requires every university to publish on-campus incident counts annually under federal audit. The table is from A-State’s 2025 Annual Security Report, "on campus" scope, for a campus of about 17,900 students.
| Incident type | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Robbery | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated assault | — | — | 3 |
| Burglary | 1 | 15 | 3 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Hate crimes | None | None | None |
"—" means the category was not separately listed for that year. Reported rapes include incidents between acquaintances in residence halls; the university has a Title IX office and its own support process. The full report is linked in the sources below.
How to read this table: for a campus of nearly 17,900 students the figures are low and stable — no murders in three years, robbery near zero. The most variable category was burglary in 2023 (15 cases), mostly belongings taken from unlocked residence-hall rooms. That is something students can easily prevent with the simple habit of locking their door.
On reported rapes (5–7 per year): we do not want to hide this number. Most US universities of similar size record similar figures, and rising reports often reflect students trusting the system enough to speak up. The university has a Title IX office, free counselling and support procedures required by federal law — no student ever has to cope alone.
Source: A-State 2025 Annual Security Report (PDF) · Updated 08/2026
The bigger picture
For a complete view: Jonesboro, like many mid-sized cities in the American South, has city-wide rates above the US average (third-party figures compiled from FBI data ③: about 6.5 versus 3.6 per 1,000 residents for violent offences, 24.2 versus 17.6 for property offences). Most of it is concentrated in a few areas away from campus and between people who know each other.
The Clery figures above show the campus is a much calmer space than the city-wide picture. International students at A-State live mainly on and around campus and get about on the university shuttle and the GOJO bus, so their daily experience is of this well-looked-after community. The simple habits alongside are what senior students still do to stay at ease.
③ third-party figures (compiled from FBI UCR), not official A-State data
Simple habits for peace of mind
- Live on campus in year one — with UPD, cameras and RAs close by
- Late in the evening, call UPD’s free escort rather than walking alone
- Shop via the university shuttle or the GOJO bus
- Lock your room and car even when stepping out for a few minutes
- Register A-State Alerts for both student and parents
- Save UPD (+1 870-972-2093) and 911; share your location with a roommate when out at night
- Ask UPD or senior students which parts of town to avoid at night
Who does a student call when they need help?
- 1
Call 911
The nationwide US emergency number for police, ambulance and fire — free from any phone, even without a SIM. Just give your name, location (building name) and what is happening.
- 2
Call UPD +1 870-972-2093
For campus matters that are not an emergency (lost items, a stranger near the hall, wanting someone to walk with you). UPD is based on campus and arrives very quickly.
- 3
Tell ISS and our admissions team
Once things are settled, inform International Student Services (visa and documents) and our admissions team so we can stand with you and help keep your family informed.
- 4
Your country’s consulate in the US
For a lost passport or consular assistance, contact your own country’s nearest consulate. For students from Vietnam that is the Vietnamese Consulate General in Houston: +1-713-850-1233.
Questions parents often ask us
Can I receive emergency alerts like my child?
Yes, and we encourage it. Through A-State Alerts each student can add up to three phone numbers — parents back home can receive SMS (international charges may apply) or email. The system is tested monthly, so you can trust it is always working.
Are guns allowed on campus?
Under Arkansas state law, holders of an "enhanced concealed carry" licence may carry concealed firearms in some areas of public universities, excluding residence halls, athletic events and certain offices. This applies to every public university in Arkansas, and in everyday campus life students almost never encounter it. UPD publishes detailed guidance on its Campus Safety page.
Should my child live off campus to save money?
In year one your child will live on campus — the year that needs the most care. From year two, if they prefer to live off campus, choose an apartment within walking distance or on a GOJO route, with lit parking and plenty of fellow students. Our admissions team and senior students are always happy to suggest suitable areas.
Is it alright for my daughter to study late at the library?
Many international students study late at the library every day. The library and late-opening buildings have cameras and blue-light call boxes, and UPD will walk or drive her back to the hall free of charge at any hour. Our gentle advice: go with a friend after 9 pm, and simply call the escort when alone.
How will I hear if something happens on campus?
A-State Alerts sends notifications immediately; astate.edu and official channels post updates. Our admissions team also monitors events and proactively contacts parents when our students are affected — you will never be left searching for information on your own.
Where can I read the full security report?
The 2025 Annual Security Report (PDF) is published openly on A-State’s Campus Safety page — linked in the sources. It includes three years of data, policies and support services. If you would like, we are glad to walk you through each section.
Anything still on your mind? Ask us
A-State’s authorised international admissions office stands with parents from day one: answering every question about safety, housing and communication — and connecting you with international students currently at the university.