The Tufts campus in Medford and Somerville is very safe. Located just five miles outside of Boston, students take the normal precautions of people living near a large city, but crime on campus is rare. In large part, we owe that environment to a great team of campus safety experts, from the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) to the student-run Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS).
Tufts University Police Department (TUPD)
TUPD is one of the only fully-authorized campus police departments in Massachusetts, and all officers are trained at state certified law enforcement training academies. The 58-member department emphasizes "community policing." Officers are friendly and well-known figures in the Tufts community and proactive problem solvers. TUPD has officer liaisons to many different community groups on campus, including the Six Centers: the Africana Center, Asian American Center, International Center, Latino Center, Trans and Queer Center for Advocacy and Resources at Tufts, and Women's Center. Officers regularly meet with students living on campus to raise awareness about TUPD's services, train students, and to act as a resource when needed. Among many other services, TUPD offers self-defense courses, campus safety shuttles, and an emergency blue light system that allows students to contact the police directly all across campus. Learn more.
In accordance with both federal and state law, the university maintains information concerning current security policies and procedures and prepares an annual crime report concerning crimes committed within the geographical limits of the university. Upon request to the Office of Public Safety, 617-627-3030, the university will provide such information to any prospective student. The report is also available online here.
Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS)
TEMS provides quality medical aid to the Tufts community, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The EMTs are current students trained to deal with everything from automobile accidents to asthma attacks. Learn more.
Tufts Threat Assessment and Management (TTAM)
Tufts is committed to maintaining a safe environment where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and live without threat of violence. That is why President Monaco created TTAM, a group that allows members of the community to safely and confidentially report threats of violence. TTAM also responds to any threats by partnering with other health and safety organizations on campus. Recognizing and reporting early signs of a potentially dangerous situation are crucial to preventing violence and enhance the university’s ability to provide assistance to community members who may be in distress. Read more.
Equal Opportunity
Tufts students come from all different backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and the university is committed to ensuring that no student suffers discrimination. In particular, two offices with full-time staff are critical to this effort. Student Accessibility Services makes reasonable accommodations for any student with disabilities such as impaired hearing, speech, mobility, or vision, and students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. The Office of Equal Opportunity proactively helps resolve complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct. The university will always respond to allegations of sexual misconduct by taking aggressive measures to stop it, prevent its recurrence, support victims, and address any lingering effects it has on our community.
Health Services
Tufts students find Health Services right on campus. With a team of five doctors, four registered nurses, three nurse practitioners, and numerous other health professionals, Health Services takes walk ins, makes scheduled appointments, refers students to specialists in the area, and provides numerous services, including:
- Chiropractic
- Concussions
- Counseling & Mental Health (including Ears for Peers, the student-run, confidential support group and hotline)
- Eating Concerns
- Immunizations
- LGBT Health
- Medical Housing
- Sexual Health
- Travel Medicine
- Women's Health
All students may use Health Services, and all students on campus have health insurance, whether from their family plans or from the student health insurance plan. If you're receiving financial aid, then the cost of health insurance is part of the financial aid package. Learn more.