Public Safety and Parking

The goal of the Department of Public Safety is to provide a safe learning environment for the University community. This is accomplished by providing continuous campus patrol, campus shuttles, safety escorts, crime prevention programs, and parking services. The Department maintains a 24-hour communication center and uniformed public safety officers to respond to all reports of accidents, crimes, suspicious persons, hazards, and other emergencies.

For non-emergencies, please call (415) 422-4201, and for emergencies, call (415) 422-2911. For other inquiries, call (415) 422-4222. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Crime Prevention Programs

The Department of Public Safety hosts several rape and crime prevention workshops throughout the year.

Safety Shuttle Escort

The Department of Public Safety in conjunction with Associated Students offers a Safety Shuttle Escort program for students, faculty, and staff. The program is operated by professional drivers from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., seven days a week while school is in session (holidays excluded).

This service is intended to provide a safe means of travel when no other method is available. Escort requests will be evaluated on a case-by-cases basis and must fall within the following boundaries:

• North Boundary: California Street
• East Boundary: Divisadero Street
• South Boundary: Fell Street
• West Boundary: 6th Avenue

Acceptable Escort requests include: a residence-to-campus escort, a campus-to-residence escort, or any campus location-to-campus location escort.

Campus Parking

Public parking is limited on the USF campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. Commuting students are advised to investigate alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit and carpooling. Public Safety can offer students advice on these options. Parking on campus is only with a permit, which is issued by Public Safety.

Off-campus USF students may enter the Student Parking Lottery for full-time and part-time parking permits. The lottery is held every August for the following academic year. Applications are available in February and will be accepted until the end of July. Outside of the lottery, students may also purchase evening, disabled (if appropriate), and motorcycle parking permits. Daily and Lone Mountain Fee lot permits may be purchased at the visitors gate.

The City of San Francisco has installed residential parking permits within an 8-block radius around campus. This limits vehicles without permits to 2-hour increments during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Local Transportation

San Francisco has a large fleet of buses, trolleys, and streetcars with an extensive number of routes to transport visitors and students.

The following bus lines run close to USF, and all go to Market Street and downtown: No. 5 Fulton, No. 21 Hayes, No. 31 Balboa, and No. 38 Geary. The fare is $1.50 for the general public; 65 cents for minors and riders aged 65 and older.

Several companies provide shuttle service to and from San Francisco International Airport for about $15. The cab fare from San Francisco International Airport to the University is about $30.

Safety Policies

Animals on Campus

Because of health, damage, and nuisance factors, animals (including pets) are not permitted in University buildings (except guide dogs for the blind) and must be kept on a leash at all times while on campus grounds. For health reasons, those taking animals or pets on campus are expected to clean up after them. Failure to do so may result in a citation or fine.

Bicycles on Campus

Bicycle racks are available around campus. It is prohibited to secure bicycles to anything other than a bike rack.

Personal Property Insurance

The University does not provide personal property insurance for students. The University does not assume liability directly or indirectly for loss of or damage to personal property caused by fire, theft, water or by any other means except to the extent provided by law. The University is not responsible for personal property left unattended by students.

A list of additional Public Safety services can be found on the web at www.usfca.edu/public_safety