Safety on Campus

Wolmarans Studios

You need to sign in daily at the Wolmarans studios whether you are a student, staff member, or visitor. The security writes a report on activity daily. All studios in Wolmarans have a working silent panic alarm in them, as well as a panic alarm in common areas. Should you need assistance, press them and a signal will be sent to main Protection Services who will immediately call the security guard stationed at Wolmarans to let them know an alarm has been activated. A cellphone is available should an urgent call need to be placed to the postgraduate coordinator, to the Fine Arts Department, Protection or Health Services by the security or the community at Wolmarans.

Esk’ia Mphalele Building Seventh Floor (EMB-7) Studios

All pg students and staff are given card access to the access-controlled door at EMB-7. Please ensure that the door remains closed at all times and is not propped open.

Protection Services

The Protection Services Division is responsible for the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, the reservation of peace and the protection of students, staff and University property. Security officers patrol the entire campus 24-hours a day. Services offered by Wits Protection Services include a 24-hour escort service (on campus) for all students and staff, especially those working late in libraries or computer labs. If you require an escort, dial one of the numbers listed below and supply the following information:

• Your name

• Your current location and intended destination

• A call-back number in case we need to notify you that your escort has been delayed

All hours and in case of emergency and to escort students on campus at night:

East Campus: (011) 717 4444 / 6666

Health Sciences Campus: (011) 717 2222 / 2232

Education Campus: (011) 717 3340

Business School: (011) 717 3589

For more information: https://www.wits.ac.za/campus-life/safety-on-campus/

Different ways in mySOS can help you:

1. mySOS Panic Button - A mobile, wearable panic button connected via Bluetooth to the mySOS emergency app on your smartphone. If you are ever in a situation where you need help and can’t use your phone directly, this is the solution! Just press the panic button for more than 2 seconds and the mySOS emergency app will inform your emergency contacts of your emergency and your GPS location.

2. 1-button emergency activation – on starting mySOS an automatic countdown timer starts, if this is not cleared, mySOS will automatically notify your emergency contacts with details of the emergency and location.

Wits mySOS Service

Wits has teamed up with mySOS to help the Wits community to be prepared for any emergency on campus. Just press the Wits button and a call will be started to Protection Services. How do you access this service?

1. Download mySOS for free and register yourself as a user.

2. Check that you see the Wits button in mySOS. (if you don’t make sure your cell phone number is updated on your Wits profile online)

3. If you ever have an emergency on any of the Wits campuses, open the mySOS app and press the Wits button.

4. A call will be made to Protection Services and they will receive a notification that you have an emergency and your location.

It’s as easy as that…. But there is more!

mySOS can be used by anyone, anywhere in South Africa – so get your family to download mySOS too; it could help save a life.

3. Emergency – offers a list of contact details for the closest and most appropriate emergency service providers based on the nature of your emergency (medical, police, fire, sea rescue or roadside assist). mySOS also notifies your emergency contacts about the incident and your location.

4. Find Near Me – helps you find, contact and navigate to the nearest service provider for the service you need. This includes hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, dentists, police stations and also veterinary services for your four-legged friends.

5. Track Me – Set the countdown timer before you start and mySOS will track you, if anything happens and you do not clear the timer before it runs out, your emergency contacts will be notified about your journey details and current location.

Download the app onto your smartphone and have instant access to details of emergency services nationwide. When you activate an emergency, your emergency contacts also receive notification of your type of emergency and your location mySOS is free of charge and available from the App Store and Google Play. Download and use it to save a life!

From MySOS: https://www.wits.ac.za/mywits/mysos/

Kudu Cards

Access to many campus facilities is controlled by the use of student identity cards. Every student must carry their Kudu Card at all times. Please report lost/stolen Kudu Cards to Protection Services IMMEDIATELY. This is to prevent unauthorised use of your card.

You should have your card with you at all times and be prepared to show it to Protection Services or Library personnel at any time if you are asked. Other officers of the University may require your card as identification in labs, examination venues and sports facilities. You may not refuse to identify yourself.

Abuse or misuse of your Kudu Card may lead to disciplinary action or immediate card confiscation.

What constitutes misuse of your card?

• Allowing any other person to gain access to, or out of, any facility

• Being in possession of more than one Kudu Card

• Allowing another person to make use of your card for any purpose, other than to obtain your details for official university purposes

• Failing to store the card in a manner that will prevent it from being damaged (every card is issued with a Card Holder for this purpose)

• Failure to report any financial or fraudulent irregularities.

Other Useful Contacts

Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC)

The Campus Health & Wellness Centre (CHWC) offers a wide variety of health services to Wits students and staff members. The services are convenient, accessible, caring and cost-effective.

Lower ground floor, The Matrix Building, East Campus Tel. 011 717 9110/1/3 https://www.wits.ac.za/campushealth/

Counselling Careers and Development Unit (CCDU)

The CCDU provides a welcoming and safe space to students, to enhance their well-being and contribute to their academic success. They offer career development through career counselling/education, psychometric career assessments and personal development workshops.

The CCDU also offers confidential individual psychotherapy/ counselling, groups for psycho-education and support, stress management, self-esteem and mindfulness.

CCDU BRAAMFONTEIN CAMPUS WEST [Main Office]:

CCDU Building, Braamfontein Campus West, Wits University

Closest Entrance: Gate 9, Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein. Tel: 011 717 9140 / 32 | Email: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za

CCDU EDUCATION CAMPUS:

M14 Ground Floor, Marang Block, Education Campus, Parktown, Tel: 011 717 9268 | Email: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za

Both offices are open Monday-Friday 08h00-16h30 https://www.wits.ac.za/ccdu/

Wits Student Crisis Line

Support for students experiencing emotional and psychological distress. The tollfree line is managed by professionals and is available 24/7/365.

Call 0800 111 331

Useful Contact Information for After Hours Support

Life-Line (24 hours) 011 728 1347 or 0861 322 322

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

SADAG Helpline - 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312

SADAG Suicide Crisis Line 800 567 567 or SMS 31393

Akeso psychiatric response unit (24 Hour) 0861 435 78

Disability Rights Unit (DRU)

The Disability Rights Unit (DRU) is able to assist students with visual, physical, hearing, learning, psychological, speech, chronic illnesses & painful conditions, seizure disorders and students with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken limbs) who may request services for the period during which they are disabled.

Room 1151, First Floor Solomon Mahlangu House, East Wing Closest campus entrance on Jorissen Street

011 717 9154 https://www.wits.ac.za/disability-rights-unit/

Gender Equity Office (GEO)

The Gender Equity Office deals with all aspects of gender-based harm, e.g. sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape; sexism / unfair discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

20th Floor, University Corner, cnr Jorissen Street and Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein (the building above the Wits Art Museum) Open from 08h00 to 16h30 from Monday to Friday

011 717 9790 https://www.wits.ac.za/students/geo/contact-us/