On July 31, the University of New Mexico retired Lobo Guardian, the University’s previous safety alert notification system, in favor of a new app called UNM SAFE.
A collaborative effort between the Office of the President, the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, UNM Police Department and Information Technologies, UNM SAFE offers a broader variety of safety resources for students on campus, according to the app’s website.
UNM SAFE provides a mobile BlueLight on the device, reducing the need to search for a physical call station on campus in the event of an emergency, a feature not offered by Lobo Guardian.
Other features of the new app include allowing family members or friends to track a user’s location for the duration of a walk to ensure users make it safely to their destination on campus, and the ability to communicate directly with UNMPD, anonymously or with a name attached, as well as a button for reporting tips or incidents to police.
The app also provides access to a campus map, bus schedules and support resources, including academic advisement and physical and mental health support services.
In a statement to the Daily Lobo, David Burke, emergency manager of the emergency management office, called the app a “progression in our constant push for safety,” and that it has “a lot more functionality” than Lobo Guardian.
UNM SAFE is available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Jacob Kagan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
