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Safety Programs

Improving Personal Safety

Historically, the Cal Poly campus and the City of San Luis Obispo have been safe environments for the campus community. However, incidents affecting personal safety do occur.

The University Police Department recommends visiting the Crime Prevention webpage for personal tips, theft & crime prevention information.

Safety App - Rave Guardian

Your up before the cows safety companion - Rave GuardianActive members of the Cal Poly community can download the free Rave Guardian safety app and turn their smartphone into a personal safety device. Rave Guardian offers Cal Poly users a single safety app that can send anonymous tips, set a safety timer for self-guided on-campus safety walks, text Mustang Patrol directly for safety walks, connect to 24-hour police or support services, and easy emergency communication directly with Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD).

Find out more at Cal Poly Police Safety Programs

Signing up is a quick and simple three-step process

  1. Download the Rave Guardian Mobile App from the Apple Store or Google Play
    • IOS App Store Link

      Google Play Store Link
  2. When prompted, enter your mobile phone number and authenticate
  3. Enter your Cal Poly email address to connect to the Cal Poly community and authenticate

PolyAlert Campus Emergency Notification System

PolyAlert is Cal Poly’s Emergency Notification System, and the primary tool for delivering critical emergency information to help ensure the safety of our community. PolyAlert can distribute emergency notifications through email, SMS text, and voice. Cal Poly email addresses are automatically enrolled in the PolyAlert system, but we highly encourage anyone with a Cal Poly Portal account to register their cell phone number to receive emergency alerts via text message, as this will allow community members to rapidly receive any emergency information. Cal Poly students, faculty, staff, and auxiliary employees may register up to two phone numbers with the system on the “Personal Info” tab on your Portal Page.

Mustang Shuttle

As of Fall 2022 Mustang Shuttle will run both day and nighttime service. Mustang Shuttle is free for the Cal Poly community and ADA friendly.

Catching a ride on the shuttle is even easier with the Mustang Shuttle app that allows users to track the location of the shuttles and see accurate arrival times.

Riders must show their Cal Poly ID when boarding. Mustang Shuttle does not run during academic holidays or breaks. Mustang Shuttle is a program in partnership with ASI, Housing, Cal Poly Corporation, TAPS and powered by SLO Safe Ride.

Downloading the app is a quick and simple process

  1. Download the Mustang Shuttle App from the Apple Store or Google Play
    • IOS App Store Link

      Google Play Store Link
  2. No need to sign in or make an account!
  3. Toggle between the Gold and Green routes to view the shuttle location.

Carry-On Luggage Policy

As a shuttle service for on-campus students and staff, there will inevitably be a need for passengers to carry-on luggage items. The Mustang Shuttle will make all efforts to accommodate passengers and their luggage items while still operating a safe shuttle.

Luggage items may include:

  • Class projects
  • Musical instruments
  • Athletic equipment

As a general policy, luggage items must be able to be safely secured under/in front of your seat or on your person. Luggage cannot protrude into the aisle or otherwise interfere with other passengers. Luggage will not be allowed if it is deemed dangerous, risky, offensive, or otherwise may cause harm or discomfort to any other passenger.

Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading carry-on items and luggage.

The ADA ramp cannot be utilized for assistance with luggage items. Additionally, the ADA area can only be used for ADA purposes – luggage items cannot be stored.

The shuttle operator reserves the right to prohibit items if it is deemed dangerous, risky, offensive, or otherwise may cause harm or discomfort to any other passenger.

If you have specific questions, please contact Parking and Transportation Services at 805-756-6654 or email parking@calpoly.edu.

Daytime Shuttle Stops

Daytime Mustang Shuttle - Monday-Friday 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.

The daytime Mustang Shuttle will run five (5) days a week and starts a loop through campus every 30-45 minutes making seven stops. The last pickup will leave Library (H11) at approximately 5:15 p.m. before making all seven stops by 6:00 p.m.

Daytime Mustang Shuttle follows a scheduled loop through campus
Stop Location The shuttle starts a loop at 7:00 a.m.
1. Library (Updated to H-11 Parking Lot for 23-24) Pickup and Drop-off
2. University Union Pickup and Drop-off
3. Performing Arts Center Pickup and Drop-off
4. PCV @ Vista Caballo B Pickup and Drop-off
5. Dairy Science Pickup and Drop-off
6. Poultry Science Pickup and Drop-off
7. Rose Float/Wine and Viticulture Unit (H1 Parking Lot) Pickup and Drop-off

Nighttime Shuttle Stops

Nighttime Mustang Shuttle – Seven days a week Fall Quarter 7 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Mustang Shuttle runs seven days a week and starts a loop through campus every 10 minutes, (service between 9-10 p.m. is every 25 minutes) making ten stops. As of Sunday November 5, 2023 the shuttle starts at 6:00 p.m. with the last pickup leaving Sports Complex at 12:10 a.m. before making all ten stops by 12:30 a.m.

Nighttime Mustang Shuttle follows a scheduled loop through campus
Stop Location The shuttle starts a loop at 7:00 p.m.
1. Sports Complex (New stop for 2023-2024) Pickup and Drop-off
2. Poly Canyon Village at Foxen Drop-off only
3. Poly Canyon Village at Vista Caballo B Pickup and Drop-off
4. Cerro Vista at San Luis Pickup and Drop-off
5. Cerro Vista at Hollister B Drop-off only
6. University Union (corner of South Perimeter Road and Grand Avenue) Pickup and Drop-off
7. Performing Arts Center Pickup and Drop-off
8. Library (Updated to H-11 Parking Lot for 23-24) Pickup and Drop-off
9. Recreation Center Pickup and Drop-off
10. O'Neil Green (New stop for 2023-2024) Pickup and Drop-off

Mustang Patrol

Student being walked around on campus

On campus late? Students, faculty and staff can call Cal Poly Police and request Mustang Patrol meet and walk with you to any on-campus destination or your vehicle parked un a campus lot.

Mustang Patrol Hours of Operation

  • Sunday-Thursday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Call Cal Poly Police Dispatch at 805-756-2281 to request a safety walk

Please note: Mustang Patrol will not be in operation during Academic Breaks.

Property Registration

Cal Poly Police Department offers a Bicycle & Property registration program. Please follow the link or call 805-756-6654 for more information.