FARMINGTON, Maine — Public safety and other critical resources are now available to students on the University of Maine Farmington campus with just a few taps.
The UMF Safe app, which rolled out in fall 2023, provides information on mental health counseling and sexual assault support resources, as well as a feature that allows users to track each other safely when alone on campus.
Anthony Boyle is a resident assistant at the University of Maine Farmington campus. Students come to him with all sorts of questions, ranging from who they can contact in an emergency when they get sick or what to do if they are struggling with their mental health. Now, the app makes it easier for him to help students connect with the resources available to them.
"Having the app now, you can go right to your phone and show them how to reach out to counseling, the health clinic or the campus police," Boyle said.
Students can access critical services including sexual assault support services, crisis hotlines, and other resources like IT services.
Brock Caton, the UMF director of public safety says the app was the brainchild of one of his former sergeants, Dwayne Drake, who wanted to make critical services available 24/7 for free on iPhone and Android devices.
"If you need us, this is how you get a hold of us," Caton said. "[Students] don't have to worry about looking up numbers. It's all right there in their hands."
UMF also has 40 blue light emergency call boxes throughout the campus. Students just hit the button, which is a direct line to campus police. Now, students get help with a few taps on their phones.
Another feature of the app allows students to text friends who can follow them with GPS to their destination on campus or anywhere in the community. If they need help, there is a button to notify their friend to call campus police.
Users also don't have to download the app to be told their loved one is safe. Willow Betz, a junior from Vermont, says the app is giving her parents, who are five hours away, peace of mind.
"Having that app to let them know I am okay is helpful," Betz said.
Nearly 200 students, staff and faculty have downloaded the app. The goal is to have 1,000 users signed up by spring 2024.
The Black Bear Safe app is also available for students at the University of Maine Orono, where students can access safety services and submit crime tips.