Campus Safety Updates

June 29, 2020

Dear Pratt graduate students, 

With all Pratt research buildings now reopened and more of you returning to work in the labs, we are writing with updates and information about health and safety on campus.

First, we would like to thank those who have returned to the labs for excellent overall adherence to Duke’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies for research operations to date. Since COVID-19 cases are rising in North Carolina, it is critical that each individual remain vigilant off-campus as well as on-campus, and continue diligently following Duke procedures, including wearing a mask, observing social distancing and reporting any symptoms to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  If you believe that your colleagues are not observing the safety measures put into place, contact the anonymous hotline at 800-826-8109 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or at oarc.duke.edu.

Second, although more people have been approved to return to campus buildings, staggered shifts and social distancing measures mean that individuals may occasionally be working in relative isolation or into the evening. To help ensure your safety, please follow Duke Police’s safety advice and be aware of these personal safety resources available to you: 

Security Escorts

After dark, Duke Police offers safety escorts for students and employees on campus. To request an escort, call 919-684-2444, pick up a nearby Help Phone, or use the ‘Emergency Contact’ feature on Duke’s LiveSafe mobile app.

Van Services

From 5:30 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Duke Vans provides free, on-demand transportation for faculty, staff and students. Rides are available to and from most Duke facilities that are open during these hours. Note that the service covers only a 2.5 mile span around campus (view a map of the service boundary).

To request a ride, call 919-684-2020. Occasionally, a high volume of calls will mean longer wait times. Be prepared to provide the exact pickup and drop-off location, number of passengers, valid phone number and your first name. Duke Vans needs this information to identify you, and to make its service as efficient as possible. No app reservations are available for Saturdays--only call in.

NOTE:  Van Services is currently operating with limited availability.  There is a 50% maximum passenger capacity in each van that may result in a longer-than-usual wait.  Face coverings are required.

Emergency Contacts

For emergency assistance, call 911 or call Duke Police at 919-684-2444. Download the Duke LiveSafe app for quick-call access and other safety information and resources.   

Building Access

Currently, the Pratt buildings are only open to pre-approved faculty, staff and research personnel, who must swipe in with their Duke IDs to enter the buildings. To request one-time access, speak first with your supervisor. Please do not prop open doors or allow non-authorized personnel to enter the buildings. 

Your safety and health are of the utmost importance to us. If you have any safety-related concerns or questions, please contact either of us or Mitchell Vann, Director of Facilities, Infrastructure and Safety for the Pratt School, mitchell.vann@duke.edu. 

George A. Truskey, Sr. Associate Dean
Jennifer L. West, Associate Dean for PhD Education