Dear Scholarship Foundation Students:
We want you to know that your safety and well-being are a priority of The Scholarship Foundation. In recent days, students across the country have been subjected to threatening and harassing text messages. Though eliminating them entirely is unlikely, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Digital Safety
In a highly polarized and politicized society, students are increasingly subjected to harassment and abuse through the use of digital devices. If you have been targeted online or received threatening text messages, please take steps to reduce personal information about yourself that can be found online. We recommend you read this resource from the University of Michigan which has helpful tips and best practices on how to protect yourself from online harassment. The IT department at your college or university should have published information on their website like this list of Top 10 Secure Computing Tips from the University of California, Berkeley.
There are several basic cybersecurity best practices that everyone should follow to reduce their risk online.
- Keep your software up to date so the latest security features are enabled;
- Always use unique and secure passwords;
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever available;
- Consider disabling location settings (enabling them only when you need to navigate); and,
- Be vigilant on your social media pages and all other online accounts. Change passwords immediately if you detect suspicious activity.
Physical Safety
In addition to taking steps to protect your personally identifying information online, there are actions you can take to protect your physical safety on campus.
- Coordinate with your community: If you fear for your safety, do not walk alone; walk with a friend or group from one location to another. If you are a person who is not afraid, let your friends and classmates know you are available if they want company.
- Be Aware: Regardless of whether you are walking alone or with a group, pay attention to your surroundings.
- Look: Put your cell phone away, so that it is not a distraction.
- Listen: Remove your earbuds, so that you can hear what is going on around you.
- Plan: If you are concerned or wish to discuss safety matters with someone, please contact your Scholarship Foundation Student Advisor. Advisors can listen to your concerns, identify resources and tools, and help talk through safety strategies.
The Foundation recognizes that threats of any nature cause actual harm; as a reminder, the Foundation’s mental health program, Flourish, covers the cost of therapy for Foundation students. You can read more information here; if you are interested in participating, please email flourish@sfstl.org.
If ever your safety prompts you to reconsider your educational plans, please contact your Student Advisor to discuss your options. The Scholarship Foundation is here for you and is steadfast in supporting you as you pursue your educational goals.
Teresa Steinkamp, Director of Advising
Rob Foley, Director of Information Technology
