A New App Puts Campus Safety in Students’ Pockets at CSU Pueblo

At CSU Pueblo, ensuring student safety now takes just a few taps on a smartphone. The university has launched Pack Protect, a comprehensive safety app that transforms how students, faculty, staff, and visitors connect with campus security and essential services.

"Our previous alert system could be unreliable at times," said Ryan Espinoza, a junior biology major at CSU Pueblo. For students like Espinoza, who sometimes found themselves hesitant to call for a campus escort at night, Pack Protect offers a more approachable solution.

The app's centerpiece is its Mobile Bluelight feature, which enables users to instantly share their location with campus law enforcement in emergencies. Todd Whittemore, CSU Pueblo's Campus Safety and Emergency Management Director, explained that the feature triggers an audible alarm at the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) dispatch center, potentially reducing response times for deputies already on campus.

Beyond emergency response, Pack Protect serves as a digital hub for campus resources. Students can access the Wolfpack Wellness Center, academic counseling through the PACK Center, and information about financial aid and housing—all from within the app. A real-time tracking feature called Friend Walk allows users to share their location with trusted contacts, who can monitor their journey and contact emergency services if needed

"PCSO and their communications center is the heart of monitoring this application," Whittemore said, acknowledging the dispatchers who have incorporated this additional responsibility into their existing duties.

The app consolidates several critical features including campus maps, emergency speed dial, and a tip reporting system. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors can download Pack Protect now through their device's app store to access these safety and support services.

How to Get Started with Pack Protect:

1. Download the app from your device's app store
2. Sign in with your CSU Pueblo credentials
3. Enable location services to access all safety features
4. Add trusted contacts for the Friend Walk feature

For those interested in learning more about campus safety resources or the Pack Protect app, visit CSU Pueblo's Campus Safety office or contact them directly for guidance on making the most of these new safety features.