Published: Sept. 5, 2024
person using a phone

CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety offers the free, easy to use Guardian mobile safety app to all students, faculty and staff who sign up using a colorado.edu email address. 

All campus community members are strongly encouraged to download the latest version of the app, which features tools like a safety timer so friends or loved ones (called “guardians”) can monitor you if you’re walking, biking, running or scootering alone and call for help if you don’t reach your destination at the expected time.

Need more reasons to sign up? Read on!

What other features does the Guardian app provide?

Guardian app provides the user:

How do I get the Guardian app? 

Guardian is available at the App Store or Google Play. Simply search for “Rave Guardian” and download the app to your mobile device. Then follow the instructions to complete the setup.  Be sure to use your colorado.edu email address and download the latest version of the app for full functionality. 

How does the safety timer feature work? 

When you start your trip in the app, your guardians will receive a text message with a link that shows your current location. You set a timer for the expected duration of your trip. It counts down as you travel. When you mark your trip as complete, your guardians will receive another text letting them know that you arrived safely.

If you don’t mark your trip as complete, your guardians will receive a text message showing your location. They can reach out to you to make sure that you are safe or contact local police to let them know you may be in trouble while providing your start point, destination and last location. 

Can I still call 911 if I need help during an emergency?

Yes. The app is optional and does not replace the ability for users to call 911 in an emergency or CU Boulder Police at 303-492-6666 in nonemergency situations. The CUPD dispatch center is open 24/7/365 to take calls and respond to incidents or concerns. 

Will I automatically be opted in, like I am for emailed emergency and safety alerts?

No. The Guardian mobile safety app is entirely voluntary. You will not be auto-enrolled. You need to download the app on your personal device to benefit from the safety features, resources and connections to public safety personnel. Please use your colorado.edu email address to gain access to the CU Boulder resources. 

Other safety resources to know about

Students, faculty and staff members may receive a free safe escort by vehicle to/from campus and through Boulder city limits via CU NightRide.

The university also offers a wide array of safety resources, from reporting tools to share concerns, ways to receive support, how to prepare for emergencies and more. Please visit the CU Boulder Safety Resources page. 

Social media must-follows 

Follow @CUBoulderAlerts and @CUBoulderPolice on X (formerly Twitter) and enable push notifications for the latest emergency alerts alerts, safety alerts and advisory information. This information can also be found on the CU Boulder Alerts website.