Katy Benoit Campus Safety Awareness Month

Building a campus culture of safety

University of Idaho is committed to creating a campus where everyone feels safe, supported and valued. Each September, we come together as a community to promote safety, raise awareness and empower individuals through Katy Benoit Campus Safety Awareness Month.

Named in memory of U of I student Katy Benoit, who tragically lost her life in 2011 to interpersonal violence, this annual initiative reaffirms our shared responsibility to look out for one another and uphold a campus culture of care.

Featured events

Throughout the month of September, campus departments and student organizations host events focused on safety, support and community care. These events are open to all students, employees and visitors.

Key events include:

• Campus Safety Resource Fair
  Meet campus and community organizations that support student wellbeing and safety. Learn about the many resources available to help keep you safe and supported.
• Take Back the Night and Katy Benoit Campus Safety Forum
  Join this powerful evening of solidarity, storytelling and support to raise awareness of interpersonal violence and honor survivors.
• Green Dot Bystander Intervention Workshops
  Learn how to recognize warning signs, step in safely and create a culture that doesn’t tolerate violence. This workshop helps students become confident, active bystanders.
• Suicide Awareness Week
  Through education, connection and compassion, this week’s events focus on hope and healing. Key messages include: "There is hope. There is help." and "Vandals Helping Vandals."
• National Hazing Prevention Week
  Workshops and conversations to help our community understand, recognize and stop hazing in all forms.

Explore all Safety Month events

How do Vandals take care of Vandals?

At U of I, caring for one another is part of who we are. Students are encouraged to look out for themselves and each other — whether it’s walking someone home, recognizing when a friend needs help or stepping in when something feels wrong.

The university supports these efforts through programs like:

• Green Dot Bystander Training
• Safe Walk Security Escort Program
• VandalCARE Student Support System
• Counseling and Mental Health Services

Together, we create a safer, more connected campus — because Vandals take care of Vandals.