Managing Safety During College Welcome Events

As students return to campus each fall, colleges and universities host a wide range of welcome events—from move-in day and orientation to concerts, fairs, and late-night programming. These events are designed to build community and ease the transition for new students—but they also bring unique safety challenges.

While these gatherings are an important part of campus life, they also present real campus security concerns. Large crowds, open access areas, and limited staff availability can all increase risk. That’s why having a security plan—and the right team in place—is essential.

Common Risks at Campus Events

College events, especially those early in the semester, can bring:

• Unauthorized individuals entering dorms or campus facilities

• Underage drinking or drug use

• Altercations or disruptive behavior

• Theft or damage to property

• Medical or safety emergencies requiring quick response

• Overcrowding or poor crowd control

These incidents don’t just disrupt events—they put students and staff at risk. While most campuses have internal security teams, they’re often stretched thin during move-in week and the start of the academic year.

How Private Security Can Help

O’Brien & Associates offers experienced event security services tailored for campus environments. Our team can assist with:

• Entry point monitoring for events with restricted access

• Crowd management and patrols to maintain safety and order

• Visible deterrence to reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, or fights

• Assistance with emergency response coordination

We work directly with event planners, student affairs staff, and campus security to understand the unique needs of each event.

Make Safety a Priority This Semester

Back-to-school should be a time of excitement—not risk. Whether you’re hosting a student welcome bash, a late-night movie screening, or a multi-day festival, security support helps keep your event running smoothly and protects your community.

Planning a back-to-school event?
We’re here to help. Reach out to O’Brien & Associates for reliable, short-term campus security support.