Frequently Asked Questions
Drexel Guardian transforms your mobile phone into a personal emergency communication device at the press of a button. When you initiate communication to Drexel Public Safety from the application, the software tells the dispatcher who you are and potentially where you're located. Dispatchers can also see a profile containing critical response details such as a photo and vital statistics that help them respond immediately and accurately to your emergency. In addition, the Safety Timer function allows you to activate a virtual escort when you cross campus.
It is important to note that no information about you is available to be viewed until you have activated Drexel Guardian, either by calling the immediate activation line, sending a tip through the Eyewitness feature, or by having your Safety Timer expire.
The service is free, completely voluntary, easy to use, and available to any student, faculty, or professional staff member of Drexel University who chooses to register.
In order to register for Drexel Guardian, you must first download the Drexel Guardian application to your Android phone or iPhone . Search "Rave Guardian" in the Apple App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android phones.
Install the application and validate your association with Drexel University by registering with your Drexel email address.
Any information you provide for the Drexel Guardian system is kept completely confidential. Drexel Public Safety never sees your information or tracks your location unless you contact them for assistance.
Drexel Public Safety also has worked with Drexel IT to ensure our vendor follows Drexel University's standards for data protection.
1. Download the Drexel Guardian app.
To download the Drexel Guardian application, search “Rave Guardian” in the Apple App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android phones.
2. Enter your cell phone number
3. You will need to verify your number by entering the verification code that will be sent to your device. You must also agree to the terms and conditions.
4a. If your number is registered with Drexel Alert, the next screen will ask you to confirm your Drexel University information.
4b. If your number is not already registered, you can still register using your drexel.edu email address; example: abc123@drexel.edu. After you select continue, a verification code will be sent to your email account. Enter the registration code on the next screen and select continue.
5. The next few screens will walk you through the steps to enable certain permissions, such as precision location sharing, notification settings and other features that will ensure you have access to all of the Guardian features. These permissions are optional but not activating may limit our ability to assist you in an emergency.
Once downloaded to your phone, simply open the application and use the one-touch dialing feature or Safety Timer to send critical profile information and trigger an immediate Drexel Public Safety response. The software pulls information that the University already has on file, as well as notes you've provided on your profile, and combines it with location information directly from your mobile carrier.
With the Safety Timer, your status and location are available to those you trust. Set it up when you are heading somewhere unfamiliar, meeting with someone you don't know, or any other time you would like someone to check in with you. By setting a Safety Timer, you can leave information about where you are going, who you are with, and what you are wearing with Public Safety, which will help a great deal in responding in the event you need assistance
By deactivating the Safety Timer when arriving at your location safely, Drexel Public Safety will never know you used the service. But if something should happen to you on the way, dispatchers will know something is wrong once your timer expires, and they will check in on you to make sure you're OK.
This service is not a replacement for Drexel's 24/7 Walking Escorts; you are still encouraged to call 215.895.2222 to request a Walking Escort when crossing campus.
Your Guardians look out for you – and you look out for them. Add and message Guardians just like you do with your Contacts. You can easily communicate directly or via group messaging with those you trust – including the ability to send photos.
If one of your Guardians' Safety Timer has run out, you will be notified by the app, and you will be able to easily check in with that person to see if they are OK. You will also be able to see the location of their phone on a map.
The Emergency function is the one-stop source for instant Public Safety communications through two one-touch dialing buttons and a convenient, user-friendly “Send a Tip” function. These functions are designed to allow for quick navigation when contacting Drexel Public Safety or your local Police Department.
Call Public Safety – If you are in trouble on campus, you can easily call Drexel Public Safety organization. You can also send a text tip – including photos – where available.
Send a Tip – Text a tip to Public Safety – including photos – just like you'd text your friends.
Call 9-1-1– Make an emergency 9-1-1 call to your local Police department.
This tool ensures that Drexel Rave Guardian’s functions are always readily available. Just tap or pull up the Shield icon within the app when it’s needed.
No, in the event that you leave Drexel for any reason, your personal profile and account information will be removed from the system. Upon your return you will need to register your personal profile and mobile phone information in the Drexel Guardian account
No, at this time the system is in place for faculty, professional staff and students. However, please remember that anyone can always call Drexel Communications at 215.895.2222 for emergency assistance or 215.895.2222 to request a Walking Escort.
No, your privacy is of utmost importance. You can only be located if an Safety Timer expires or if you call the immediate activation line through the Drexel Guardian application.
Drexel Guardian includes a duress pin code to alert DPS or your Guardians you are in trouble, which is one number higher than your PIN. For example, if your PIN is 1234, a pin of 1235 indicates duress. Drexel Guardian will appear to turn off normally, but Public Safety or your Guardians will be alerted.
Your PIN may also be used by the Public Safety Communication Center dispatchers or other safety professionals viewing your profile to confirm your identity.
Drexel Guardian works with any mobile phone, on practically any carrier. If your phone can provide GPS location to other apps it will work with Drexel Guardian. However, if Drexel Guardian cannot determine your phone's location, all other profile information will be made available to Public Safety when you use Drexel Guardian.
When you're crossing campus, you can set a Safety Timer on your phone. By setting a Safety Timer, you can leave information about where you are going, who you are with, and what you are wearing with Public Safety, which will help a great deal in responding in the event you need assistance. By deactivating the Safety Timer when arriving at your location safely, Drexel Public Safety will never know you used the service. But if something should happen to you on the way, dispatchers will know something is wrong once your timer expires, and they will check in on you to make sure you're OK.
This service is not a replacement for Drexel's 24/7 Walking Escorts; you are still encouraged to call 215.895.2222 to request a Walking Escort when crossing campus.
If you see something suspicious or want to report criminal activity, you can send a text tip – including photos – to Public Safety. Drexel Public Safety will respond to all tips accordingly. All tips received are anonymous. Public Safety will only be able to obtain your information if a safety timer expires, or when calling for immediate assistance using the one-touch dialing within the Drexel Guardian application.
Please email dps@drexel.edu for assistance.