Nova Safe FAQ
- What is Nova Safe?
- What mobile devices can use Nova Safe?
- Do I need to be a student or staff member to use Nova Safe?
- Why does Nova Safe need my personal information?
- Do I have to put in a picture of myself?
- Why use Nova Safe over dialing 911 on my mobile phone?
- What is iReport?
- Is Nova Safe iReports really anonymous?
- When will Nova Safe track my phone?
- Can I send pictures or videos?
- How do I assign a person as my emergency contact in Nova Safe?
- How much is Nova Safe?
- Does Nova Safe work away from Villanova's campus?
- If I have an issue with Nova Safe, whom do I contact?
- Can I access the Campus Shuttle information from Nova Safe?
What is Nova Safe?
Nova Safe is a mobile safety application for iOS and Android smartphones. Nova Safe users can use their cell phones to directly contact the Villanova University Department of Public Safety.
Do I need to be a student or staff member to use Nova Safe?
Nova Safe is open to students, faculty/staff, visitors and community members who would like to use it.
Why does Nova Safe need my personal information?
Nova Safe has the ability to store your personal information in your profile. That way, if you call VUDPS with Nova Safe and are unable to speak; our communications officers can view your location, name, callback number, and any other information you choose to share. Your personal information is securely stored and will not be used other than when you activate Nova Safe for an emergency call or iReport.
Do I have to put in a picture of myself?
A picture is not required, but it might assist officers in an emergency.
Why use Nova Safe over dialing 911 on my mobile phone?
When you dial 911 on a mobile phone it directs you to the nearest public 911 call center. For Villanova University, that may be the Delaware County 911 Center or Montgomery County 911 Center, depending on your carrier and which cell tower you may access at the time of the call. When you use Nova Safe, your call goes directly to the VUDPS Communications Center. This permits VUDPS to target their response to the Villanova community with a professional and timely response.
What is iReport?
iReport allows users the ability to report text, pictures, or videos to VUDPS with your profile information or anonymously. With iReport, users can send non-emergency situations to VUDPS like a suspicious person, illegally parked vehicle, safety hazard or a vandalism incident. You can also submit crime tips to VUDPS anonymously.
Is Nova Safe iReports really anonymous?
VUDPS cannot view a user’s information when they report an incident anonymously.
When will Nova Safe track my phone?
Nova Safe will only obtain your GPS position from your phone when you activate the GET HELP button for emergency police response.
Can I send pictures or videos?
With the iReport feature you can submit these types of media for crime tips, to report crimes in progress and request assistance for other non-emergency incidents such as motor vehicle assistance.
How do I assign a person as my emergency contact in Nova Safe?
You can assign a person as your emergency contact during the initial setup or in your profile settings.
Does Nova Safe work away from Villanova's campus?
Nova Safe works when a user is away from the Villanova's campus. However, VUDPS can only respond to situations within their jurisdiction (on campus). For the quickest emergency response, use Nova Safe while in and around the Villanova campus area; call 911 for emergency response anywhere else.
If I have an issue with Nova Safe, whom do I contact?
If you have a question or comment about Nova Safe you can email publicsafetydepartment@villanova.edu. If you have a technical question or an error within the app you may also email joseph@911cellular.com.