In a small gymnasium a group of students practice verbal distractions, situational and body awareness, and jujutsu.

It’s not what you might imagine for a typical class, but it’s part of a curriculum that helps empower individuals on campus. From that self-defense class to well-lit walkways, emergency call buttons, and staffing its own police department, the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) offers a variety of services to help promote safety for all, and be able to respond in case of an emergency. 

Chris Shovein is a sergeant in the University of Minnesota Duluth Police Department (UMDPD). He and his colleagues work and patrol across campus and within Duluth, focusing on community policing and relationship building.

Sergeant Shoevin takes it a step further in the hopes of putting safety into people’s own hands. A 26-year veteran of UMDPD, Schovein has made it a point to promote that community of safety. 15 years ago, he launched a self-defense workshop, aimed at helping resident advisors and housing staff feel safer during their shifts and more comfortable in their roles overall. Over the years, those workshops have evolved to include more people, ranging from sports teams to sororities to workshops hosted by student clubs for all students. 

In these workshops, he teaches students about safety on campus and in the community. 

“What I’m doing is empowering people and encouraging them to be safe,” says Shovein. 

Shovein teaches students and staff how to be observant of their surroundings and how to build confidence. He does this through hands-on learning by showing students the proper techniques on how and when to defend themselves. 

While Shovein’s workshops last only a couple of hours, UMD also offers a self defense course taught by Jason Davis, who also serves as the Chief Information Officer at UMD. “Students learn practical self-defense skills and concepts framed within traditional Japanese jujutsu,” Davis says. Curriculum includes “grappling, throwing, striking, and a mind-body relationship that develops confidence and perfection of character. Students develop physical skills as well as an understanding and appreciation for the history and culture that produced jujutsu.” Whether it’s a one-day workshop or the longer, more in-depth curriculum through his semester-long course, Davis wants individuals to be empowered.

Self-defense is more than just physical moves, he says. Those are important, but Davis hopes that his students leave with a bigger takeaway: “You want to be smart and confident in yourself.” 

Other resources at UMD for campus safety:

• UMD Safe Campus
• UMD Police Department
• UMD Counseling Services
• UMD Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Student Legal Services  

This story was written by UMD student Elizabeth Gonnerman, who is majoring in Communications. Liz works with Alex Messenger in University Marketing & Public Relations.