Villanova University investigating reported rape on campus

Authorities are investigating a reported rape on the campus of Villanova University in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, just a week after classes began.

According to an alert from Villanova's Department of Public Safety, a female resident student reported to university police that she was raped in a residence hall the night of Saturday, Aug. 29.

Police said the woman knows the suspect, but he is not a student at the university.

Safety and security are on most students' minds after receiving the university-wide alert.

"I was shocked," Villanova University freshman Esther Gaba said. "I didn't think it could happen while I was here."

First-year student Esther Gaba said she's already had a conversation with her parents about the incident.

"My parents are like, 'don't trust people easily, always trust your gut, go with your feelings,'" she said.

The university released a statement confirming details of the alert, but declined to provide more specific details on the location of the reported rape, citing the victim's privacy and to not compromise the ongoing investigation.

"I'm kind of just always looking around and being aware and who you let into what resident dorms and what not cause not everyone here should be here," freshman Tommy Phillips said.

CBS News Philadelphia reached out to the university's Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Club, which said in part, "We want survivors to know that they are not alone and that there are people within our community who are here to support them."

Students said, at a recent orientation, they were given resources to stay safe.

"We did hear it could happen to anyone here," Gaba said. "It's not a common occurrence, of course, but there are resources available on campus."

The incident remains under investigation, and no arrest has been made.