2008 Woodie Awards
University safety addressed through various means on, around campus
By Liz Glazier
Rocket Assistant Focus Editor
Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Focus
While looking at schools to attend, many students take the reputation, the social aspect and cost of the college into consideration.
But one thing that some students may not look into deeply enough is how safe the campus is.
Safety on campus is an issue addressed by the university, and administrators are constantly coming up with new ways to keep the campus as safe as possible.
"Safety didn't play a big factor for me, but it did for my parents," said Sara Wessel, an 18-year-old freshman elementary education major.
Although new, some freshmen already feel at home on campus.
Chris Durick, an 18-year-old freshman biology three-plus-three major, said that he hasn't felt unsafe around campus so far.
"They do a good job informing us what to do if there is an emergency," Durick said.
Students should rest assured that the campus police are going to great lengths to keep students, faculty and visitors safe.
Looking around campus, one of the first things people may notice are the various emergency phone stations located in numerous spots around SRU. The purpose of these stations is to enable people to contact the police with the press of a button if a student ever feels unsafe.
"I remember on the campus tours, they told us about the emergency phones and how police would be there in like, a minute," Wessel said. "It was good to know that it was available."
Captain Windy Stafford of the University Police explained that it doesn't take long for an officer to respond to a call.
"The call comes to dispatch, and we automatically get the location over the phone," Stafford said.
If a student is being harassed or feels unsafe at any time, they can press the button on the station, and the police will be immediately notified. Help will come and police will take care of the situation or escort that person home.
Stafford also said on an average weekday, there are three on-duty officers on campus. There are also three officers available on weekends, unless there are certain events that require more security.
But one thing that some students may not look into deeply enough is how safe the campus is.
Safety on campus is an issue addressed by the university, and administrators are constantly coming up with new ways to keep the campus as safe as possible.
"Safety didn't play a big factor for me, but it did for my parents," said Sara Wessel, an 18-year-old freshman elementary education major.
Although new, some freshmen already feel at home on campus.
Chris Durick, an 18-year-old freshman biology three-plus-three major, said that he hasn't felt unsafe around campus so far.
"They do a good job informing us what to do if there is an emergency," Durick said.
Students should rest assured that the campus police are going to great lengths to keep students, faculty and visitors safe.
Looking around campus, one of the first things people may notice are the various emergency phone stations located in numerous spots around SRU. The purpose of these stations is to enable people to contact the police with the press of a button if a student ever feels unsafe.
"I remember on the campus tours, they told us about the emergency phones and how police would be there in like, a minute," Wessel said. "It was good to know that it was available."
Captain Windy Stafford of the University Police explained that it doesn't take long for an officer to respond to a call.
"The call comes to dispatch, and we automatically get the location over the phone," Stafford said.
If a student is being harassed or feels unsafe at any time, they can press the button on the station, and the police will be immediately notified. Help will come and police will take care of the situation or escort that person home.
Stafford also said on an average weekday, there are three on-duty officers on campus. There are also three officers available on weekends, unless there are certain events that require more security.
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