Spring Break
How to stay safe on campus at night
Edyta Hrynkiewicz
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: News
With an assault occurring last weekend and the nights gradually getting darker sooner, many students are getting worried about staying safe on campus.
"I think the idea of an assault happening on campus is really scary since it feels like we're in a safe little area, but it's actually just as dangerous as anywhere else," said Colleen O'Day, a 1st-semester business major.
According to Kathleen Holgerson, director of the Women's Center, an anonymous online of undergraduate students survey in February of 2008 revealed that 25 percent of the survey-takers (male and female) experienced unwanted sexual contact.
As a result of assaults occurring around campus, the inevitable question arises: how can UConn students stay safe? Many students have their own ways of being cautious.
"My dad gave me mace to bring on campus to stay safe," said Lauren Barry, a 1st-semester exploratory major. Another UConn student, Monal Vaidya, a 5th-semester pathobiology major, commutes to school but still stays safe by commuting with a friend and taking the buses rather than walking when she is on campus at night.
According to the UConn Police Department, three sexual assaults were reported in 2005.
With these numbers on the rise, it is important to keep some things in mind when traveling around campus.
Though assaults are occurring, there are many ways to prevent falling victim; walk in groups when it is dark; take advantage of the GUARD Dogs or Husky Watch services, and avoid walking in shady, hidden areas. Additionally, the Police Department Web site advises students to "Lock [their] doors, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. Do not let strangers enter your dormitory or premises and do not prop open outer doors."
"Given this population on campus, it's best to treat it as a city. I feel like it's a bit safer for guys, but I still usually walk in groups to stay safe," said Matt Palmer, a 5th -semester pathobiology major. Palmer also recommends being aware of surroundings and knowing where the emergency blue lights are.
Additional ways to stay safe and informed include attending some of the many Women's Center sponsored campus-wide events, such as "Take Back the Night" and "The Clothesline Project," or to participate in self-defense classes.
When walking back and forth this weekend, remember that the best way to stay safe is to walk with a group of friends, have a cell phone within reach and stay on well lit paths.
"I think the idea of an assault happening on campus is really scary since it feels like we're in a safe little area, but it's actually just as dangerous as anywhere else," said Colleen O'Day, a 1st-semester business major.
According to Kathleen Holgerson, director of the Women's Center, an anonymous online of undergraduate students survey in February of 2008 revealed that 25 percent of the survey-takers (male and female) experienced unwanted sexual contact.
As a result of assaults occurring around campus, the inevitable question arises: how can UConn students stay safe? Many students have their own ways of being cautious.
"My dad gave me mace to bring on campus to stay safe," said Lauren Barry, a 1st-semester exploratory major. Another UConn student, Monal Vaidya, a 5th-semester pathobiology major, commutes to school but still stays safe by commuting with a friend and taking the buses rather than walking when she is on campus at night.
According to the UConn Police Department, three sexual assaults were reported in 2005.
With these numbers on the rise, it is important to keep some things in mind when traveling around campus.
Though assaults are occurring, there are many ways to prevent falling victim; walk in groups when it is dark; take advantage of the GUARD Dogs or Husky Watch services, and avoid walking in shady, hidden areas. Additionally, the Police Department Web site advises students to "Lock [their] doors, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. Do not let strangers enter your dormitory or premises and do not prop open outer doors."
"Given this population on campus, it's best to treat it as a city. I feel like it's a bit safer for guys, but I still usually walk in groups to stay safe," said Matt Palmer, a 5th -semester pathobiology major. Palmer also recommends being aware of surroundings and knowing where the emergency blue lights are.
Additional ways to stay safe and informed include attending some of the many Women's Center sponsored campus-wide events, such as "Take Back the Night" and "The Clothesline Project," or to participate in self-defense classes.
When walking back and forth this weekend, remember that the best way to stay safe is to walk with a group of friends, have a cell phone within reach and stay on well lit paths.
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