Spring Break
UConn reacts to assault
Students, administrators believe that campus is safe, even after attack
Kate King and Emily Abbate
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: News
It has been almost a week since a sexual assault was reported near Hilltop Apartments. According to police, a female student was walking along the path connecting the apartment complex and Alumni drive around 1:50 a.m. Saturday when a man approached her from behind and threatened her. The assault took place on in the woods near the trail.
In the wake of the violent act, UConn police have stepped up night security on campus and its perimeter areas and assigned a special taskforce to investigate the case. So far, no arrests have been made. As the investigation continues, UConn students react with shock and alarm to news of the attack, which many say has caused them to think twice before going out after dark.
"I just find it difficult to see how on a campus like this, where people are supposed to be educated and somewhat moral, that something like this could happen," said Thomas Connor, a 3rd-semester English major. "I would hope that a UConn student didn't do this."
For Tara Torres, a 5th-semester biology major, and Carmen Nobre, an 8th-semester pharmacy major, the proximity of the attack was frightening.
"I was kind of scared by it because I live in Hilltop [Garrigus] Suites," Torres said. "It was right down the road so that's scary."
"Knowing that it was right outside my building made me feel a little nervous about coming back (to campus)," said Nobre, who lives in Hilltop apartments and was at home when she learned about the assault.
Several students said that the incident made them more careful about where and when they walk on campus.
Colette Stephens, a 5th-semester special education major, said since Saturday she's been "more aware of where I am and who I'm with. I wouldn't say it scared me, but I'm more aware."
"I usually walk by myself on campus at night on the weekends but I'm not going to do that anymore," said Sheila Kissane, a 3rd-semester nursing major. "My friends and I promised each other we won't."
In the wake of the violent act, UConn police have stepped up night security on campus and its perimeter areas and assigned a special taskforce to investigate the case. So far, no arrests have been made. As the investigation continues, UConn students react with shock and alarm to news of the attack, which many say has caused them to think twice before going out after dark.
"I just find it difficult to see how on a campus like this, where people are supposed to be educated and somewhat moral, that something like this could happen," said Thomas Connor, a 3rd-semester English major. "I would hope that a UConn student didn't do this."
For Tara Torres, a 5th-semester biology major, and Carmen Nobre, an 8th-semester pharmacy major, the proximity of the attack was frightening.
"I was kind of scared by it because I live in Hilltop [Garrigus] Suites," Torres said. "It was right down the road so that's scary."
"Knowing that it was right outside my building made me feel a little nervous about coming back (to campus)," said Nobre, who lives in Hilltop apartments and was at home when she learned about the assault.
Several students said that the incident made them more careful about where and when they walk on campus.
Colette Stephens, a 5th-semester special education major, said since Saturday she's been "more aware of where I am and who I'm with. I wouldn't say it scared me, but I'm more aware."
"I usually walk by myself on campus at night on the weekends but I'm not going to do that anymore," said Sheila Kissane, a 3rd-semester nursing major. "My friends and I promised each other we won't."
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