5 Ways to Stay Safe on Campus

With the beginning of fall and the time shift from Daylight Savings, we went from days when the sun went down around 8:00 p.m. to needing streetlights as soon as 6:00 p.m. We were wearing shorts and tank tops one day, and bundling up with gloves, coats and scarves the next. 
 

These latest changes in weather have been the harbinger of changes in safety on campus.  Over the last three months three women have been attacked on campus, and they all have something in common: courage. They fought, made noise and did everything they could to bring attention to themselves, and each was able to stop the situation from going further than “groping”.

It is important to note the diverse locations of this predator. One attack occurred inside the OSH building, one at the library, and one in the parking lot southeast of the track. He has also appeared in the ladies locker room of the Tanner Dance building. With these alarming instances, there is an increased need for safety on campus. Whether your driving to school or riding Trax, you’ll want to follow these 5 tips for protecting yourself on campus.
 
 

1. Know your way around campus. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to know your surroundings. While we all know the location of the closest vending machine and where we can get coffee, we need to pay attention to where other people are located. Knowing these places can be just as important as getting your daily caffeine, and could save you from any grisly situation.
2. If you can, find a fellow student to walk with. Follow the saying, “there’s safety in numbers”. The less time you spend walking alone, the more chances you have of protecting yourself.
3. Carry pepper spray. We have all heard our dads talk about carrying pepper spray when we started to date. I hate to say it, but maybe our dad’s had the right idea. Make sure to buy your own pepper spray and keep it with you as you walk around campus.
4. Have your keys ready. I don’t know about you, but when I leave class late at night, I make sure to have my hands on my keys at all time. This will allow you to get in your car quickly as your walking through parking lots, especially at night. If you’re not carrying pepper spray or mace, then using your keys as a weapon is your next best bet.
5. Don’t be afraid to use the campus escort and listen to your gut! Sometimes the feeling you get that something is “off” is a warning. On those days your feeling not so safe, give campus escort a call and they’ll be more than happy to walk with you. You can reach them at 801-585-2677. 

 
Being safe on campus should be one of your top priority along with studying for that final and making it to class on time. With the campus “groper” still on the prowl, follow these tips and keep yourself safe!