Campus Safety

The University does its best to provide the security needed in a student environment. But what can the students do to help themselves be safe? Just a few weeks ago, students received an e-mail from Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick, about four armed robberies that occurred in the campus area. Unfortunately, just two days ago, another armed robbery attempt was made. This is the seventh armed robbery that took place in the campus area. Luckily for the victim, this was a failed attempt, but the culprits are still out there.

Due to these armed robberies, students and other members of the community have been encouraged to take precautions: be aware of their surroundings, walk in well lit paths, never walk alone, and take advantage of the campus wide transportation services such as the MTD bus service and the Safe Ride program. Furthermore, the University provides students with ‘bodyguards’ or personal escorts who will walk you home through the Safe Walks program. In addition, there are presentations and programs that students can go to in order to learn more about various safety topics such as bike safety, or residence hall safety, and let’s not forget the emergency phones located all over campus.. All of these programs have been made available by the University for the safety of the students. As students, we have the opportunity to take advantage of these options and to make the most of them. Thus, if you find yourself all alone somewhere far from home, make the mot of these opportunities and be safe. Call MTD at (217) 265-7433 for bus times, or call Safe Rides or Safe Walks at (217) 256-7433 and (217) 333-1216 respectively.

jnchoi2@uiuc.edu

(Photo is courtesy of Google Images)