News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
Special Report: Ethamphetamines
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Commentary
Students need to exercise
Published:
Monday, October 21, 2002
In the past week, the attacks of two SCSU students heightened public awareness of the dangers that exist in what is often considered a crime-free environment.
The seemingly impenetrable wall of safety surrounding the university microcosm was breached, reminding students that no person is immune to the effects of violent crime.
The Public Safety Department is doing its best to alert students, faculty and staff to the most recent occurrences of violent crime on and off campus.
The PSD tries to ensure students’ safety by providing them with response systems such as the blue light emergency stations and the option of an escort. Unfortunately, some people may not be taking advantage of these services, putting themselves at an unnecessary risk.
Safety Alerts have been posted on campus to inform students of the recent attacks; however, being informed is not enough.
Students should take extra steps to try to protect themselves from would-be attackers. Many of these actions seem obvious, but students often neglect to employ them.
The “buddy system,” which many students learned as children, remains applicable throughout life. There is safety in numbers.
Students should also avoid dimly lit areas even if it is a faster route.
Students traveling alone should try to keep in contact with others via cellular phones and make sure someone knows where they are going.
Walking late at night is never recommended, especially when the PSD and the MTC offer safer alternatives.
Students should assess their surroundings and recognize the risk potential. Just because the Safety Alerts are taken down doesn’t mean the danger is gone.
No one is ever completely safe from violent crime, but taking the aforementioned steps may help keep students from finding themselves in a dangerous situation.
