Claire King, Student ~ Body President
The Student Government Association has worked alongside Campus Safety and Security, President Alison Morrison-Shetlar, and Vice President Eric Baldwin to create a statement on safety and security to address recent concerns at the University of Lynchburg.
At the beginning of this semester there was an increase in off campus visitors onto the southside of campus on weekends. Many of these visitors were not invited, and students have reported feeling unsafe when large groups demand to enter social gatherings. Furthermore, there was an exposure incident before the break and a second incident this week. Car break ins have also left students and members of the community feeling uneasy. These concerns are understandable and we want to ensure that students feel safe and are supported while here. It is our goal to communicate campus expectations, provide information and resources, as well as create a call to action for community accountability and respect.
Chief of Campus Safety and Security Esteban Soto spoke at a recent Student Government Association Senate meeting to provide resources to and answer questions from student representatives. He wants students to know that “we cannot do this alone. The entire campus community needs to be involved. Students should contact CSS as soon as they become aware of uninvited and unwelcome visitors on campus as well as monitor all events they are hosting and who is permitted inside.” Furthermore, he communicated that CSS has implemented the following measures to mitigate concerns:
- All staff have been made aware of the aforementioned concerns and are on the lookout for uninvited and unwelcome visitors.
- Officers are partnering with students representing the Office of Student Development on Friday and Saturday nights/mornings to patrol the southside of campus.
- Students are still able to contact CSS to receive an escort when needed.
- The University is moving away from utilizing the blue light system, so make sure to call CSS first.
- Two officers have attended a 40 hour basic crime prevention training, which is the first step to becoming a certified crime prevention specialist. These officers will be working with the campus community on further crime prevention matters.
- Trespassing notices will be issued to identified individuals.
- CSS will request the Lynchburg Police Department when necessary to ensure students safety.
Below are lists with prevention and response information for students and community members to reference.
To keep your vehicles and property safe while on campus:
- Lock the doors of your residence when you leave or go to sleep.
- lock and secure your vehicle and place anything of value out of plain sight. Please report any suspicious activity or persons to Campus Safety and Security at 434 544-555 or Lynchburg City Police at 911 as soon a possible.
To have fun safely at parties:
- Stick with a group of friends. Come and go with them and keep an eye on each other during the night.
- Be aware of your personal limits, take it slow, and be observant of what’s happening around you.
- Have a plan for getting home safely. Campus security is available to escort you home.
- Keep track of your drink at all times.
- Know what you are drinking and how much you have had.
- Check the ages of people you allow into your party. Your residence is your responsibility so make sure there is no under age alcohol consumption.
- Do contact CSS at the first signs of trouble. This can be done by calling 434 544-555 or through the LiveSafe app.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach or mix alcohol with drugs.
- Don’t drink and drive or let your friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended or with someone you don’t know.
- Don’t drink from community containers. You don’t know what’s in it or the effects it may have on you.
- If someone is vomiting uncontrollably or blacking out, don’t leave them alone, even if they claim to be “fine”.
To respond to indecent exposure incidents:
- If you can do so safely, take a picture or video of the person for evidence and identification purposes.
- Try to memorize their appearance, what they were wearing and/or what kind of car they drove.
- Report the incident to CSS or LPD as soon as possible.
President Alison Morrison-Shetlar has been active in this conversation and wants students to know that she is “encouraged that the student voice is being heard and that we are proactively addressing concerns. Being a Hornet begins with respect for others and respect is the foundation of our community. This value also mandates that we look out for one another and do all we can to promote a safe living and learning environment. Over the last several weeks a number of incidents have occurred that place our sense of safety in question. I want to assure you all that these incidents are taken seriously. As we begin the second half of the fall semester, I ask that we take steps to be more vigilant. These steps include many of the items SGA lists from their meeting with Chief Soto.”
Vice President for Student Development Eric Baldwin has also been working hard to address these problems, stating that “the safety and wellbeing of students is always the top priority for me. The various offices and services provided to students through Student Development focus on enhancing wellbeing and promoting a true sense of belonging. When one feels unsafe or at risk, these goals are threatened. I join with the leaders in SGA to encourage us all to be aware of what is happening on campus and in the us u
Wy community. Take steps to protect yourself, your friends, and your property. Reach out to campus resources to report suspicious activities or individuals/groups that are causing disturbances. As a community we are best when we help each other.”
Campus Safety and Security is continuing to address problems as they arise, but as Chief Soto said, this cannot be done without the involvement of the entire community. At Lynchburg we know that Hornets have respect, and with respect comes community accountability. Look out for fellow students and know that you can say no to people you don’t want in your home or at your social gatherings. If you see something that feels wrong, hold your peer accountable and reach out to the necessary contacts for help or assistance. By working together we can ensure that every Hornet not only has respect, but feels respected, safe, and supported at the University of Lynchburg.