Staying Safe on a College Campus

Image by Baylen Whitfield

Written by Lauren Buser. Media by Baylen Whitfield. [divide]

Image by Baylen Whitfield
Image by Baylen Whitfield

Greenville, Ill. is a very small community, and Greenville College is just as tight knit! But, being on a small campus doesn’t necessarily mean you should be any less cautious. College students tend to be a primary target for attackers, and while we live in a safe community, it is always best to be prepared.

 

The college campus with the #1 highest crime rate is the University of Illinois in Chicago. While Chicago is a large city compared to Greenville, it is in the same state and only a few hours away. It is important to stay aware of crime on other college campuses as well as your own. As a private college in a town populated at 7,000, including a prison, we do not have as many issues with campus crime. That is not to say we should be less aware or cautious of our surroundings.

 

What is Greenville College doing to keep you safe?

Greenville College provides a campus safety team directly on campus. Campus safety’s statement is as

Images by Baylen Whitfield
Images by Baylen Whitfield

follows:  “The primary role of the Office of Campus Safety is to work in partnership with the campus community to enhance a safe living, learning and working environment, to provide quality service with an emphasis on integrity and professionalism, and to promote individual responsibility and cooperative commitment.”

Campus safety strives for crime prevention and safety managing through video surveillance, campus parking, student ID issuance, and keeping in close contact with local authorities to stay aware of local emergencies. Greenville College Campus Safety provides many resources and safety precautions. These resources range from security on campus to the prevention of the flu and MRSA.

 

Safety Tips from Greenville College Campus Safety

Room safety:

  • Always lock your room door.
  • If you have anything valuable, keep it in a safe place and out of sight.
  • Don’t prop open outside doors. If you see a door open, be sure to shut it.
  • Never loan out your keys.
  • Report lost keys immediately.
  • Report suspicious people immediately.

 

Protecting Yourself:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Be alert.
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency phones.
  • Stick to well-lit and busy areas. Avoid dark areas.
  • When traveling at night, travel in groups. If you must travel alone, call CSO to escort you.
  • Never accept a ride from a stranger.
  • Never offer rides to strangers.
  • Keep your automobile locked at all times.
  • Do not park in unsafe or dimly lit areas.
  • When walking to your vehicle or dorm room, have your keys readily in hand.
  • Always check the backseat of your car before getting in.
  • When using the ATM, be sure to have someone with you.

 

Indoors:

  • Be wary of isolated spots – apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking lots, offices after business hours. Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night. On campus, you can call Campus Safety 24 hours a day at 618-664-7777 for a safety escort.
  • Know your neighbors, so you have someone to call or go to if you’re scared. Furthermore, identify a person that you trust that you would go to if you were assaulted, raped or burglarized.
  • Never prop locked doors open. These doors are locked to protect you and others.

Outdoors:

  • Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
  • Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
  • Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions – if you answer, keep your distance from the car.
  • Have your key ready before you reach the door – home, car, or office.
  • If you think you’re being followed, change direction and head for open stores, restaurants, theaters, or a lighted house.

 

If you haven’t already, sign up for text alerts! These alerts are directly from Campus Safety warning you about emergencies!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here