2008 Woodie Awards
Students talk about their safety concerns
Soni Kumar
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: News
After an armed robbery occurred in Woodland Hall parking lot early Friday morning, safety on campus has become a primary concern for both SIUE administration and students.
SIUE Police Chief Regina Hays said it was important for a student to be aware of his or her surroundings.
"Take note of anything suspicious or unusual," Hays said.
To avoid becoming an easy target, Hays said student should park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas and walk with confidence. If confronted, Hays said, the student should simply hand over whatever item the person wants.
"Your personal safety is more important (than) that (of) your personal property," Hays said. "Whatever they want give to them."
Senior art history major Jamie Freeman said walking in groups at night helps keep her safe.
"I think it's important to always be with someone else," Freeman said.
Senior psychology major Andrea Keller, who is also a member of sorority Gamma Phi Omega, said the SIUE Police can also assist students when traveling to their cars late at night.
"One thing we encourage as a sorority, if you have night classes, is to utilize the SIUE Police escort service and to go in groups," Keller said.
According to Hays, the police escort service is available every day at any time and will transport people on campus to and from buildings, parking lots and residence halls.
The police escort service can be reached by calling the SIUE Police Department at 650-3324.
"If you feel unsafe traveling, give us a call," Hays said.
Keller said calling a friend can also be a helpful medium of safety transportation.
"I can call my sorority sisters, and they will come and help me out, give me a ride," Keller said.
According to junior CMIS major Tim Edwards, there will always be criminals and crimes, so the school cannot stop them from happening, but there are some actions SIUE could take to prevent crimes from happening and to secure student safety.
SIUE Police Chief Regina Hays said it was important for a student to be aware of his or her surroundings.
"Take note of anything suspicious or unusual," Hays said.
To avoid becoming an easy target, Hays said student should park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas and walk with confidence. If confronted, Hays said, the student should simply hand over whatever item the person wants.
"Your personal safety is more important (than) that (of) your personal property," Hays said. "Whatever they want give to them."
Senior art history major Jamie Freeman said walking in groups at night helps keep her safe.
"I think it's important to always be with someone else," Freeman said.
Senior psychology major Andrea Keller, who is also a member of sorority Gamma Phi Omega, said the SIUE Police can also assist students when traveling to their cars late at night.
"One thing we encourage as a sorority, if you have night classes, is to utilize the SIUE Police escort service and to go in groups," Keller said.
According to Hays, the police escort service is available every day at any time and will transport people on campus to and from buildings, parking lots and residence halls.
The police escort service can be reached by calling the SIUE Police Department at 650-3324.
"If you feel unsafe traveling, give us a call," Hays said.
Keller said calling a friend can also be a helpful medium of safety transportation.
"I can call my sorority sisters, and they will come and help me out, give me a ride," Keller said.
According to junior CMIS major Tim Edwards, there will always be criminals and crimes, so the school cannot stop them from happening, but there are some actions SIUE could take to prevent crimes from happening and to secure student safety.
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