Safety on campus remains an important issue for students

In order not to pop Elon’s “bubble” all students must take precautions to stay safe while on campus

Leigh Ann Vanscoy / Features Editor

A female Elon University student woke up to find a college-aged male sitting in her room. This was the e-mail all students received from Smith Jackson sometime last week.

The e-mail is a wake-up call for many students on campus. "Although Elon is a safe town, the e-mail made me want to lock my door every single night," freshman Nikki Allen said.

For many years, Elon has notified students, faculty and staff if there are potential threats to them. Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life, takes on this job.“I send e-mails if there is a chance someone could be in an unsafe situation” Jackson said. “ And would benefit from knowing of an incident, so they will know to protect themselves.”

Students refer to Elon as "the bubble." If we don't want to burst our bubble, there are safety precautions to be taken. Set in safe suburbia, with blue light emergency phones at every corner and campus security always available, Elon seems like a safe haven. The question remains: Is Elon safe?

"Elon is a safe place, but occasionally violence happens," sophomore Matt Dunand explains. "There are always going to be incidents."

Campus Safety and Police published a crime report in 2003 suggesting that Elon was indeed a safe campus. The No. 1 crime listed was breaking and entering with 37 reports. The next most reported incident of crime was 24 burglaries.

Elon provides 15 safety and security officers on campus. Their mission is to "provide a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus." These officers patrol 24 hours a day throughout the school year. Through a modern communications network, the officers can contact the police directly from their radio in the event of an emergency.

Still, Campus Safety and Police warns students to "be alert." They encourage students to use common sense, not to walk alone at night and to keep dorm doors locked. If students observe any suspicious activity they should report it to campus security at ext. 5555.

“Having your cell phone pre-programmed to security is a good tip,” Jackson said. “ Students are naturally trusting, but until you know someone, you shouldn't be alone with them.”

Elon University has shuttles available to Danieley Center most nights of the week. Campus Security will also provide transportation around campus if students feel uncomfortable walking. They can call ext. 5555 for an escort to and from places on campus.

Another option for transportation around campus at night is Safe Rides. This is a volunteer, student-run organization that provides rides to students on campus as an alternative to drinking and driving or walking alone at night. Safe Rides runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. The program averages 5,610 people yearly requesting the use of Safe Rides. Please call ext. 7250 for more information.

“Wear a seat belt at all times and if you choose to drink, never drive and always use moderation,” Jackson said.

A safe environment is a collaboration between students, staff, community members and the police. Let's keep Elon safe. Be smart! Stay alert!

Contact Leigh Ann Vanscoy at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.