Editorial

As year begins, students must remember simple safety precautions

As freshmen adjust to being on a college campus for the first time and as upperclassmen return, campus safety becomes an issue.

Within a 24-hour period, students received two emails from the Department of Public Safety. The first was about a female student who was forcibly touched in Thornden Park. The second email was about a male student who was mugged by six suspects, also near Thornden Park.

Looking through the daily DPS crime logs, campus incidents increase as students return. This seems logical, but while coming back to school is a hectic time for both first-timers and returning students, the basic safety measures must not be forgotten.

Students should not travel alone at night. Walking in groups minimizes the chance of becoming a victim. DPS also offers walking escorts, and the Shuttle-U-Home service is available. Students should take the time to program DPS and Syracuse University Ambulance phone numbers into their phones in case of an emergency.

It is also important that freshmen take the time to learn their surroundings. Know where campus buildings are located and which buildings are near residence halls. Become familiar with off-campus streets, too. There are many different routes students can take to get from place to place, and they should be on the lookout for well-lit routes after dark.



The university also has a Blue Light Alarm System for emergencies. Blue lights are located throughout campus in different areas, and students should always be on the lookout for them when traveling across campus at night.

As classes begin this week, students must also remember to safeguard their personal belongings. Students should not leave their valuables unguarded in campus buildings, even if only for a minute. As signs posted around campus point out, it only takes eight seconds for someone to steal your belongings.

Campus safety will always be an issue that will concern students and officials, but many of the crimes can be prevented. Students should make sure they take the steps to do so.





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