A fresh start to another school year is one of many things to look forward to, as energetic students flock campus grounds once again.
We’ve already started the year with enlightening How-to tips on avoiding the Freshman Fifteen, a guide to pull an all-nighter, and ways to save money while living the broke college life. These are all without a doubt, essential information to know when many of us are unfamiliar with our surroundings and are open to any advice on how to make this year a good one.
While a fresh start in a new academic year entails more classes to pass, new organizations to join and overall, another busy schedule to tackle, there are certain things to also be mindful of if we plan to live in this community where everyone is already too busy doing their own thing.
Let’s not let the excitement of a new year get the best of us. Many students automatically acquire a false sense of security once they see the unique environment of a university setting. Despite the constant patrol of campus police, advanced technology that alerts students of any suspected danger and Blue Light Emergency phones that are everywhere on campus, it is really up to us, the students, to fully guarantee ourselves that we are safe.
Campus security is a topic that I’ve been curious about for some time now. It’s not like the topic hasn’t sprung up before, but I’ve questioned it a lot since the summer.
Common sense is the primary factor that’s really needed to take extra precaution to maintain safety on campus. That’s why I feel that people don’t take it as seriously as they should because of its overall simplicity.
Make sure to lock doors when leaving the room. Walk in well-lit paths at night. Drink with people you only know and trust. Don’t let anyone you don’t know in the building. All these safety precautions sound pretty easy, right?
Last July, there was a rape reported that happened in North University Place Apartments, which is what drove me to question campus security. Students received an OSU campus alert e-mail, and after that day, I didn’t hear any other follow-up information about the rape for the rest of the summer.
When I read the alert, I wondered about the past reported campus rapes from years before. I was curious as to whether the police investigation lead to any possible suspects.
I read up on some details about the rape that happened in July and the details, to me, were too general. The alleged rapist was described as a white male, in his early 20’s, with brown hair and a goatee.
How many people do you know on campus fit that description? With those details, the rapist might very well be my next door neighbor, or this guy that sits beside me in my philosophy class. It can be anyone. It’s a shame that the chances of catching the guy are slim to none.
Though I don’t even know this girl, I imagined what it was like to have the guy who sexually assaulted me, still be out there and possibly plotting another attack. It’s quite upsetting.
Rapes are traumatic and can leave permanent damage on the victim’s mental state. It’s understandable if she was too shocked to remember the specific details.
And in reality, there are just some things that campuses in general can’t prevent and become permanently free of. They can take extra measures to heighten security to lessen crimes but they can’t fully prevent such heinous acts of assault.
So, in addition to those fun guides and tips that are always fun to read in the beginning of the year, awareness about the importance of campus security should be instilled just as much, especially to oncoming freshmen and transfer students who are still trying to get familiarized with the community.
You might have a lot more important things to worry about, like homework, clubs and parties.
Just remember to take that extra step of trusting your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about your safety then don’t do it. It might even save you from getting in serious trouble, and most of all, it can save your life.
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