Trigger warning: This story contains descriptions of violence and may be triggering for trauma survivors. Many college students can agree that it can sometimes be hard to feel safe on campus — especially when issues like school shootings, stalkings, and break-ins are prevalent headlines in modern society. Feeling safe on your college campus is extremely important, not only for your own comfort, but because it’s a right. In the wake of a murder that occurred on campus at the University of Georgia on Thursday, Feb. 22, students are being reminded how important safety on campus is.
Augusta University nursing student Laken Hope Riley was found dead on Feb. 22 after jogging near a lake on the UGA campus, where she was previously a student. A friend called the police after Riley failed to return from a morning jog. She was 22 years old. According to a coroner, Riley died after blunt force trauma to the head. According to CNN, police believe the suspect in her murder prevented her from making a 911 call. The school removed all of its blue light emergency call boxes back in 2004, and currently use an app called UGA Safe, which it urged students to use in the aftermath of Riley’s death. In a Feb. 27 statement, UGA said it will reinstall some blue light call boxes and cameras in areas across campus, along with lighting upgrades, added fencing, and additional security personnel.
The reality of campus safety is that there are always things that can be done to help students feel more secure, whether it be extra street lights or the reassurance of a constant contact to police. Her Campus spoke to six college students about the specific things their schools could do that would make them feel safer on their college campuses.
“My school makes me feel pretty safe on campus because they have police boxes for quick calls to campus police. However, I would like brighter street lamps (even though my city is a “dark sky city”). I would also like to see more patrols of campus police.” — Ashley, 21, Northern Arizona University
“I would love to see more cameras in the parking lots on campus. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking going back to my car at night after a long day of classes.” — Chelsea Diaz, 22, Molloy University
“In order to feel more safe on campus, I would love to see more measures taken for police presence and safety protocols. Both of these factors, along with surrounding yourself with a trusted group of people, will make your college experience less worrying.” — Makalah Wright, 20, University of West Georgia
“I think there should be more security on campus for students, with around-the-clock patrolling of the campus grounds and the highly-trafficked areas that students hang out at or use on a frequent basis.” — Vivian Gilbert, 24, Georgia State University
“Campus police patrolling the school grounds often and more general security measures would make me feel more safe on campus.” — Nathali Guevara Reyes, 20, Louisiana State University
“The only time that I feel unsafe on campus is when I am near Emory Village, which is further from the rest of the school. I think it would be useful to implement blue light phones here. My school also utilizes SafeRide, which is a great option for students who don’t feel comfortable walking around campus at night.” — Safa Wahidi, 20, Emory University
It’s important for college administration and college students alike to keep campus safety top of mind year-round. These added measures are great options for schools to help students feel more protected on campus.