| OPINION
| November 10, 2004
Editorial/Our View
The Right Walk
SC should also collect input from
night-owl students to find safety hazards
Every year Student Congress takes a Night
Walk — they walk around campus to check call boxes and look
for broken lights, and other safety issues along with physical plant
and police department representatives. This is a great idea, and
we think it could be even better if SC talked to students who are
here late to get their input.
Many students and faculty members have to attend or teach classes
that don’t end until 9 or 10 p.m., and some staff members
are here all night. Those who are on campus at night would have
the best perspective on where new lighting should be placed, which
areas should be patrolled more and which safety concerns should
be prioritized.
Though the Night Walk is admirable, walking around once every year
in a big group isn’t quite as beneficial as talking to someone
who walks alone in the dark three days a week. SC members could,
for example, find just a few people a couple nights a week and walk
their typical after-class route with them, ask questions and listen
to suggestions. Direct input from individuals could be invaluable.
The walks are clearly helpful. There were fewer safety concerns
this year due to changes made after previous Night Walks, like the
installation of more call boxes. Night Walk participants say their
concerns are well-received and quickly addressed by campus officials.
With SC elections coming up next week, students should voice their
concerns over safety issues and pay attention to candidates’
views. While the walk is a great way to serve students, SC could
go a step further and talk to people these safety concerns directly
affect. We greatly appreciate the efforts from SC, the police and
physical plant in helping make Night Walk a success and by keeping
those here after hours safe.
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Editorial
round-up
The issue:
Student Congress’ Night Walk is a good thing,
and student input would help even more.
We suggest:
SC could talk to students who have classes or work here
late.
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