SGA plans ‘Campus Crawl’ with eye on keeping University safe and sound

The Slippery Rock Student Government Association’s “Campus Crawl” combs University grounds for potential risks and hazards, including such things as non-working campus emergency pole box lighting.

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - When one lives, works, studies and plays in one of the country's 30 safest college towns, keeping an eye out for potential dangers probably wouldn't near the top of the "to do" list.

That is of course, unless you're a member of the Slippery Rock Student Government Association. The SGA will offer its annual "Campus Crawl" from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 3, in an effort to help keep the University safe and sound.

Much like last year's event, which drew more than 40 student volunteers, "crawlers" will meet at the Smith Student Center, be split into small groups and comb designated areas in search of potential risks and hazards. Items on the list include burned out parking lot, walkway and campus emergency box lighting; overgrowth on campus walkways; and faded or unidentified crosswalks.

   FUGH

"We will be looking for problem areas that, if worked on, could improve campus safety," said Abby Fugh, a business management major from Butler and SGA vice president for student and academic affairs. "We will also be looking for places where stop signs and crosswalks could be added."

Representatives from University Police, the Environmental Health and Safety Office and Facilities and Planning will also take part.

While no community is totally immune to crime, Slippery Rock Borough has consistently been rated as one of the safest college towns in the U.S. Last September, the borough was ranked 15th among the nation's Top 30 according to Utah-based SafeWise, a safety and home security company.

"Most students agree that SRU is a safe campus," Fugh said. "The biggest concern, and something that we are avidly working on, is the fact that there is no lighting on Harmony Road near the apartment complexes." Harmony Road includes a walking trail that abuts the road and provides access to SRU's Storm Harbor Equestrian Center and Macoskey Center.

Paul Novak, interim director of Environmental Health and Safety, said the Slippery Rock Township supervisors have been working with SGA, who has taken a leadership role on the lighting issue, to address the situation.

"It is always helpful and encouraging to see students take an interest in the safety of their community," Novak said. "We do pay attention to the issues they raise because we are all united in our goal of keeping our campus and community as safe as possible."

   HARTMANN

Claudia Hartmann, an athletic training major from Moyock, North Carolina, said students want to show the University that they care about security.

"We are eager to show that safety is important, and we want to help in anyway possible," said Hartmann, who serves as an SGA Rock Apartments senator and admissions orientation ambassador.

The University's first measure of safety is its 24/7 Police Department staffed by 13 uniformed, police officers commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania and who have full police powers including, but not limited to, the authority to arrest and issue citations. Officers are armed.

Additionally, the University offers a 24/7 police escort service; has installed 200 "call for help" boxes in campus buildings, which have direct lines to the police; has connected 23 "E" blue-light safety stations throughout campus; employs an emergency text messaging system; uses an integrated security camera system and promotes a variety of training workshops for students, faculty and staff.

To volunteer for the SGA "Campus Crawl," visit: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4ea4aa29a5ff2-2016

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu