Faculty, staff encouraged to promote safety

Officials from the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS) and the UW Police Department are continuing to urge students to pay close attention to personal safety, especially when out downtown, late at night.

UW-Whitewater student Kelly Nolan was killed after a night at downtown Madison bars in late June. A homicide investigation remains open, but few details are available.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam is requesting that faculty and staff members take a few moments to reinforce the following messages to students in any early-semester gatherings, academic convocations or classes.

• If you intend to consume alcohol, do so in moderation so as not to put yourself in a position of increased risk.
• Carry a whistle or personal panic alarm with you.
• Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.
• Walk with a friend whenever possible.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately, starting with your location. If police are contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect.
• Take advantage of UW–Madison SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus even during summer months. Call 262-5000 for detailed information or visit http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/Safe/
• Keep your head up. Do not look down or away. Make brief eye contact with all people you meet.
• Use public walkways and avoid isolated shortcuts, where you have limited escape routes.
• Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas whenever possible.
• Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street. Head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.
• Wear clothing that will allow you maximum mobility if it is necessary to run. Be prepared to drop your valuables (heavy books, packages, etc.), since these can slow you down.
• Take a self-defense course like Chimera. For further information call 263-5702 or visit http://www.danecountyrcc.com/chimera/.

Berquam says that Madison and the Isthmus area are generally safe. But everyone living, studying or going out downtown should play a role in looking out for themselves and their friends.

For more information, call 264-COPS or the Offices of the Dean of Students at 263-5700.