Students to be welcomed with ‘Safety 24/7’ on moving day

Students and parents moving into to downtown apartments and houses will receive a personal welcome Friday, Aug. 15, from University of Wisconsin–Madison officials and officers from the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) and the Madison Police Department (MPD).

Teams of UW–Madison and city volunteers will distribute bottled water and magnetic doorhangers in an effort to promote “Safety 24/7,” a new campus campaign and Web site designed to educate students about ways to keep themselves safe while living and studying in Madison.

Aug. 15 is the city’s annual moving day, as many apartment leases turn over to new residents for 2008-09.

Teams of volunteers will be working in neighborhoods around Spring Street, West Washington Avenue and Langdon Street from noon-4 p.m.

The “Safety 24/7” event marks the first time in recent years that the university has conducted an organized welcome for students during moving day, says Dean of Students Lori Berquam. The campaign is specifically aimed at sophomores or juniors who may be living in houses and apartments for the first time and in need of a little more safety education and awareness.

“We care about our students and want to do everything we can to have a safe and healthy school year,” says Berquam. “Our idea is that taking care of personal safety isn’t something to just to think about at nighttime or bar time, but to make a part of your life, all of the time.”

Berquam says there are several easy steps for students and residents can take to help stay safe, including:

• Always walk with a friend, or use SAFE Nighttime Services.
• Lock your doors and windows, even if you’re home. Don’t prop doors open.
• Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Use your “radar” or common sense as your first defense.
• Watch out for your friends and neighbors and take care of one another.

Madison is a generally safe place to live and work that faces the challenges of any growing city, including crime. Safety in Madison is a partnership between residents, police, the university and the city, Berquam notes.

Berquam is also planning to seek out the assistance of UW–Madison parents, with the idea that they can be a positive force in helping students adopt safe habits throughout their time in Madison. She recently sent a letter to the parents of all new students, asking them to address safety before the start of the semester.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz will join the volunteers greeting students in the Spring Street neighborhood at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 15.

“I’m eager to welcome students on moving day and make sure they take advantage of all the resources both the city and the university provide for them to stay safe and have a great year here in Madison,” Cieslewicz says.

A strong campus-community partnership on safety is particularly important given the close proximity, says UWPD Chief Sue Riseling, who will also be participating.

“From a student perspective, our campus blends with the city and the city blends with the campus,” she says. “Security concerns exist in both environments and it is important to work in partnership to emphasize awareness.”

In addition to the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS), the effort has numerous backers, including UWPD, UW–Madison Visitor and Information Programs (VIP), MPD, the mayor’s office, the ODOS Safety Taskforce, the Parent Program and the Wisconsin Alumni Association. Additional logistical assistance is also being provided by the UW–Madison Athletic Department.

“We want to thank all of our partners for demonstrating a true commitment to UW–Madison students and the community,” Berquam says.