Safewalk continues services in summer

Although many University students use the spring and summer terms to take a break, campus crime doesn't take a vacation.

Safewalk, the night-time walking service which has been operating at the University since 1986, still continues during the off-months in order to reduce the possible risks of traveling alone at night.

LSA sophomore Christine Warner is one student who has discovered how valuable the Safewalk service is.

"Sometimes it can be scary walking home alone at night. Safewalk eases my mind after a night of studying at the library," Warner said.

Her experience with the service is exactly what Department of Public Safety officer and Safewalk coordinator James Sullivan said he aims for in offering students what he calls "one of the greatest safety services on campus."

Escorts will walk anyone within a 20 minute radius of campus.

Safewalk, which operates out of the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, is available during the spring and summer terms from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. The service does not operate on weekends.

"It is an alternative to walking home alone at night," Sullivan said, adding that he encourages any students, faculty and staff to take advantage of the program.

LSA junior Erin Hopker, Safewalk co-coordinator, said she urges anyone who prefers not to walk home alone at night to either come to the service's office next to the student lounge on the first floor of the Undergraduate Library or call Safewalk's hotline at 936-1000.

Hopker said she worries that many students on campus are not aware the service still functions this time of year.

"We just want people to know that we are still operating during the summer and we are here to help," Hopker said.

Both Sullivan and Hopker stressed the fact that the service is desperately in need of volunteers in order to provide their services.

Since Safewalk is run solely by volunteers, Hopker said its existence depends upon students and staff who are willing to donate a few hours of their time each week.

Those who are interested in volunteering for the program should contact Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center at 998-9368.

Hopker said the staff at Safewalk highly urges anyone who is willing to help make campus area streets safer by volunteering.

05-24-99