Campus Safety Needs to be a Top Priority

Three. That's the number of crime alerts we have received from the University in the last five days. If I were to go through all of my emails from the last month, that number would probably be closer to ten or more.

UPD increased patrols on the west side of campus at the beginning of the month, but crime is still a major issue on this campus. When I was a freshman, we never received multiple crime alerts in the same week, nevermind the continuous flow of monthly emails that we get now.

UPD and University administrators need to find a more effective way to address this problem and make it one of their top priorities. In every crime alert email, students are urged to take 4-Ride to avoid thefts. If that is the solution that the University has, it should be working towards an increase in the 4-Ride budget to ensure shorter waits times and more effective service of the system. They should also look into rerouting the Colonial shuttle routes to more central locations on campus. This could be a great supplement to 4-Ride but the shuttle system is not well utilized.

The easiest way to put pressure on the University to address this issue is to advocate loudly on behalf of the student body. Towards that end, this should be one of the top priorities for SA President-elect Jason Lifton and his administration. Time will tell if he can deliver on his campaign promises, but let's start with the issue of campus safety.

In the mean time, we could try submitting a number of 4-Ride feedback forms to get UPD's attention. Click here to find the form.

Inauguration Fringe Benefits

One plus about inauguration (other than the extended weekend, the upcoming Ball, a new Democratic President, and today's unforgettable "We Are One" concert): pedicabs on campus.

Mixed among the crowds and the MPs with their Humvees hanging out in front of my humble abode, I've been noticing a lot of these guys (and girls) peddling about on campus.

Take note, all you Colonials planning to partake in the extended nightlife options this long weekend. They're cheaper than cabs, and, from my experience, generally make for a more fun mode of transportation than your run-of-the-mill taxicab. Plus, they may be able to take you down streets that will be closed to cabs.

And now, for your ominous viewing pleasure: