Souce: Xavierite Caption: Public Safety Building
Students have voiced concerns regarding the safety of students on campus. One concern is the safety of pedestrians walking while cars speed through campus roads and parking. The other is the campus’ new access to entry with Cougar Cards.
“People don’t even stop at the stop signs. I’ve witnessed lots of speeding too throughout campus. I’ve almost got hit a few times,” says Student Vanessa Diaz.
“People always go over the speed limit. There are always pedestrians walking and they don’t seem to care. I’ve also noticed a lot of people blowing the stop signs near Pacelli Hall or parking in places they shouldn’t,” comments Student Vanessa Serna.
Tickets are given out to drivers when there are parking violations including: parking in accessible parking spaces without state issued placards, in university service vehicle designated spaces, fire lanes, or locations not designated for parking.
Parking in areas that are restricted interferes with emergency responses and campus operations. SXU’s officers patrol campus but do not solely function as traffic control.
“Officers would stop a vehicle for reckless operation, which includes driving at a high rate of speed, driving in the wrong direction, or driving through a restricted area,” explains Daniel P. Murphy, Interim Chief of Police.
In incidents where drivers are reckless driving, a ticket may be issued by public safety. Each violation will be addressed through a referral. The referral will be sent through the Office of the Dean of Students to be further evaluated through the student conduct system.
A few students have voiced concerns regarding there not being enough officers on patrol. “I always witness cars speeding and never see public safety around that area. They should put out more officers to stand watch so no one gets hurt,” says Student Natalie Lopez.
“It is annoying when cars speed through campus. I don’t think public safety has been doing their jobs when it comes to people blowing stop signs because it happens so often. People walk all over campus, people should drive slower to be safe,” voices Student Jack Zlogar.
Students wishing to file a complaint after witnessing driving violations are asked to call Public Safety at 773-298-4400, call 773-298-3123 during business hours, write a report to the Dean of Students through an incident report form, email deanofstudents@sxu.edu, or stop in WAC L-103.
Driving safety is one concern students have at SXU, but Cougar Card access has been voiced to be a concern as well.
“I am glad that the cougar card access has been implemented because last semester I have seen random people in the building who shouldn’t be. It’s scary how easily they were able to get inside,” says Lopez.
Previously, only evening hours were scheduled for Cougar Card access. In January, Public Safety shifted their building access schedule for Cougar Card access to enter campus buildings be required 24/7.
“Given the number of entrances to the Warde Academic Center (WAC) alone, it is not possible to enforce compliance with Cougar Card access such as was suggested when students allow tailgating of others,” states Murphy.
Students have been opening doors for others as a friendly gesture. This allows the possibility of someone who should not be present access to campus buildings.
“By the nursing building I’ve noticed you don’t need cougar cards to enter. It’s always unlocked. It makes me feel unsafe because you never know who could come in. Someone could harm us,” explains Student Jazmin Rodriguez.
“Communication regarding the shift to card access that was shared with the community included those buildings and doors that would remain open to best serve the public, and guests, such as prospective students and families who regularly visit the Office of Admission through designated WAC doors,” Murphy further explained.
Doors that will remain open to the public are the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic, Health Center, and the Shannon Athletic and Convocation Center.
Activating card readers to require a card to enter campus buildings provides more security that wasn’t in place before and restricts access. “If we were to move to a monitored system, many functional changes to where students, employees, and visitors enter any academic building would need to take place,” shares Murphy.
If students have any other concerns regarding their safety on campus call, Public Safety at 773-298-4400.