Many of you have written to me with concerns about your safety. I agree that you should feel secure at Syracuse University, whether you are walking to class, your residence hall, or your off-campus apartment. Academic achievement is not possible without a safe residential environment.
Over the years we have implemented many safety improvements, and we have learned through experience that more can be done. The purpose of this letter is to review the measures in place right now and to give you a brief preview of what's to come. I will go into detail with you in upcoming letters over the next several days.
The Department of Public Safety has primary responsibility for security on campus. Public Safety provides residential security services, on-campus escorts, crime prevention programs, round-the-clock patrols--and as of today, the new Shuttle U Home program to transport students to off-campus apartments.
Special attention has been paid to South Campus security through increased Public Safety staffing and patrols, a South Campus Station, and improved lighting. A Welcome Center will be added this summer. I will say more about South Campus in my next letter.
Many of you are my neighbors living off campus, and you wonder, "Is my neighborhood a dangerous place to live?" The recent shooting on Ostrom Avenue and reported burglaries and car break-ins show that it is not perfectly safe. We need to look out for each other, follow common sense safety precautions, and report suspicious activity to the Syracuse Police Department. We are discussing possible increased patrols and other measures with Chief of Police Dennis DuVal, and I hope to report results to you within the week.
I will also discuss in detail the services and programs we will offer through the new Office of Off Campus Student Services, funded through the co-curricular fee. These will include help in finding housing, how to work with landlords, and ways to reduce crime.
Safety is a community issue. We have heard your input, we are acting upon it, and we ask you to work with us.
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. Shaw
