The University is taking steps to increase security on campus following a crime alert issued Feb. 12 after a female student was assaulted in Myers Residence Hall that afternoon.
“The safety of our students is our No. 1 priority,” said Justin Carroll, assistant vice chancellor for students and dean of students. “We are redoubling our efforts to educate students about safety. As well, we will review all procedures in place for safety and security in residence halls.”
In addition to existing security measures, peepholes have been installed in residence hall doors to allow residents to see visitors before opening the door. The WUSTL Police Department and staff from the Office of Residential Life have been more visible in their presence in residence hall areas, Carroll said.
Resident advisors held mandatory floor meetings to review safety procedures. The meetings encouraged students to lock their room doors, including when they are showering or sleeping, and stressed the importance of not letting strangers into residence halls by coming in behind them as they enter or by leaving doors propped open. Students were instructed to report suspicious persons or activity immediately to WUSTL police at 935-5555 or go to the nearest blue-light emergency telephone.
The meetings offered a chance to review security measures on campus and other services the University offers, including escorts, a women’s self-defense program, safety whistles and emergency transportation.
Student Union organized a campus forum in Wohl Student Center Feb. 20 to address safety and security. Panelists included Carroll; Don Strom, chief of the WUSTL Police Department; and other University administrators.
A security notice updating parents of University students has been posted on the Parents Page at parents.wustl.edu to reassure families that the University community is doing all it can to protect and ensure the safety of their children.
The University has encouraged students who have concerns or would find it helpful to talk with a professional staff person to contact a counselor with Student Health Services at 935-6666 or their resident advisor, Residential College director or others in residential life at 935-5050.
The crime alert was posted throughout campus along with a composite sketch of the suspect. WUSTL police are working with the Clayton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies on the Feb. 12 incident.
The WUSTL Police Department is headquartered in the center of the South 40, where officers are available to respond quickly to student concerns and requests. For more information, visit police.wustl.edu.