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Campus security is a concern at every university, no matter how large or small.
According to campus security reports, there were 19 burglaries and five assault violations on or around Wesleyan since 2007. Comparing these numbers to Texas Christian University’s 27 burglaries and 10 assaults would make Wesleyan appear safe.
For some Wesleyan students, however, safety is still a concern.
Heath Scott, president of the Student Government Association, said campus security is the only SGA priority that hasn’t made discernible progress this year.
“I can’t walk around this university without hearing students talk about the lack of cameras, lack of lighting and things in that regard,” he said.
Over the summer, Scott met with Felisa Barnes, security manager, and Kun Dunson, director of facilities and security, to discuss a campus lighting and security camera initiative. SafirRosetti, a nationally renowned security firm, was hired by Wesleyan to do an assessment of the campus’ security.
The report included possible short-term and long-term security investments Wesleyan could consider. Suggestions for physical factors such as lighting and fencing were included along with personnel suggestions like hiring an armed police force. “We had a lot of anecdotal evidence and individual opinions about, ‘We need to do this or that,’ but it was good to have an expert opinion as to what we ought to do,” said Bill Bleibdrey, senior vice president of finance and administration. “Some of the things were kind of no brainers, and we had them underway already. We knew we needed better lighting.”
Bleibdrey said some of the things in the report, like blanketing the campus in security cameras, will not be implemented because they are “impractical.”
The lighting project still has a way to go, especially as more parking lots are added, Bleibdrey said. For some students, campus lighting is even a deterrent for enrolling in night classes.
Morgan Yinger, junior education major, is a commuter student who has a night class in McFadden that ends at 9:30 p.m. She said she parks in the faculty parking because it feels safer. “I haven’t noticed anyone, no,” she said, in reference to campus security at that hour.
After-hours personnel is another issue at the forefront of security at the moment, said Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, university president. The university is increasing the after-hours personnel and focusing on the training of newly hired security.
In the spring, Stanley Security Solutions offered Wesleyan a proposal with four different payment plans of about $16,000 over a five year period with a free upgrade at the end.
Wesleyan did not follow through on the deal.
Jeffcoat said the university budgeted conservatively at the beginning of the fiscal year because of uncertainty on how the economy would affect enrollment and funds. “The first place that we generally look to if we have extra resources is keeping the faculty,” he said. “The priority for the institution has been things like personnel.”
Bleibdrey said there is a four-phase campus security initiative that includes lighting, fencing and controlled access, a camera system and personnel additions that will reach completion within three to four years.
Kesha Carter, freshman sociology major, lives in Stella and believes campus security in general is inadequate. “I think they’re being cheap about campus security,” she said.
2 comments
I chose Wesleyan because of its affordability and more intimate classroom setting. Even the schools that do charge $50,000 have issues with security. Money and security are the issues at the forefront of universities across the nation.Unfortunately, working for a newspaper, along with class, a job and a life, prevented me from interviewing every student on campus to get a more "balanced" view. Hopefully, if we continue to do our job at The Rambler students will be able to SEE why the money isn't available and will at least understand WHY changes haven't been made yet and there won't be so many negative views.I commend and thank the administrators and students who spoke with me for the article.Disapointed, I'm sorry you felt the article was anti-Wesleyan. If you are a student, we would love to have you on board at The Rambler to provide us with well balanced and researched articles. If you are a faculty or otherwise, contact me, let's do lunch.