StateWalk is currently on hold, but will be better than ever when it comes back, Residence Halls Association officials say.
The service was started 10 years ago to provide a safe environment for members of the MSU community while walking alone on campus. The program is expected to return next semester.
The service was discontinued at the beginning of this semester because it lacked a director and was experiencing budget problems and a lack of usage.
“I want to rebuild the program and make it more appealing to the residents and students of MSU,” said Angela Randazzo, new safety director for the program. “StateWalk is not my only responsibility, I am responsible to help make the entire campus safer in all situations.”
During fall 2000, there were 55 walks given from StateWalk’s three offices - the Main Library, Brody Complex and McDonel Hall. But the total cost per walk broke down to $115.56 because of expenses for incentives, payroll, food, advertising and office improvements.
Randazzo, an education sophomore, said one reason StateWalk lacks popularity might be related to transportation alternatives such as taxi and bus services.
But Jeff Donofrio, public relations director of RHA, said the program lacked users mostly because of little promotion.
“It wasn’t publicized as well as possible,” the interdisciplinary studies in social science senior said. “We are going to be addressing that this year.”
Josh Minor, internal vice president of RHA, said he also thinks many students were not aware of StateWalk. But he thinks people may have been feeling safer on campus.
“That’s the reason we’re looking at it, to revise and meet needs,” the zoology senior said. “What I hope is that we can adjust the program and make it a service (students) want to use.”
Earlier this semester, it was rumored StateWalk would be using golf carts to drive people around campus, but because of licensing and liability issues, the organization is still looking into other options.
Randazzo said the newly organized program will have a dry-run during final exam week. The dry-run will take place at the Main Library from Dec. 9 through Dec. 13. StateWalk is available for anyone who needs it at the library, free of charge, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
“First, I’m planning on starting the program only from the library and then, if need be, expand again to the other offices,” Randazzo said. “The reason for this is because the most traffic is in the library. It’s open 24 hours, and people need to get home somehow.
“And it’s good to have a trustworthy companion or someone to talk to.”
