Small precautions, such as securing personal belongings and walking with a group of people on campus, can ensure safety during a student's time at MSU, police and other campus officials say.
Students new to campus shouldn't be intimidated by the size of campus or worried about their safety, MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said. Instead, students should work with others to adapt to campus life.
"Until they learn the campus, it's real important that they utilize the buddy system," she said.
Officers from the department are assigned to each section of residence halls on campus.
"We try to be accessible and seen on campus," McGlothian-Taylor said.
There are several ways students can learn to protect themselves on campus, but McGlothian-Taylor said the department does not recommend students carry any kind of pepper spray.
"With pepper spray, it has to be tested to make certain it's still good," she said, adding that wind conditions, accidental discharge and misuse can cause problems for a student intending to carry and use the spray.
"It's something you wouldn't want the person to take away from you in a struggle," she said.
Instead, the department suggests that students check out a variety of self-defense classes held on campus. Many are free, or can be taken for academic credit.
"We talk about safety issues, what to be aware of specifically on campus and in general," said Sally Belloli, assistant director of intramural sports and recreative services. "We talk about some very simple self-defense techniques that a student can use to disable their attacker and get out of the situation."
While classes are offered for academic credit, special two-hour programs also are held throughout the year, usually sponsored by a student organization or residence-hall mentors.
"Basically, what we try to do is raise the awareness that there is a possibility that something may happen to them," Belloli said. "If a student raises their awareness level, and they know they have the skills … it empowers them to feel more confident."
One of the most common forms of crime that occurs on campus is theft - usually after students leave items unattended, McGlothian-Taylor said.
"I see a lot of people not securing their items," she said. "If people would do that, it would cut our property crimes in half."
Whether in the classroom or playing basketball at the gym, McGlothian-Taylor said students should not leave items out of their sight and they either should keep valuables at home or secure them in a locker.
Paul Goldblatt, director of Residence Life, said students should take responsibility for their own safety.
"It's not necessarily the university's obligation, but it's all of our obligation," he said.
Goldblatt said his department stresses to students how they can help out and what they should do in an emergency.
"They can help us by being our eyes and ears," he said. "If you see something or hear something, call and get the appropriate person on the scene. Don't try and handle it yourself."
