Mathematics junior Jenna Jerwers checks her phone Sept. 7, 2015, on the trail located behind McDonnell Hall. Jerwers said she walks everywhere on campus and has never felt unsafe. Alice Kole/The State News
MSU's campus can be scary at night, but measures are taken to ensure students feel safe when traversing its long trails. Even with adequate lighting and emergency telephone systems, some students take extra precautions on campus.
“I keep 911 dialed in my phone to keep myself ready to call the cops,” finance sophomore Cali Cosgrove said. “Sometimes, I take Grand River just because I know it is more lit and have more activity than campus (at night).”
Certain areas, like the trail behind McDonel Hall and the trail behind Kellogg Center are known for not being as well-lit as they could be.
“Yes, I am aware of those areas but we have improved the lighting in those areas,” MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Energy Analyst William Lakos said. “Those stories are over 10 to 15 years old.”
Elementary education senior Jenna Kotula said she also does not feel safe in some places on campus.
“I try to keep my phone in close reach, I walk with a purpose, and I keep my head up so it doesn’t look like I’m vulnerable,” Kotula said.
But MSU is taking precautions to ensure safety on campus, according to the MSUPD Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.
“Landscaping and outside lighting on campus is designed for pedestrian safety and security,” the report said. “Sidewalks are designed to provide well-traveled, lighted routes from parking areas to buildings and from building to building. Landscape personnel trim shrubs from sidewalks, walkways, and building entrances to enhance lighting and visibility.”
Other students, however, do not feel danger when walking on campus at night.
“I never really see people who look suspicious," MSU alumnus Brad Hicks said. "I usually feel pretty safe because I know if something were to happen, I could handle myself. I think if I was a girl, I would feel less safe.”
Mathematics junior Jenna Jerwers said she has never felt unsafe on campus.
“You see a dark area and you prepare yourself but, I never feel unsafe on campus,” Jerwers said.
According to the aforementioned report, the “‘Green Light” Emergency Telephone System follows major walkways."
There are maps of the emergency telephones available on the MSUPD website.
According to MSU's Office of Admissions website, the Night Owl, a “late night transportation” system runs throughout campus until 2 am.
The Night Owl is part of the Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, bus system.
Alpha Phi Omega also offers a service in which volunteers will walk with individuals between on-campus destinations, according to the Office of Admissions website.
Although this is a useful resource, this service is only open Sunday through Thursday.
If you see a light isn't operating or have any concerns about lighting levels, report it to Infrastructure Planning and Facilities at 517-353-1750.
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