Colleges attract a wide variety of people from all walks of life, which means there’s potential for some very destructive situations. Any community should have safety measures in place to protect its members, and a college campus is no different. These are some of the ways that top colleges can increase safety and protect their students from common issues on their campuses.
Sexual Assault Prevention
One of the biggest problems on all campuses across the world is sexual assault. The U.S. Department of Justice states that 1 in 4 women will experience some form of sexual assault before graduating. Forming a zero-tolerance policy and introducing mandatory classes on consent is the first step. Ensure that your university’s policies focus on supporting any victims of sexual assault and providing them the resources they need in the situation.
Drug and Alcohol Education
Not talking about a topic doesn’t reduce the impact it has on people. In fact, it just lets the problem run rampant without proper checks. That’s why running classes that teach the true dangers and risks of both drugs and alcohol can ensure that your students have all the relevant information. There’s plenty of evidence that shows proper education on these topics is one of the best ways that top colleges can increase safety and reduce drug abuse.
Simple Reporting Processes
One major issue for campuses and similar communities is the lack of a clear and unbiased crime reporting process. Make sure students have a means of quickly, safely, and even anonymously reporting any crimes they witness or experience themselves. Studies show that people often don’t report crimes because they don’t know how to do so or fear repercussions if they file a report.
Campus Security
A campus’s security, both the people and systems, is key for reducing crimes. Invest in safety systems, such as student background checks and CCTV, as they can help reduce dangers on campus. Learn when you should run background checks on students. Also, training your entire staff with first aid and first responder techniques and tactics can save lives and increase safety in every aspect.
Every college should feel confident that their college is working hard to keep them safe. Implementing these tactics will help ensure students’ safety while they’re on campus, possibly saving lives and lowering crime rates in the community.
