By Khadn Adderley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The last few weeks of school are quite stressful for students on most college campuses. They’ve begun preparing for final exams, which means late nights on campus and longer hours of studying.
However, when spending late nights in the library, one female student says walking on campus can be terrifying.
“I don’t like to walk on campus at night, you never know what could happen,” said Abby Baird, sophomore International Business major. “I prefer to study at my apartment.”
According to the University of Arkansas Police Department’s Clery Report, there were 16 reported sexual offense cases in 2018, 13 reported in 2017 and 7 reported in 2016.
Though these may not be direct results from late nights on campus, UAPD stressed the importance of safety when walking around campus at night, to avoid any issues.
“Let someone know, always tell someone when you’re leaving your destination, and where you’re going,” said Officer Tara Wilder, UAPD K-9 Officer. “Even if it’s an RA or a roommate, always tell someone where you’re going.”
Other tips by Officer Wilder include walking in groups when leaving late at night, avoiding walking with headphones in your ear, and to always call 9-1-1 or UAPD in the case of an emergency.
Since most students don’t know these tips, Baird added that a constant reminder would never hurt.
“It’s important to stress these issues so that girls can stay safe on campus,” says Baird. “Simple things that girls should know but take advantage of them.”
UAPD will have officers stationed in the library and around heavy study areas on campus to escort students to their cars or to their dorms at night to make sure students are more safe.
Students can find the number for UAPD/Razorback Patrol and SAFE Ride on the back of their student ID’s for assistance when on campus late at night.