By: Katie Beth Haidet
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The University of Arkansas is devoted to providing a safe environment for all their students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
A big concern for students who have to be on campus after dark is the lighting on campus which the University is continuously trying to enhance.
Residents’ Interhall Congress, also known as RIC, is a University Housing- sponsored student government organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for on-campus students. The RIC hosts a bi-annual Campus Lighting Tour in which student volunteers walk around campus identifying and reporting areas that need lighting improvements.
RIC Director of Programs, Philip Nunez, says that if the volunteer ever feels there is a questionable thought where they might feel unsafe throughout the tour then that is a positive sign to report it and adjust the amount of lights in that area.
“The purpose of the Campus Lighting Tour is to promote safety around campus. Primarily within the area of lighting on campus being sure that every single area of campus is well lit to the point where it’s not just visible, but that area of campus allows for students to feel safe at night.”
Nunez says the process of enhancing lighting after the tours is only a 1-2 week process.
“The volunteers fill out a form and that form will be sent directly to FAMA (Facilities Management). They get the survey responses and then from there they take it upon themselves to come up with a solution whether it’s just replacing a lightbulb or putting in a whole entire new light fixture in that area.”
A senior student at the University of Arkansas, Cierra Kennedy, has class until 7:30 pm on campus Monday and Wednesday.
“I usually carry my keys with my pepper spray in my hands, just to make sure I am safe,” said Kennedy.
Many students on the campus feel scared to walk to their next destination after an evening class or when leaving the library.
To help enhance lighting on campus, join RIC on their next Campus Lighting Tour on Thursday March 9th.