Savannah Graves, HUSA’s director of public safety, offered ways for students to remain safe on campus in their first biweekly press conference about public safety last week.
The conference is a newly introduced event that informs students about safety and allows them to express questions or concerns in regards to their well being on campus. Information about campus safety was emphasized especially for first-year or transfer students who may be unaware of the environment Howard resides in.
The meeting on Sept. 9 took place inside of Alain Locke Hall. Important takeaways were shared about navigating campus safely such as, the use of a Piece of Mind (POM) device, the Howard University Police Department (HUPD) and areas to avoid during the night hours.
Graves, a junior, mentioned the POM device, Bison Safe app and campus security services as resources for students to use.
The handheld POM devices are distributed by HUSA staff and the Department of Public Safety. The device allows users to press a button to immediately reach emergency services. Students are also able to use the Bison Safe app which includes the campus police department number.
“This allows you to receive emergency notifications as quickly as a text or an email to be aware of possible pandemics, emergency services, and emergencies not only on campus but in the neighborhood,” Graves said.
She also mentioned the public safety website students can access for resources in regards to emergency response procedures as well as the HUPD.
“Allied is a campus security service often seen patrolling around Towers. They are a resource that is here for us, so if you do see something, say something to them, a metropolitan police officer, or a Howard University police officer,” Graves said.
Crime prevention and personal safety tips were some of the most important takeaways from this meeting. Graves noted things to avoid doing at night such as walking alone, and being around or near the reservoir.
“Personal safety tips for staying both on and off campus are avoiding the reservoir and the Mackey walkway going into Georgia Ave. That is a very dimly lit area whether you’re walking to Drew or Cook Hall, or even taking a shortcut to The Quad, it’s best to avoid the reservoir. Also, walk in groups when traveling at night,” she said
Graves also discussed health and counseling resources. Access to counseling, stress management, mental health support, along with substance abuse support is available at the Howard University counseling services by appointment. After business hours, the crisis line is available at (202) 345-6709. The student health center is also located at 2139 Georgia Ave NW.
Some students would like to see improvements in safety precautions.
Nylah Hughes-Green, a junior media management major and economics minor from North Jersey, feels that Howard could make some improvements to increase the feeling of security regarding transportation services.
“Given that Howard is more of an open campus and I am someone who has to take the shuttle, I would like for the shuttle to arrive at the top of the hill again versus having to wait at the bottom of the hill,” she said.
Green is referring to the hill on Howard Plaza Street between the Howard H. Mackey building and Inabel Lindsay Hall.
Hughes-Green explained that last semester, the shuttles arrived at the top of the hill for pickup and drop off which is in closer proximity to the campus. However, this semester the shuttles are no longer arriving there and are instead waiting at the bottom of the hill on Georgia Avenue.
“Sometimes there’s a lot going on and even that little bit of distance can make a person feel a little safer if they’re closer to The Yard. Also, having certain buildings unlocked at night for people who do have to wait for the shuttle instead of having them wait outside,” she said.
Arieyanna Brown, a junior architecture and design major from Kansas City, Missouri would also like to see a change regarding transportation. Not particularly regarding Howard transportation, but D.C. drivers.
“I believe that there should be something done about the cars due to the fact that we do have to go back and forth to different classes and cross the street. A lot of cars do run the red lights so I feel like Howard Police should be patrolling that since there are a lot more shuttles outside and there’s more students occupying the area,” she said.
Brown also expressed concern about individuals who do not attend Howard being able to walk around the campus.
“There should be something done about people who just walk up on campus, who are willing to rob us or take our cars,” she said.
Jay Jones, president of the 64th Howard University Student Association, also discussed the relocation of students in five different units regarding an incident that took place in Cook Hall.
“All of those students have been followed up with and have either moved into their new home where they’ll be staying or will have to be followed up again by the Division of Student Affairs,” she said.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
