Eureka College strives to provide a safe campus for all its students. To achieve this, Eureka uses many measures to keep the campus safe. On-campus security is provided during day-time hours and an escort system is available in the evenings. Yet, there are still some concerns regarding campus safety, including a lack of visibility in the evenings. In light of this, there are some measures that students can implement to keep themselves and others safe on campus.
Campus safety is an important aspect of any college. Students want to be in a place where they can feel safe. While Eureka College is overall a fairly safe campus, that doesn’t mean students necessarily feel safe on campus at all times. A Eureka College freshman, who has been granted anonymity, weighed in.
“To be honest, I think the campus could be safer. Most of the lights are out around campus and it’s so dark in most areas,” anonymous said.
She goes on to say that much of her concerns stem from the fact that it’s hard to feel safe in most places as a woman. There is always a level of anxiety for women in dark isolated places. Paranoia can make these fears even more terrifying. When the streets are poorly lit, the mind can play cruel tricks.
“I will say I am grateful Eureka is a small town so there isn’t a lot of crime, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening,” she said. “There are ways to stay safe like a buddy system or always carrying pepper spray.”
Another way she seeks to stay safe on campus is by utilizing the escort system Eureka provides. This system is for students who are uneasy walking on campus at night. If a student is feeling uneasy about walking around campus on their own, they can reach out to the student escorts, which is operated by campus security and designated students, to have someone trustworthy walk them to their desired destination on campus. The student escort system is open Sunday through Thursday between 8:30-10:30 PM, and from 9-11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, they can be contacted via call or text at (309)-339-2869.
Loren Marion has worked in law enforcement for 32 years and is now serving as the director of campus security here at Eureka College. He strongly advises students not to allow strangers or individuals they don’t know into their dorms.
“I would advise the student to meet them at a location that is populated… coffee shop or restaurant, and have a few visits before inviting them to hang out in their room,” Marion said.
One reason this should be a major concern for students is the fact that reports of rape and violent acts against women on campus has increased in recent years. Marion Mentions how people can say anything or put anything on a dating app.
“If the person visiting them doesn’t want to give their information or show their ID, that should be a red flag. This could also discourage the person from trying something,” Marion said.
Marion encourages students that if they feel unsafe, regardless of the situation, they should report it. If a student is in immediate threat, then they should contact 911 right away. In the case of a student feeling harassed, Marion says that students should contact a professor, Office of Student Life (OSL), Title IX, a non-emergency police number or the campus police.
If anyone needs to contact the campus police their number is (309)-467-6408. If a non-emergency situation pops up, Woodford County’s dispatch number is (309)-467-2375.
