October 6, 2021 message from President Kolison

October 6, 2021

Dear Fredonia community:

I am writing to you one day earlier this week because of incidents that occurred on campus.  As you may already know, very early on Monday morning, two students were assaulted by an unknown individual. I am saddened and outraged by what happened to these students, and my heart goes out to them.  

I am pleased to know that the university's crisis and counseling teams responded promptly to assist the students assaulted. These teams will continue to support all students as needed. The search for the suspect involved in these assaults is ongoing. I encourage anyone who may know the identity of the suspect or have information that will assist us in apprehending the suspect to notify University Police (UPD) by any of the following: 

I will send an update on the investigation as soon as I am able to provide one. 

I am sure that there are feelings of nervousness or unease since the incidents occurred on campus. I understand that fully. It is natural to feel that way. Please be reassured that the safety and security of students and members of our campus community is, and will always be, a top priority. This is a close-knit community that takes care of each other. 

In terms of our capacity to keep the campus safe, at the moment we have almost 300 security cameras throughout the campus. We also have 30 blue light emergency phones, and emergency call boxes at the entrance of each residence hall. We have the RAVE Guardian app, which essentially turns mobile devices into a blue light emergency phone. Please install this app on your mobile device. Our University Police Department is a fully accredited agency that is on-duty and on-patrol 24/7. Notwithstanding this current capacity, we are continuously reviewing and updating our security capabilities, seen and unseen, to ensure that we are ahead of individuals who have bad intentions towards our community.  For example, during the summer months, we undertook improvements to campus lighting. Such improvements include better-quality light fixtures and more light poles in areas that needed improvement - such as in the Science Center Grove. Also, since the incidents, safety personnel have spent the past few nights inspecting the lighting and security in the area where the incidents occurred. We will do everything we can to keep our campus safe.

Students, I have been made aware of a recent petition that is circulating to change the campus overnight parking rules in light of what occurred on Monday night. I want you to know that I have started discussions with the Cabinet about this concern, and we are assessing it very closely. While it may seem like an easy change to make, there are factors that come into play, including the limitation of parking spots directly adjacent to all the residence halls. Please allow us some time to examine all of the variables before we make a decision.  

I would also like to underscore the safety tips UPD shared in Monday’s message. These are valid anytime, anyplace:  

  • Whenever possible, walk with a friend. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't let your phone be the focus of your attention while you walk.

  • Program the University Police emergency number, 716-673-3333, as a favorite in your smartphone. This is the fastest way to summon emergency help on campus.

  • If you need emergency help off campus, dial 911.

  • As mentioned above, download and use the Rave/Guardian smartphone application which provides instant communication with University Police. Importantly, the Rave/Guardian app has a feature to allow a trusted friend to follow you electronically if you plan to walk on or near campus.

  • If you see something suspicious or concerning, always feel encouraged to call University Police. They will gladly check out the situation to keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your attention to everything in this message. Have a great weekend.

Very truly yours,

Dr. K
 

Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor

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