Student safety group sets positive tone, pledges to address concerns
“It was very positive. The students shared their concerns and were insightful. We were all optimistic that the group will be effective in improving campus safety.”
That’s the takeaway University Police Chief Brent Isaacson had from the inaugural meeting of the new Student Advisory Group for Campus Safety. Nine students, including Student Association President Israel Ortiz, and Vice President for Student Affairs Cedric Howard and Chief Isaacson attended the Monday evening session.
How to improve trust and relationships between students and UP was the focus of the nearly 90-minute discussion, Isaacson said. “We talked about how to be more sensitive to our diverse student population,” he added.
“Against the backdrop of a national conversation and demonstrations over social injustice and oppression, the Student Advisory Group for Campus Safety is a proactive collaborative approach to build trust and enhance relationships between our students and our University Police operation,” Dr. Howard said.
The first meeting for the student advisory group went exceptionally well, Mr. Ortiz said. “The students who attended were very active and engaged. With their input and perspective, I see this group being successful and long lasting. I look forward to seeing this group impact our university through gradual change and improvement.”
Isaacson believes the students were pleasantly surprised at this initiative, are excited about it and are looking forward to working together with UP.
“I think we came away with a commitment to think creatively, to come up with solutions to student concerns,” Isaacson said.
With the groundwork set, Isaacson indicated the advisory group is expected to reconvene in May to consider specific topics and specific actions.
The advisory group was formed to improve communication between students and University Police and help identify and resolve concerns, reduce crime and create mutual understanding. President Stephen Kolison Jr. has directed the group to review issues involved in campus safety and crime on campus; recommend ways to increase student input into community policing efforts and develop activities to increase interaction between students and UP officers.
