As the fall semester begins, UW–Madison remains committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community, according to UWPD Chief of Police Brent Plisch.
In the wake of the aggravated assault near Camp Randall Stadium this past weekend, UWPD continues to reinforce the message that campus safety is a top priority and the community should look out for one another.
One of the most prominent concerns that UWPD encounters during this time of year involves the use of alcohol, particularly for students that are new to campus, Patrol Sergeant Jake Lepper said.
“We do understand that folks are going to drink alcohol,” Lepper said. “We want to make sure that they’re doing so in an informed way where they are able to make responsible choices about their own safety.”
Lepper emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and community awareness in promoting student safety, specifically as campus activity increases in the early weeks of the semester.
UW’s Responsible Action Guidelines are designed to encourage students to call for help in an emergency without fear of disciplinary consequences related to alcohol use, according to Lepper.
It is important that students utilize campus safety programs and tools to prevent emergencies before they happen, Lepper said.
“Our BadgerSAFE Safety App has many useful safety tools. For instance, it has a check-in timer. If you know your walk home takes 15-minutes and you don’t check in with the app within the 15-minutes, it can notify a friend or family member,” Lepper said.
In addition to the BadgerSAFE Safety App, UWPD encourages students to take advantage of other campus safety resources, like SAFEwalk, which is a free walking companionship service available to all students, faculty and visitors, according to UW Transportation Services.
Outside of these campus resources, it is important for students to map out the safest routes home — especially if they are new to the city or unfamiliar with certain areas, according to Lepper.
“If you see someone who looks like they’re in trouble or might need help, be the person who steps in — don’t assume someone else will,” Lepper said. “We’re all one big community, looking out for each other creates a force multiplier for safety.”
As the fall semester gets underway, student safety remains a central focus at UW, according to Patrol Sergeant Jake Lepper.
With safety resources in place and students encouraged to look out for one another, UWPD hopes to foster a stronger sense of connection and community throughout the semester.
UWPD urges students to take action – review the UW amnesty guidelines, download the BadgerSAFE app and use SAFEwalk when needed.
“Have a plan to get home at night and make sure people know where you are,” Lepper said. “Those little things can go a long way in helping folks take charge of their own safety while they’re on campus.”
