Campus is secure, but still use common sense

IU does a lot to keep its students safe, but students must do their part as well.

The residence halls at IU have many safety features.

After 12 a.m. the entrances to the residence halls are locked, and students can only enter the building with a key card.

Some people wish to enter the building during late hours but don’t have a key card with them. Students might want to be helpful, but they should not allow those late-comers in, said Bill Shipton, director of student residential programs and services and judicial officer for the campus judicial system. 

The key-card system is very high-tech. Swiping a key-card can determine when a student has entered the residence hall or room. “This may seem Big Brother-ish,” Shipton said, “but it really helps to keep track of missing students.” 

Cameras in and around the residence halls serve the same purpose, Shipton said.

Resident assistants and police officers go on rounds to ensure that students are being safe late at night and during the early mornings.

Many students think rounds are meant to get them in trouble, but it is really to benefit them, Shipton said. Students, however, will get in trouble if they are found participating in illicit activities.

The campus is well lit around the residence halls and parking lot, Shipton said.

However, if a student is having a bad experience while walking around campus —during the day time or at night — he can get the IU Police Department to come his way without even calling them.

Emergency stations around campus contact the IUPD and flash a blue light when a student pushes the button, Shipton said.