Orientation addresses student’s disappearance, safety

For the nearly 300 incoming freshman that arrived on IU’s campus this week for the start of New Student Orientation, Lauren Spierer’s disappearance has been a difficult topic to avoid.

Headlines on the front page of newspapers around campus and downtown depict a desperate search. On lamp posts, signs pointing the way to advising stations are hung just a few inches above missing person fliers.

It can be an ominous first impression for some, and it’s an impression the Office of First Year Experiences is trying to address as it welcomes IU’s newest class.

“We definitely understand that new students and family members may be anxious about a lot of things as they prepare for their transition to Indiana University, and safety is no different,” Assistant Director Daniel Murphy said. “Our hope is that through participating in orientation, students will feel affirmed and confident in their choice to attend IU.”

Murphy said orientation leaders have and will continue to spend time talking to groups of students about available resources on campus, as well as general safety tips. Leaders are also encouraged to share personal experiences about safety issues on campus.

In addition, the IU Police Department will provide information to parents and family members at different points throughout the program.

An emphasis on safety is not a new addition to orientation as the office discusses safety with the students every year. But, Murphy said, this year is unique.

“While we have been planning to share information about staying safe on campus and in Bloomington since program planning began, we are definitely approaching the topic this year with an awareness and sensitivity that students and parents may be anxious about safety,” he said.

As for specific concerns from parents, Murphy said the office has only received a few phone calls asking for more information about Lauren’s disappearance and safety issues on campus. More frequent, he said, have been calls from students and parents offering support for Lauren, her family and the community.

At Wednesday’s First Year Experience Resource Center, support could also be seen in the form of small, light-blue ribbons pinned to the shirts of staff members and campus partners. 

The ribbon’s color was picked by Lauren’s mother, Charlene, Murphy said.

“Our student staff members had a strong desire to show support for Lauren, but our orientation schedule did not allow us to be involved as much as we would like,” he said. “This helps keep spreading awareness, shows that one of our own is missing and we will support Lauren and her family until she is found.”

Dean of Students Harold “Pete” Goldsmith also spoke to the incoming freshman during orientation and will continue to do so until the program wraps up in late July. He said he has been reminding incoming students to lock their doors, travel with friends and to use public transportation.

“We think Bloomington and IU is a safe place,” Goldsmith said. “But, just like if the students were staying at home, there are common sense precautions that they need to take.”