The Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored its annual safety walk on Nov.12, bringing attention to potential on-campus hazards. SGA senators broke into groups to patrol different areas of campus. For each hazard, participants submitted a photo with an explanation to ULM PD.
SGA Vice President Hannah Habisreitinger mentioned why the senate investigates potential safety issues.
“We hold this event every year to document and improve any areas of campus that need extra attention,” Habisreitinger said. “This helps keep students safe, prevent accidents and helps make our campus more accommodating for all students.”
SGA collaborated with LSU’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT) to conduct the safety walk. The NCBRT teaches courses focused on recognizing, investigating and responding to potential emergencies. NCBRT senior instructor Jamechia “JD” Hoyle worked with students to notify ULM PD of safety concerns.
“We started with meeting with the PD and administration to understand what safety issues are on campus, what vulnerabilities they think exist, what investments have been made into safety and what investments are coming into the pipeline,” Hoyle said.
Before the safety walk, the NCBRT assessed ULM’s campus. One team interviewed faculty, staff and students individually about their safety concerns, while another assessed the campus buildings and surrounding areas.
Together, the two organizations shared their insight on potential safety issues.
Participants noted cracked and lifted sidewalks near some academic buildings, which poses a potential fall risk. Light poles near Bayou Village and Bayou Park needed new circuits. SGA senators reported the need for more lightning between the Student Success Center (SSC) and University Suites, an area with heavy foot traffic.
A big concern for SGA and NCBRT was the absence of streetlights around the crosswalk leading to the Laird Weems Alumni Center. Senators explained that the lack of lighting puts pedestrians in danger, especially at night.
SGA senators residing in Warhawk Villages expressed concern over the lack of crosswalks between Warhawk Villages and Schulze Dining Hall. The path requires Warhawk Village residents to walk across incoming traffic to reach the cafeteria.
President Jadyn Maloney explained that SGA encourages students to be aware of on-campus safety concerns.
“I hope that attendees can take into account how vital campus safety is,” Maloney said. “All senators are encouraged to look out for all students as if they are looking out for themselves.”
