Ways students can build a better and safer campus!

Students and faculty at a University should share common goals for the good of the university. This is significant in the University's success. Specifically for the goals at Lourdes University there is a strong need for a stronger community that supports one another through service and teamwork. By having a common goal such as building a better and safer campus is significant for Lourdes University success.

For most of the year the campus is a student's home away from home. Which means it should be taken well care of. This space should be clean for it is a place of comfort, this can be achieved to create a space of productivity. This can be easily achieved if all put in the effort to keep it up. This can start with easy efforts such as keeping the campus clean. For example the other day as I was walking out of my apartment I saw the guys that were hired to cut Lourdes grass having to get off his lawn mowers to pick up trash that was laying on the ground. If the trash was picked up by those who caused it to be on the ground in the first place it would show more respect for those who come to cut our grass. Another area to be mindful of is by the dumpsters. This is also another easy fix such as closing the lids after dumping trash in it, this then avoids the wind blowing the litter on the ground. Also taking those trash bags right out to the dumpster instead of leaving them in the apartment halls eliminates odors.  

There are many things students can do to practice on campus safety. Such as reporting suspicious activity when taking place. This report can be through a call to campus public safety or during more serious matters a call to the police. Being aware of your surroundings and your own actions can make a difference. Being accompanied by a friend is highly encouraged when dark out while paying attention to what you and your friends are sharing on social media. You may ask questions such as, does this post share personal information about me?

Being mindful and avoiding reckless behavior with campus property shows respect for campus and can element safety concerns. Such as using student IDs instead of pulling open doors to prevent doors from breaking. Broken doors lead to people being able to get in the apartments without any verification that they are either living there.

Student involvement in groups and clubs is crucial for success on a college campus. Student attendance at events leads to building a stronger community and an environment of opportunity to share thoughts and encourage one another. Through this community that will be formed there will then be more of a drive from students to care for one another and the space they live in. 

Author: Elsie Noyes