Enough with the signs already.
It is appalling that students have shown more time and effort trying to get rid of the University’s new signage rather than focusing on the real issue on campus: safety.
Yes, the University made a blunder in terms of design. Aesthetically, the signs fail to match the architecture of the campus. They look out-of-place-cartoon-like, if you will. It almost seems as if they sprouted out of the soil from some weird blue and yellow chemical spill that mutated all plant life underground. However, the signs are direct, clear and utterly harmless to your daily life.
The better question would be if the money for the signage program were spent properly. In a post Virginia Tech-world on college campuses, universities nationwide are beefing up their security measures. Hofstra successfully implemented CANN, a notification network that can reach students by text messages in case of an emergency.
However, there are other problems that need to be fixed. Women of Action, a social activism club on campus, wants to implement more “blue lights” on campus. A blue light station triggers a response to public safety if you find yourself in trouble, in need of aid or simply need an escort for a ride to the south side of campus. According to Public Safety, there are 36 blue lights on campus-but considering how large the University extends, it could be difficult to find blue lights on certain parts of south campus. The Weitzberg/Legnetti SGA administration urged for even more blue lights-and hope they deliver.
The club expressed a need for more blue lighting in dark places, like between Dutch Treats and Nassau/Suffolk Hall, the recreation center and near each tower. Having more blue lights not only can save a life, but it ensures a sense of security with campus residents. Students and their parents pay a hefty price to go here; feeling at home should be a top priority.
Locations of blue lights should be labeled on the new blue and yellow maps so students know exactly where to find them in case of a crisis.
Additionally, people who are coming and going should be monitored as well. We’ve noticed people enter campus in their cars without swiping after 10 p.m. In one instance, the public safety officer minded his own business and did not respond.