By the Resident Safety Supervisors
We, the Resident Safety Supervisors, write to you on behalf of all Resident Safety student employees because we serve as a liaison between the Resident Safety Representatives (RSRs) and the student body. We are excited about this academic year because we had the opportunity to acquire a diverse and hard-working staff that shares an enthusiasm about student safety that is unprecedented. The safety of our residence halls is upheld by a partnership between RSRs and students. If the connection between the two parties is not solid, safety is jeopardized.
The editorial cartoon released on Oct. 1, 2009 portrayed the entire Public Safety department in a manner that was not only unfair, but also unnecessary. As you know, the last few weeks have been quite difficult for the student body because of the events that transpired, and we are all proactively trying to move forward. The first stage in providing a safer campus is tightening security, which was done. We, like all of you, are students, except we represent the department of Public Safety. We are by no means perfect, but it is ignorant to take the actions of a few individuals and claim they portray an entire department.
We must take certain precautions to ensure that we provide you with a safer, more secure housing experience. This means implementing certain rules and regulations that will ensure everyone on campus is protected. However unnecessary these policies may seem to you, they are all mandated for your benefit. In the recent issue of The Chronicle, the weekly cartoon not only depicted the entire Resident Safety department in a harsh light, but it also unjustly criticizes the policies that are solely in place for your benefit.
These policies are not an unnecessary addition to dormitory policies, but rather a vital part of what keeps you safe. In order for these policies to be fully effective, we must have both RSRs and the students work together. Students must take the time to properly follow these procedures and RSRs need to make every effort to guarantee they are adequately doing their job. In turn, it is the supervisor’s job to make sure the rules are being followed and enforced, and also to set a good example for other students to follow.
We hope this letter clarifies any misgivings or apprehensions that you have about our policies. We sincerely thank our staff and the students who cooperate with our staff for helping us provide a safer environment for everyone and we hope for your continued support and urge all students to help keep our dormitories safe.
