How can college students stay safe? Regional college officials weigh in

Since November, the murders of four University of Idaho students have captivated cable news audiences, permeated social media dialogues and caused some college students to question their safety on and around their campuses.

The four students were fatally stabbed in their off-campus rental home in the early hours of Nov. 13. For weeks, the suspect’s identity remained a mystery until police, in late December, arrested Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminal justice doctoral student at Washington State University.

Though any connection between Kohberger and the slain students remains unclear, police say Kohberger visited the area of the students’ home at least 10 times before the murders, and People magazine reports he attempted to message one of the victims on Instagram numerous times.

Officials from Duquesne University, Saint Vincent College and the University of Pittsburgh shared ways that students can stay safe and alert during their higher ed experience.

Have a safety plan

Students should always lock their doors and secure their windows, said Eric Holmes, Duquesne’s chief of police and director of public safety.

Additionally, he encouraged students to “have a safety plan” for their living space that they discuss with their roommates.

A plan could anticipate everything from kitchen fires to intruders.

Open dialogue is key.

“It’s about having candid conversations about personal safety and having a plan,” Holmes said.

Duquesne police are part of the safety conversation, too, he said. They meet with students regularly to share information on how to stay safe and be a good neighbor.

Stay vigilant around campus

Safety concerns extend beyond dorm rooms and apartments.

When students are walking on and around campus, Anthony Kane Jr., Saint Vincent College’s assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, encourages them to be aware of their surroundings, walk in well-lit areas and look up from their phones.

Pitt guidelines echo Kane’s remarks. Additionally, Pitt students have access to emergency phone locations across campus and the free Rave Guardian app, which they can use to let friends and family members know when they should arrive at their destination.

Pitt also offers walking escort services and a SafeRider program in certain instances, Pitt police said in a statement.

Something feels off? Better to say something

Ultimately, a big portion of student safety relies on students trusting their instincts and speaking up.

“So often, when bad things happen, the news article often says, ‘I felt like something was off, but I thought it was just me,’ ” Kane said.

All three officials said when students see something, they should say something. If Saint Vincent students experience uncomfortable or hostile behavior in person or online, Kane urges them to share the encounter with college officials to get the help and resources that they need.

Holmes tells students to contact public safety with any concerns they have.

“They’re not bothering us,” Holmes said. “… Everyone has a role to play in public safety, and I want to empower students.”