Maryville Pawprint Maryville Pawprint, Maryville University's Student Newspaper
Public Safety is a resource that all Maryville students should know. The officers, on duty twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, have an important task –to protect students, faculty, staff, community, visitors and campus. If you haven’t already noticed, the Public Safety office is now located in Buder Commons. The move was prompted by the scheduled demolition of Duchesne Hall in Spring 2013 to make way for the new Health Professions buildings.
The biggest topic on everyone’s minds this year is parking – I’m talking about the lack of it. Many students who commute to campus arrive for class and complain about the parking situation. Public Safety is watching the parking lots closely to determine the location of available spaces during the day.
“As in the past, I hired additional personnel to assist students with finding available parking the first two weeks of school. This semester appears to be similar to past ones in that we have started to see available parking throughout the day as we enter the third week of the semester,” said Michael Parkinson, director of Public Safety. “One interesting thing we have discovered about this year is the very limited parking that is available during the 10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. class period. In the past we usually have seen the parking congestion start around 9:30 a.m. and this year it is starting much later.”
So what is Public Safety doing about the lack of available parking spaces during classes?
“Even during the heavy parking congestion we still find available spaces down by the Pine Apartments and back by the McNally House and Art & Design 3D building,” said Parkinson. “We are in the process of completing a parking survey that we do every year and this information will be forwarded to the vice president of administration & finance for review.”
Another thing that should be on your mind is your safety and security while on campus. Part of this is to be aware of crimes that occur on campus and knowing how to secure your personal property. There have been a few incidents that have occurred on campus since the start of the year.
“We have had some thefts this semester and most of the cases it was property left unattended and/or unsecured,” said Parkinson. “I can’t emphasize the importance of securing your property. We have also had some alcohol violations which is typical this time of year.”
Reviewing Maryville’s policy on drugs and alcohol is important for students.
“If you are under the age of 21 you can’t possess or consume alcohol and you run the risk of being arrested or cited by Town & Country PD as well as having to go through the University’s judicial process,” said Parkinson.
Parkinson offers the following safety tips and advice for students:
“It is important that you secure your property. Always lock your residence hall room and if you park on campus please secure your vehicle and leave valuables out of plain sight. Make sure when you are walking on campus, especially at night, that you are aware of your surroundings and walk in well-lit areas. If you have not done so, please sign up for the University’s emergency text system, Saints Alert. Finally, if you see any suspicious behavior, contact Public Safety right away at 529-9500.”
Stay safe and be alert. Secure your property. Know what to do. LIVE Safely.
