This semester, in addition to escorts, key-ins and car-jumps, Aquinas’ Campus Safety has been working diligently to improve safety features around campus. One of first issues of the year Campus Safety addressed was the lack of security cameras. Fifteen security cameras around campus “trouble spots” have been added to help officers identify problems.

After much debate, lights along the wooded path to Bukowski Chapel were also put in. The lights serve as a safety measure to reduce accidents and theft.

As another precaution, Campus Safety also has begun to utilize Twitter, an electronic text message warning system. Twitter will inform all users on the Aquinas network in case of an emergency.

In the near future, Campus Safety Director Tony Nolan hopes to further improve upon the electronic warning system.

“We also want to try to get to a point in electronic communication where all people can be informed,” Nolan said.

Nolan expressed the possibility of adding an outdoor warning system on campus. The system would inform the Aquinas community of severe weather and major issues within the Grand Rapids area. As Nolan frequently meets with other campus safety directors from area college campuses and with the Grand Rapids Police, he gains new ideas for the campus to enhance campus safety.

“We want to add more handicap accessible areas and also improve fire escapes,” he said.

The Campus Safety Director also wishes for the Aquinas community to provide input and suggestions for safety.

“I want students to come to me with new suggestions. I want them to question me,” Nolan said.

However, Nolan also wants Aquinas students to take action in improving their safety. In addition to traveling in groups, Nolan wants “students to be eyeballs.”

“Just look out for each other,” said Nolan. “That will go a long way.”