December 18, 2009
Parents,
Over the past couple of weeks, you've been getting information about an increase in crime at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We are experiencing an increase in crime over this time last year, but we have also changed our practice of reporting crime to the students and to parents. In response to what we consider best practices and also to maximize our ability to keep students safe, we are now reporting more crimes to students and parents. As a result, parents have been asking how we are improving security in the residence halls. We are pleased to share this information with you.
Security in residence halls is multi-pronged. All halls require card access to enter the front door between the hours of 7pm and 7 am, and require card access to any residential area 24 hours a day. All guests must be escorted, and we stress to residents that if they see or encounter anyone on their floor who is not a resident to inform hall staff or the University Police immediately.
In the case in Oglesby Hall, in the estimation of University Police, was an isolated incident, and arrests have been made.
In response to these recent events, University Police have increased the number and frequency of patrols in the area. Our residence hall staff are also asking residents to be particularly vigilant about noticing individuals in their buildings who are not residents, and informing staff immediately. University Police have requested that students dial 911 (9-911 from an on-campus phone) if they notice any unusual behavior.
Our residence hall staff have created programs on personal safety and continue to educate our residents about the importance of being aware of their surroundings, traveling in groups, and looking out for their fellow students as a community.
We hope this information is useful. Campus Police, University Housing and the entire administration take such incidents very seriously and consider student safety to be of upmost importance. Don't hesitate to have a conversation with your son or daughter during semester break, reminding them of the basic safety practices that you've taught them.
Sincerely,
Renee Romano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Barbara O'Connor, Director of University Public Safety
