Communications

Date: January 15, 2012

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Re: Safety as you return to the Grounds

Dear Students:

As you return for a new semester, it is a good time to remind you about personal safety. Please take a few moments to consider ways to stay safe and help those around you stay safe.

Although Charlottesville is relatively safe, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. Crimes do occur here, sometimes in waves, and students often are targeted.

Basic safety reminders, many of which you have heard before, bear repeating:

• Walk with others at night. Avoid dark, deserted areas.
• Use the University buses, SafeRide or a taxi. The buses will return to full service tomorrow (Monday, Jan. 16).
• For convenience, keep numbers for SafeRide (434.242.1122) and Yellow Cab (434.295.4131) in your phone. With Yellow Cab, you can show an active student ID, sign documentation, and be billed for the ride - with no questions asked.
• If you notice individuals or situations that seem suspicious, do not delay in calling the police at 911. You will not be bothering them if you do this. In fact, the information you provide may be vital in helping them connect the dots with leads they already are working on.
• Lock your doors and windows.
• Use caution when crossing the street, especially in the dark. Cross only in designated areas, and do not let music or a cell phone conversation distract you.
• Likewise, use caution when bicycling. Wear a helmet and reflective clothing, and follow all rules of the road, whether you are a biker or motorist. Serious accidents involving bikers and motorists have occurred in recent months. Periods of coming and going can be attractive times for criminals to strike. Please keep that in mind as you are unloading your vehicle and moving back into your residence hall or apartment. If you discover that you have been the victim of a robbery over break, please take the following steps:
  • Call 911 to report the break-in and what is missing.
  • Do not touch or move any items in the area to ensure that it remains uncontaminated by your fingerprints or activity.
  • If you sense the intruder may still be in your space, avoid confrontation, back out quickly, and call the police.

I would also like to remind women who are participating in Inter-Sorority Council recruitment between now and next week to help one another in staying safe. Since you may be traveling between recruitment activities when it is dark, please arrange to meet friends or residence hall mates to ensure you are not walking alone.

Finally, a health-related reminder: It's not too late to get a flu shot. Student Health has a generous supply of the vaccine. Students who want to get the shot at Student Health should make an appointment by going to the Healthy Hoos website. Getting immunized can minimize your risk of getting seriously ill, falling behind in classes, and infecting others.

Your safety and health are my highest priority. If you have ideas on how to make the Grounds safer, I would welcome them.

Best wishes as you return from break and begin what I hope is your best, most successful semester yet.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer