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Campuses are relatively safe places, with people usually around at all hours throughout the day and night. There are cameras, campus courtesy officers, and some campuses even have their own police department. Safety concerns, however, persist due to the easy access to campuses. Most doors remain unlocked throughout the day and do not require anything for access, making it easy for anyone to blend in with the student population. As a response to these concerns, many campuses have implemented emergency system installations to enhance security measures. Below also are a few tips to help keep you aware of your safety while on campus.

1.       Save important phone numbers in your phone and ensure you have them saved wit quick access.

a.       Add Campus Security/Police.

b.       Add your Residence Hall Emergency Phone.

c.       Add your Resident Assistant.

2.       Adopt the Buddy System.  Try to avoid walking alone especially at night.  Going across campus to the library late at night, take a friend with you, meet up and go together.  Don’t have any friends to go with you?  Utilize your campus resources. 

a.       You have officers available to provide an escort with a simple call.

b.       Take the shuttle instead of walking.

c.       Research student groups and other resources on campus that provide services and focus on campus safety.

3.       Party Smart. 

a.       This is where having a buddy is extremely important. Go together, stay together, and leave together.

b.       Never leave your drink unattended and do not take a drink that is already open (or that you did not see being poured or accept from someone you don’t know.

c.       If you suspect trouble leave.

d.       Be aware of where you are and who you are with.

4.       See something, Say something.  If you notice something that appears to be out of the ordinary, if something seems off, or if there is danger call for help immediately.  It won’t hurt to have the campus officers check on things. 

5.       Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you are paying attention to what is going on around you is extremely important.  Avoid texting while walking, play music on low or only use one ear bud. Be attentive and take time to see who is around you and what is happening.

6.       If you have a car, ensure it is safe and secure as well.

a.       Do not leave ANY personal items in plain sight. Thieves see value in anything they can exchange money, this includes textbooks, electronics, and other personal items.

b.       Lock your doors.  Leaving your doors unlocked or your windows cracked is an invitation for a thief to help themselves.

c.       Be aware of your surroundings.  Check the car before entering, look around to notice any lurkers, and look for anything that may be suspicious.

7.       Know safe places on campus.  Regardless of your location on campus, know your surroundings.  Actively preparing for the following scenarios will allow you to stay calm and think clearly during the situation.  Identify the closest exit or place of refuge and ways you can protect yourself in the following situations:

a.       Earthquake

b.       Tornado

c.       Hurricane

d.       Flooding

e.       Active Shooter

 

Safety cannot be guaranteed, but following these tips will assist as you navigate on campus.

It is the second semester of your senior year and it is time to ensure you have things in place to be successfully admitted to a university this fall.  If you have not already applied for a university, now is the time to complete the process and below are a few tips to assist you in the application process.

1.        Be organized.  Take the time to create a file, get a notebook, or organize information on your computer. Being organized will help you to easily identify materials needed for each application and reference when needed.

2.       Know your deadlines.  In your planner, on your phone, or put on the calendar; whatever your system may be, just ensure you know the dates.  Once you know the deadlines, create new deadlines that occur 2-4 weeks prior to the actual deadline. If something could go wrong, it most definitely will when you wait until the actual deadline.  You are asking for your application to get lost in the mail, miss the postmarked deadline, or not allot enough time for your recommendation letter to be received, if you do not allow time for any possible mistakes. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application requirements, but also leave room for error.

3.       Read the instructions carefully. Yes; almost all universities will require you to undergo a similar process to be considered for enrollment. However, each application will request the information in a different way. 

Be sure to read the information very carefully and ensure you are providing the exact information that is being requested. When your application is reviewed for admission consideration, if you have an incomplete application, do not address the essay question as listed, and do not include all requested documents, your application could be denied.

The application process can be extremely competitive, you don’t want to give the reviewers a reason to throw your application out of the pool.  Complete all sections, include all accompaniments, and thoroughly respond to the essay question.  

4.        Proofread EVERTHING! Take your time and complete your entire application and essay.  Walk away from it! Yes; walk away and come back in 24 hours. Using your fresh eyes, now review all the information you have completed on the application including your name, address, and essay.  Again, you do not want to give the reviewers any reason to disregard your application.  A simple spelling mistake could have an impact on your application.

5.       Gather necessary documents. A complete application will take some time to complete.  You will need the following for your application to be completed:

a.       Thorough responses to all parts of the application.  Ensure each area requesting information is completed.

b.       A well-developed essay. Take your time to develop your main idea, supporting information, and conclusion that ties everything together.  Be sure to answer the question that the application is specifically requesting.  Recruit a second pair of eyes to proofread and provide feedback.

c.       Minimum of three letters of recommendation.  Make sure you formally and personally ask each recommender.  They may require a resume, a list of your awards, and to know more about your career goals.

d.       Proof of income. You will need to work with your parents to secure the requested documents that provide proof of your household income.

e.       Obtain your transcript.  You will need official copies of your transcript. Copies will cost you per copy and require that your account is clear of any other outstanding charges. 

 

Follow these steps and watch the decision letters welcoming you to your new university roll in.  Good luck in the application process.