Dear Parents/Family Members,
I am writing to share a message that went to your students today regarding response to the sexual assault that happened adjacent to campus on Friday morning, February 15.
We know you may be concerned about your student. We want to assure you that nothing is more important to us than student safety. While Rock Hill is generally a safe place, it is troubling when crime occurs. We appreciate you talking with your student and sharing the information in the email below in your discussions. Thank you for helping us ensure that this important campus conversation is reaching your student.
Sincerely,
Dan Mahony
President
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Dear Students:
Several of you have reached out to me to share concerns with recent safety- and security-related issues on and around the campus. I want to assure you that we all take campus safety, and the safety of students in particular, seriously and continually look for ways to improve. Please let me tell you about some of what the administration is doing in response to recent concerns shared by students…
The Critical Incident Management Team, jointly chaired by two of our VPs, met just last week, and one agenda item discussed was recent student safety concerns. The team’s idea was to develop forums to address the most recent concerning incidents and what Winthrop and students themselves can do to improve safety and security.
After Friday’s assault, both foot and vehicle patrols by Campus Police were increased on and around the university. The police chief and our officers have been in contact with RHPD about student concerns because we know that the safety issues do not stop at the boundaries of campus. I was personally in contact with Walk2Campus leaders yesterday, who are committed to working with us to do what we can do to continue to improve safety in this area.
You may know there are already many emergency call boxes across campus, in elevators, and in all parking lots. There is even one at Campus Walk that is monitored by and responded to by Campus Police. Tests are conducted frequently to make certain that call boxes are functioning properly. New call boxes are installed as the need arises. In addition, campus updates regarding the assault included reference to signing up for the LIVE SAFE app which allows for immediate connection to Campus Police from any location.
Campus Police conducts monthly lighting surveys, and service or repair requests are passed on to Facilities Management for action. These requests will continue to be prioritized by the facilities team.
You will hear more about the safety and security forums in coming days. Please join us as we cover these and other topics with representatives from a variety of campus departments, Campus Police, and the Rock Hill Police Department:
Campus safety/security
Recent scams
Panhandling/solicitation
Campus Safety Week
Please attend the forums to receive answers to your questions, to discuss how Winthrop, Campus Police and RHPD are addressing issues, and share your suggestions for improvement.
Sincerely,
Dan
