Living in the DORMS.

The dorms…should incoming freshmen choose to live in them?

Two Sierra Madre residents living in tower 1, Claire Francis and Josh Hafford,  spoke with What is True? about their experience in the dorms so far. Resident Advisor Brett Kelley also talked

about his previous time in the dorms, and about what he does as an R.A. to make the dorm life an incredible experience. Listen to their interviews below:

Claire Francis and Hannah Russell became close friends through the dorms. Photo by Anna Jacobson.

How safe is your campus?

Cal Poly Campus is safe…Trust it or Bust it?

Walking back to the dorms late at night…Students have had feelings ranging from complete comfort to absolute terror. So, how safe are you on your college campus? According to Cal Poly Campus Police Chief George Hughes, the most common types of crime on campus are property crimes, and crimes of opportunity. “If someone leaves their computer or I Phone laying around unsecured somewhere, it could be gone. If bikes are left unlocked, that’s a big one too,” he said.

Students should talk to the police about anything they feel matters. Photo by Anna Jacobson

Hughes says that the campus experiences a low crime rate.

“The county of San Luis Obispo and the campus enjoys a very low crime rate. The environment that we’re in helps us.” – Hughes

Hughes says that the police force is very proactive. The students, faculty, and staff all seem to be very safety-conscious and aware of their surroundings. “When things happen, people call us. They travel in pairs, they take care of each other,” he said.

Lacy Williams, a freshman at Cal Poly majoring in architecture, spends a lot of time walking back from the studio late at night. She feels pretty safe on campus for the most part, she said.

“I feel very safe on campus. I try to walk in groups at night. I pay attention to my surroundings, and keep an eye on questionable people.”-Williams

Claire Saiza also spends a lot of time on the campus at dark walking back from the library.”I feel fine walking back at night. I used to carry my keys in my hand though so in case someone came up to me I could stab the person with them.”

Sam Corio, Jackie Abeyta, and Hannah Russell are not making a good choice being in a bad environment late (the “rape tunnel”) at night. But, at least they are together. Photo by Anna Jacobson

 Chief Hughes recommends taking these precautions to stay as safe as possible:

• Travel in pairs

• Stay in well-lit areas

• Remember the blue phones if you need help

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Look for things that are out of place

• If you choose to drink…make good decisions, stay with friends, keep an eye on each other, make sure everyone gets home okay

• If you go on dates, make sure at least your friends know the other person

• Communicate with your friends of your plans

  

  Know who your date is…Riley Erekson and Tom Ward. Photo by Anna Jacobson

Although San Luis Obispo and the Cal Poly Campus do both have their occasional crime, Cal Poly, overall, is a generally safe campus if you make smart decisions. Trust it.