Recent violence in the Charlottesville area, including an armed rape last month, and increased use of the University Escort Service, has prompted several student groups to take initial steps to reinstate the Student Watch Service.
The Student Watch Service, a student-run organization that provides volunteer walking escorts, did not renew its status as a Contracted Independent Organization this fall, Student Council College Rep. Andrew Woodson said.
Each fall, all CIO student organizations must renew their status by completing an application and having it approved by Council.
But some organizations are hoping to help restart the program by the end of this semester.
"The Escort Service gave a tremendous amount of rides last month," Woodson said. "We are looking for alternatives to the Escort Service, to ease the burden."
It is unclear why the program ended in the first place, but individuals dedicated to reviving the program said its disappearance could be attributed to a lack of leadership.
"It is my understanding that the program was lead by a mover and shaker who graduated," Dean of Students Penny Rue said. "Leadership succession is one of the biggest challenges for student organizations."
Areshini Pather, president of the University chapter of the National Organization for Women, said University police told her the infrastructure for the program still exists.
Office space is available in Brown College, and necessary equipment is in storage, said Pather, who is helping to organize the new watch program.
Administrators have pledged their support for the program as well.
"The administration is very supportive of getting it [the Student Watch Service] started," Rue said. "It is unfortunate it died out in the first place."
She said the University Police may be a viable source of financial support for funding in order to continue the program, and the police department will assist in whatever way it can to get the program going.
Because program implementation is still in the planning stages, it is uncertain what its operating schedule will be, Woodson said.
He said one proposal would have student volunteers available 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Proponents of the effort said they do not think finding volunteers will be a problem.
"Student interest has been re-awakened recently," Woodson said. "We should not theoretically have trouble getting student volunteers."
Pather said organizers are planning an upcoming meeting with representatives from several student organizations regarding the program. She said she hopes the different delegates will send out e-mails informing their members of the new program, in an effort to recruit volunteers.
"We want to get a lot of organizations to be committed and get the word out," she added.
Pather said organizers are aiming to get the program running by the end of the semester, and hopefully sooner.
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