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University projects attempt to tackle student safety concerns

Daylight-saving time may not be the only reason behind lighter evening hours. By conducting a night tour and by building more lights and safety telephones, University administrators plan to address safety concerns raised by the Student Council Safety Concerns Committee.

The committee recently released a report designating problem areas on and off Grounds.

The University's Security and General Safety Committee will "use Student Council's report as a basis for the walking tour," said William Wilkerson, the committee's chair and Comerce professor.

The tour, planned for the night of April 10, will examine areas such as Scott Stadium and North Grounds to determine what actions are needed.

But the committee already is taking proactive steps to deal with safety concerns.

To increase safety, we recently have "added lighting around Emmet Street and have participated in making a sidewalk along Whitehead Road near Scott Stadium," Wilkerson said.

To increase safety in the Lambeth area, the committee added emergency phones in the Massie Road parking lot, Wilkerson said.

Phones have been added recently to the International Student Center, behind the Architecture School and on Rugby Road, he said.

The committee funds these projects using an annual stipend from the University, which is now at $60,000.

Letty Lau, Council safety concerns committee chairwoman, said she believes progress has been made in dealing with safety concerns.

But it is not just the University that needs to become involved in making the University safer for students. State and local government action also is desired to improve safety.

The committee is working with the Charlottesville area and organizations such as Virginia Power, Lau said.

The committee will not be able to solve every safety concern by building more lights or safety telephones. Intangible problems, such as feelings of isolation while walking home, are hard to deal with, Wilkerson said.

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