Campus Safety—Will Co-Ed Dorms Pose an Issue?

By Rebekah Skeens

On February 27, 2018

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Vice President of Administration Rick Dillon discussed the possibility of closing Wooddell Hall.
Photo Courtesy of Caleb Zopp

At any point throughout the day, between 700 and 1,000 people are walking around campus. Therefore, it is extremely important to be cautious of one’s surroundings day and night. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are advised to look out for any unwelcoming visitors or unsettling situations, as they do happen. Even in the small town of Athens, uncomfortable or potentially harmful situations may arise.

According to Douglas Fritz of 59 News, on Jan 22, 2018, police arrived at the Mill Street residence hall after a female student had been threatened by her neighbor. “Minh Nguyen had kicked in her door, pulled out a pair of nunchakus and threatened the girl,” according to Fritz.

Student Christopher Flanigan shares his concern about the recent event on Concord’s campus, saying, “It’s disappointing and unfortunate that no one in the University feels the need to address this.” He went on to say that he feels he does not fit the targeted demographic for harm on campus, but still has concern for those who may fit that category. “It’s quite absurd when we find out about these events from rumor or other sources instead of hearing from a university outlet. The campus alert system was put in place for a reason,” says Flanigan.

Rick Dillon, vice president of administration and associate dean of students, informs how campus and dormitory safety begins with Concord’s campus police force. Alongside our campus officers, local officers in the town of Athens and county sheriff’s department work overtime to keep campus safe.

The town of Athens has one part-time and one full-time police officer. On campus, there are six officers, but the department is in the process of hiring another. All officers are police academy graduates or are scheduled to be trained soon. These skilled officers have been a part of other works forces and at least one of them has been a part of the state police department.

In reference to the recent unsettling events on campus and in national news with the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Dillon suggests employing bystander intervention. By using this tactic, it may prevent similar events from happening. It is a bystander’s job, Dillon says, to help other students when a situation looks harmful or does not seem quite right. By alerting campus police or by dialing 911, there can be quicker and more adequate responses to alarming situations, he states.

All housing personnel, including housekeepers, RAs, resident directors, and the main housing department, carry a radio, which keeps them connected throughout the day. Currently, the campus is equipped with 400 cameras. Policies such as the escort policy have also been put in place to keep those who are not connected to the college out of buildings.

As of now, Concord University dorms are single-sex. However, Dillon reported in a Student Government Association meeting on Feb. 2 that Concord may close Wooddell Hall if enrollment continues to drop, and Wilson Dormitory may become co-ed. Dillon states that this would mean that all men living in Wooddell Dormitory would either move to Wilson Hall or pay the upcharge to live in South Towers. This depends on the number of students verified to live on campus for next year. All students who this may affect will be notified before the turn of summer break. No decision has been made regarding this possibility, but Rick Dillon did verify that it was a possibility.

With a co-ed dormitory comes different safety precautions which need to be taken to keep everyone safe. Since Wilson Hall has shared floor bathrooms, floor would be divided by sex. The escort system would still be in place, but it would apply for each floor. On a women’s floor, men would not be allowed to enter without a female, and vice versa for the men’s floors. To make sure men or women would not be wandering between floors, the doors would only be accessible by a resident of that floor.

In the past couple weeks since instances have occurred, campus police have been more present in and around dorms. Marjie Flanigan stated in an email to students that they were there to help, and not to be alarmed by their presence.

Anyone with concerns may contact the Housing and Residence Life Office, or specifically Rick Dillon at (304) 384-5377 or by e-mail. Emergency calls may be directed to Concord University campus police.