The Pioneer, Student's Magazine: Vol. 53, Issue 1

NEW CHANGES TO THE
CAMPUS SAFETY OFFICE
Campus
The Campus Safety Office went through remodeling over the
summer with the hopes of improving student experiences
BY TAYLOR RILEY
Staff Writer
5
CIARA WILLIAMS/
Staff Photo
I need help.
It’s not unusual for college students to
say this on campus. Whether that help
be navigating the campus, or needing
personal assistance and not knowing
where to get it. It’s a normal part of being
a college student, and it is important to
know where students can receive that
support.
Pierce College’s Campus Safety Office,
located on the third floor of the Cascade
Building, is here to assist both new and
returning students with any burning
questions. Jeffrey Schneider, the Director
of Campus Safety, wants all students to
know that they can come to them for
anything.
“We’re kind of the one stop shop,” said
Schneider. “If you don’t know the answer
to something or don’t know where something
is or who to talk to, you can come
to us. We can either answer your question
or put you in contact with someone
who can.”
Over the summer, the Campus Safety
Office went through remodeling, with
the hopes of providing students a better
environment. Pierce has added a glass
window in the office which now closes off
the area from the public. This provides
students and staff privacy to air out any
and all problems.
Originally, the office was a tall counter
where students went with their questions.
Schneider states that the old set up did
not comply with American Disability
Act guidelines, meaning the state would
have required the remodeling. However,
Schneider felt that making a few extra
changes to better the student’s experiences
would be a benefit for the future.
“In the past victims who needed a
space to talk felt not as comfortable to
do so, due to the original set up,” said
Schneider. By providing privacy, the staff
hopes students will feel more comfortable
to come to them for help.
Campus security has also done work
over the summer, including teaming with
local law enforcement to better prepare
in the event of an incident. On Sept. 5,
Campus Safety held an all-day training in
the Rainier Building with the Lakewood
Police Department. Schneider states that
this allows officers to better familiarize
themselves with the campus
The Campus Safety Office has made
itself an available source for a plethora
of situations. “We’ve done everything,”
said Schneider. “From call ambulances,
to providing first aid, and for the case
of running start students, connecting
students and family members.”
On a typical day, the usual questions
students bring to the office involves finding
where their classroom is located or
how to receive a parking permit. Though
at times, students will come to the office
with more serious concerns.
Schneider mentions how there are
times where students are experiencing
dating violence or may even be the
victim of other serious crimes. Schneider
makes it clear that students can bring
non-school related concerns to them if
needed; the office can refer students or
staff to counseling or law enforcement.
Ultimately, it starts with Campus Safety.
The office does what it can to alleviate
any concerns students might have while
on campus. Students uncomfortable with
walking to their car at night after class
can go to Campus Safety and receive an
escort.
If a student’s car is broken into, or a
stranger or classmate is making them
uncomfortable - Campus Safety is here
to help with these concerns. Students
seeking help only need to stay aware and
ask when needed; all it takes is that first
initial step from students. .
Schneider finds it important that students
are aware that they are responsible
for their own security as well. Campus
Safety is here to serve students and will
always be available, but it is up to the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
September 20, 2019 / Vol. 53, Issue 1 piercepioneernews.com / 5