UTSA highlights ongoing safety, security measures

By Marianne McBride Lewis
Associate Director of Public Affairs

(March 3, 2006)--Since the Feb. 19 disappearance of UTSA student Naomi Fuentes, personal safety and security have been topics of discussion among some members of the UTSA community.

UTSA, like many universities around the country, has ongoing safety programs and materials available without charge to the university community.

In response to recent events, and as a reminder to the UTSA community, these UTSA safety and security programs are in place:

• An e-mailbox has been set up for students, faculty and staff with safety concerns. Send concerns to UTSA officials at news@utsa.edu.
• Safety whistles and keychain flashlights are available at the UTSA Police Department: Multidisciplinary Studies Building Room 1.02.36, 1604 Campus; Buena Vista Street Building Room 1.303, Downtown Campus and UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures Room 1.01.T.
• Call the UTSA Police Department at (210) 458-4242 anytime to request an escort to your car or a bus stop.
• The Police Department offers personal safety classes at the 1604 and Downtown campuses. For a list of classes, see "Crime Prevention Information" at http://www.utsa/edu/utsapd.
• The UTSA Office of Training and Development, part of the Office of Human Resources offers staff safety classes each semester. See a class schedule: http://www.utsa.edu/hr/training/CourseSched.cfm
• Counseling Services, part of the Office of Student Affairs offers a variety of services on demand. Learn more: http://www.utsa.edu/hr/training/CourseSched.cfm

Safety and security in the UTSA community is most important to university officials. Upon request, or as a need arises, additional programming and safety measures will be considered.