SGA promotes safety through student cards
The Student Government Association is printing new safety cards to give students the phone numbers they need when trouble arises.
“A lot of things can happen downtown,” said SGA President Sachin Varghese, a junior from Norcross. “If students do get into trouble, they will have important phone numbers.”
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He said the cards will be about the size of a typical business card.
Contact information for A-1 Cab Co., Your Cab, the University Police Department, St. Mary’s Hospital, Athens Regional Hospital, WatchDawgs, the University Escort Service, the University Health Center and the Poison Control Center will be included on the cards, said Bryan Grantham, SGA Student Life Committee co-chair.
“The idea is to help promote safety on campus,” said Grantham, a senior from Donalsonville.
The SGA Student Life Committee will begin distributing the safety cards to students sometime next week, Grantham said.
Nancy Zechella, executive director of Safe Campuses Now, said the organization recently distributed contact numbers for taxi companies and The Late Night Bus at all the bars and restaurants downtown.
A study conducted by Safe Campuses Now found 13 reported incidences of sexual battery, sexual assault or rape occurred in the area around campus between summer 2001 and spring 2002.
The study also found one kidnapping during the period. Sixteen robberies and armed robberies were reported and included in the study.
Zechella and students from Safe Campuses Now recommend students “watch out” for their friends and help them if they stumble into an awkward position.
The organization also warns students that most people’s decision-making skills are impaired when they are drinking.
Safety tips issued by Safe Campuses Now encourage students to walk with their friends and to stay in groups.
Grantham said SGA and his committee will target Brumby Hall and Russell Hall next week by handing out the cards to students heading downtown.
Varghese said the safety cards will be distributed to both sexes.
“It’s for anybody,” he said. “It’s not just for girls.”
