SGA seeks more lighting

During the last week of the fall semester, lighting and emergency phones were reviewed on campus and recommendations were submitted by SGA to ensure safety on campus.

Student body president Tom Culligan, who participated in the review by walking around campus with several members of SGA, as well as Capt. Lee Shifflett of JMU police, said a list of recommendations was given to JMU administration to improve safety on campus.

"We highlighted possible areas that might need better lighting or a blue light," Culligan said. He also said they inspected the shrubbery to ensure students a clear line of sight and help them feel safer. It was important to make sure bushes weren’t limiting the light or creating easy hiding places.

"We made our recommendation and now we are waiting for our response," Culligan said. He said JMU police and administration have been extremely helpful with this issue and are considering the recommendations.

"Students can already see the results with shrubbery around campus," Culligan said. "Greek Row was an area that we paid special attention to because of the brush on the sides. We also made sure the lighting was efficient."

Shifflett said, "We are in the final stages of our annual lighting review." This review also includes any recommendations for new phones.

There are approximately 184 emergency phones on campus.

"Generally, the courtesy/emergency phones are used to call for a cadet escort," Shifflett said.

"It is very rare that they are used for emergency purposes."

Senior Lydia Oppe agreed that she feels safer on campus knowing there are blue lights.

"As a senior, I’ve noticed an increase in blue lights and I feel safer walking around campus at night," Oppe said.

Shifflett said emergency and courtesy phones are tested daily by the telecom office through an automated system.

"The technicians then view this report and if abnormalities are spotted they then physically check the phone," Shifflett said.