According to two members of Western University’s action group on gender-based and sexual assault, physical spaces at Western, including housing, are constantly being investigated, re-examined, and enhanced through the lens of community safety.
Lisa Highgate, the associate director for residence conduct and conflict resolution, assured that physical space and environmental safety is something Western has made a priority, spending millions on lighting upgrades, hiring extra special constables, and even landscaping design.
Key Takeaways:
- Western University has taken the appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of its students on campus.
- At Western, physical environments, including homes, are constantly researched, re-examined, and re-imagined.
- For the fall semester, Western University has made additional commitments, such as preparing incoming students and their parents/caregivers for the move to campus.
Members of Western’s action group on gender-based and sexual violence are evaluating campus safety and culture from all angles.
Under the direction of new Western Special Constable Service director Bill Chantler, six new special constables have been appointed to supplement the existing 24/7 service, reflecting the variety of the campus community.
Along with the Western special constables, more security guards have been hired. In addition, the number of health and safety experts and overnight employees in houses has grown.
Western Foot Patrol, a nighttime program in which pairs of students escort other students to and from class or on-campus events, has been reinstated with the return of students to campus.
Western University has made additional commitments for the fall semester, including preparing incoming students and their parents/caregivers for the transition to campus.
The institution has also established a coordinated process for hiring and training sophs and peer mentors, increasing the number of support staff in residence, and increasing the number of staff dedicated to anti-gender-based and sexual violence efforts.
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