Starting the school year safe

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: STEPHANIE LAI
Jeff Cook and Auburn White are just two of the special constables that keep Fanshawe College safe.

First year comes with a lot of independence and responsibility. As you move into your residence and say goodbye to your family and friends, you are now looking after yourself; you have control of going to class, going to bed at a reasonable time, eating properly or if you are going to finish assignments on time.

Programs Officer for Campus Security Luke Edwards says that some students abuse this freedom.

“In the five years that I have been a Special Constable at Fanshawe, there have been a variety of situations,” Edwards said. “We only deal with a small percentage of students that decide to abuse drugs and alcohol.”

Regardless of how students decide to use their freedom, all students are required to abide by the rules set by Fanshawe.

“The Student Code of Conduct is our bread and butter here at Fanshawe and we operate under it,” Edwards said.

“Students are obligated not to endanger the health, safety, rights or property of the College or community members,” the Student Code of Conduct section 3.2.1 states.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make students become a risk to themselves and others, which puts them in violation of the Code.

Depending on the severity of the offence, students can face anything from a written warning and community service to suspension and expulsion from Fanshawe.

“Depending on how much [alcohol or drugs] a student is carrying, if they are distributing or selling it, the frequency in which they do this, and other factors determines what a student can be charged with,” Edwards said. “In these moments, it is all based on the situation.”

Depending on the offence, students could face consequences from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as well as the Liquor License Act.

Special Constables have the authority to issue tickets for provincial offences.

Under the Liquor License Act, Students that decide to drink underage can face a $125 fine for owning alcohol and consuming alcohol in a private or public place.

“Students can also face a $65 fine for being intoxicated in a public place. If they cannot take care of [themselves], they will be arrested and taken to the Drunk Tank,” Edwards said. “It is not a nice place to be but it ensures that we know that the student is safe.”

Being responsible is not limited to obeying the law on and off campus; you are now in charge of your health and wellness.

Living with new people is also an important time for looking after your sexual health.

Josh Poynter, a public health nurse with the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s sexual health promotion team, says it is important to get checked regularly.

“It is really important to get this information out to the public and raise awareness about the issue of sexual health,” Poynter said. “How would you feel if you transferred an infection to someone and all you had to do was have yourself checked?”

Being safe at Fanshawe has allowed a variety of initiatives to become available at the school.

“We do have a lot of resources that are available here on campus. One thing in particular is the Stay Safe app; it is something that we are promoting very heavily here at Campus Security Services,” Edwards said. “You can access maps, a safety toolbox that students can use [and] even contact numbers for cab companies.”

The app is free and you can get it with Google Play, Blackberry World and from Apple’s app store.

Two initiatives that are continuing to grow at Fanshawe are the Silence Isn’t Consent Campaign and the RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) program.

“This will be the second year for the Silence Isn’t Consent Campaign. It is aimed towards the violence against women and sexual awareness. Everyone has heard the [phrase], ‘No means NO,’ and that is basically it in a nutshell,” Edwards said.

“RAD is a self-defense program for women … It will teach you techniques to get out of situations that could be problematic.”

Taking care of yourself can be a big responsibility, but there is a lot you can do keep yourself informed and protected.

“We also offer the Walk Alone program where students can contact us if they are not feeling safe and we will come and check the area out and stay with that person until they feel safe again.” Edwards said.

When it comes to pursuing your future, it is important to be in an environment where you feel safe and comfortable so that you can focus on your education.

“At the end of the day we want everyone to be safe,” Edwards said. “We don’t want students to miss out on any fun, but we are asking them to exercise common sense. Try not to put yourself in situations that could compromise your safety.”