USC campus-safety initiative honored

            The University of South Carolina has been honored by the South region of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) and awarded an Outstanding Collaboration/Partnership Award for its Campus Safety and Awareness Initiative. 

            The initiative, launched in 2003, enhances campus-safety awareness, education and response by creating programs that develop and take advantage of strong collaboration between university departments.

            “Campus safety for our students, employees and guests is a paramount effort by the entire university,” said Dr. Dennis Pruitt, vice president for student affairs.  “But to be recognized for an all-encompassing new safety program initiative -- one that is truly collaborative and that places the well-being of the USC family above regard for program control or credit for success -- is truly reflective of the strength of the community spirit that only Carolinians can exemplify.”

            The Campus Safety and Awareness Initiative led to the creation of University Housing’s successful Evening Service Office, which monitors residence hall desk programs and personnel; conducts safety-related inspections; and communicates with hired safety personnel, University offices and emergency responders.

            The Evening Service Office and the Campus Safety and Awareness Initiative have increased campus collaboration, safety-education communications to students and student participation in safety-awareness and safety-education programs. 

            The Campus Safety and Awareness Initiative is a partnership among USC faculty, staff, students and departments, including Residence Life, the USC Police Department, the University Safety Committee, Alcohol & Drug Programs, the Counseling and Human Development Center, the Office for Sexual Health and Violence Prevention, Housing Facilities Management and University Facilities.

posted 06/19/06