UW-Madison encourages students to focus on safety

Officials from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Offices of the Dean of Students and the UW Police Department (UWPD) are urging students to pay close attention to personal safety, especially when out downtown late at night.

UW-Whitewater student Kelly Nolan disappeared on June 23 after a night at downtown Madison bars near her summer apartment. Nolan’s body was recovered July 9 near Oregon, Wis., and a homicide investigation is under way.

Few details are available about the circumstances surrounding her death. Additional information is expected from the Madison Police Department in the coming days.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam says that Madison and the Isthmus area are generally safe. But everyone living, studying or going out downtown should play a role in looking out for themselves and their friends.

“This is a terrible tragedy, and our hearts and thoughts go out to the entire Nolan family,” Berquam says. “Everyone has a right to be safe on campus and in Madison.”

Berquam and officers from UWPD say several general safety guidelines should be followed. They include:

• Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.
• Walk with a friend whenever possible.
• If you intend to consume alcohol, do so in moderation so as to not put yourself in a position of increased risk.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately, starting with your location. If police are contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect.
• Take advantage of UW–Madison SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus, even during summer months. Call (608) 262-5000 for detailed information.
• Keep your head up. Do not look down or away. Make brief eye contact with all people you meet.
• Use public walkways and avoid isolated shortcuts where you have limited escape routes.
• Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas whenever possible.
• Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street. Head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.
• Wear clothing that will allow you maximum mobility if it is necessary to run. Be prepared to drop your valuables (heavy books, packages, etc.), because these can slow you down.
• Take a self-defense course, such as Chimera. For further information, call (608) 263-5702.
• Carry a whistle or personal panic alarm with you.

For more information, call (608) 264-COPS or the Offices of the Dean of Students at (608) 263-5700.