Mother's concerns about Cal

eiffelguy87
Mon, 18 Jun 2007 23:29:21 +0000

1) with regard to safety, there are 70 full time UCPD patrolling a 6-7 block radius around the campus (on top of the Berkeley Police Dept doing the same).

2) Information regarding thefts and robberies are listed in your “Safety” pamphlet in your CalSO folder. If you open the folder, and look for it, you’ll see it there. It lists the numbers. Also, keep in mind the urban setting, the BART (which allows transient persons to access the city), and realize that Berkeley is relatively safe to other surrounding areas.

3) sign up for UCPD police alerts. They give you a good idea of what’s going on. There are muggings that happen at 12am-3am in an unlit area of the city/campus with a lone male or female. Common sense: bear walk or the night safety shuttles.

4) Sakky mentioned sexual assault. Interesting point: most sexual assaults are committed by those the victim knows OR occur when victim and/or accused is inebriated. Now, again, I want to stress that the victim is not at fault. And I don’t know the circumstances of Sakky’s friend. But my understanding from the GenEq center as well as the UCPD is that sexual assaults do occur when the victim, at a party, had too much too drink and was unable to fend off the attack. Again, not the victim’s fault. But students should party safe.

5) Unit 3 is one of the older res halls. Check out the newer res halls. Also, res halls are a great way to connect with the campus.

calmom2be: I understand your concerns. Part of it is Berkeley’s fault for the upkeep of the res halls, part of it is the fact that residents don’t take care of their rooms. And I understand the safety concerns–my parents were less than pleased. But now, my parents–after two years since I arrived on campus–have noticed the common sense, precautions that I take and realize that they did their job as parents. They worry of course, calling when they know I have to stay out late at night, but they also trust that I will do the right thing in keeping myself safe, and healthy.