UNews - Campus Security

Campus safety enhanced through #ULETHUNITE and new Toolkit app

trevor.kenney — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 21:58:38 +0000

As the world turns its attention to the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announces its #ULETHUNITE campaign and the introduction of a new mobile application designed to enhance campus safety.

The Engaging Young People to Prevent Violence against Women on Post-Secondary Campuses project, launched in November 2012 and funded by the Government of Canada Status of Women, has worked toward strengthening already existing campus services, promoting additional safety mechanisms and engaging students in an ongoing campaign of awareness and education about gender-based violence. #ULETHUNITE and the new ULethbridge Toolkit App are derivatives of that project.

“It’s exciting to be able to announce the successful completion of this project and to publicly launch the ULethbridge Toolkit App,” says Dr. Judith Lapadat, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s associate vice-president (students). “Two years ago we received a significant boost in the form of a $200,000 grant from the Government of Canada to implement mechanisms for preventing gender-based violence on campus. It has given us the opportunity to work closely with the YWCA Lethbridge District and the Sexual Violence Action Committee to ensure that we have an inclusive campus for all students.”

The new ULethbridge Toolkit App, available for free download in the App Store, contains valuable resources such as maps of campus, quick links to access Campus Security and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Safe Walk program.

The ULethbridge Toolkit App, available for free download in the App Store, contains valuable resources such as maps of campus, quick links to access Campus Security and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Safe Walk program as well as links to support resources both on and off campus. The app also has hot buttons to turn on your phone’s flashlight, call campus security or access 911 services, along with a host of other essential functions. In addition, there is information designed to spark a cultural shift in the way we think about sexual violence.

“What’s exciting about this initiative is that, from the start, it has been student driven,” says Kristine J. Cassie, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Lethbridge District. “We identified from the beginning that it had to start with the students and they have been a part of developing every aspect of this campaign. Really, that’s the only way that it can be meaningful and sustainable.”

A student working group was organized early in the process and was instrumental in developing a comprehensive strategy around the prevention of sexual violence on campus. Out of that, the ULeth Toolkit App was developed. Building on this initiative, the #ULETHUNITE campaign was created. Its orange theme is inspired by the United Nations Secretary General’s campaign, UNiTE to End Violence Against Women, where everyone is invited to ‘Orange Their Neighbourhood’.

“The topic of sexual violence on campus can be difficult to talk about, so as a group we felt it was important to make information available to students in an accessible way,” says master’s candidate Brad Robertson, a member of the ULeth Toolkit Working Group. “We felt that an app took advantage of students’ technology driven lifestyles, while also potentially reaching a large audience.”

Over the next 16 days, a number of activities will take place on campus in concert with the 16 Days of Activism campaign to further raise awareness around the issue of sexual violence.

UPDATE -- Regular Operations on Monday, March 4

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:41:33 +0000

Update -- 8 p.m. Sunday, March 3

CLASSES AND CAMPUS OPERATIONS AS USUAL, MONDAY, MARCH 4

At this point, classes and all activities at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will be operating on their regular schedule for Monday, March 4, 2013.

The 1st Choice Savings Centre at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3 as a reception centre for those who are unable to leave the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus. For inquires after 8:30 pm, please call Campus Security at (403) 329-2345.

If you are at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and unable to leave due to the suspension of services from Lethbridge Transit or for any other reason, please see the Campus Security Officer located the Information Booth at the 1st Choice Savings Centre by 8:30 pm and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will make arrangements to transport you home.

The U of L Grounds team is monitoring the weather and is acting as quickly as possible to keep pathways and roads on campus clear.

Here are a number of resources to further inform you about the weather conditions:

Current City of Lethbridge Transit and road information

http://www.lethbridge.ca/NewsCentre/default.aspx

Whoop-up Drive Traffic Camera

http://westlethbridgeweather.com/Cameras.html

Road reports -- and highway camera locations -- can be found on the Alberta 511 website

http://511.alberta.ca/ab/en.html

Current weather conditions for Lethbridge

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-30_metric_e.html

Current western Canadian satellite imagery from Environment Canada

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/satellite/index_e.html

How does the U of L Grounds team handle bad weather?

The Grounds department snow removal procedure lists clearing main pathways as the first priority to allow pedestrians to access the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Once the walkways are done, workers then attend to the parking lots.

While the department will work diligently to ensure campus is safe to walk around, everyone should be extra cautious when walking outside during inclement weather.

Please obey all signage at path closures. They are blocked off for safety reasons and will reopen once workers have time to clear the area.

To report snow or ice concerns call the Facilities Service Desk at 403-329-2602.

Theft caught on camera

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:28:50 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union was the victim of a brazen break and enter earlier this week as two individuals made their way into the SU lock-up and stole aluminum beer kegs and cases of beer.

Caught on camera at about 5:20 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, two individuals are seen removing up to six large, but empty, aluminium beer kegs and three full cases of beer from the lock-up area. The lock to the area was cut with a bolt cutting tool.

One individual is clean-shaven, has dark hair and is wearing dark coloured pants, a green t-shirt and a black baseball cap with a red mark on the brim. The other individual has red hair, a beard and is wearing jeans, a brown t-shirt with a large art logo on it and a black ball cap. The suspects are believed to be driving an older, purple, Chevrolet Lumina.

The beer kegs have no commercial value but could likely be returned for a $30 deposit per container. The three cases of beer are valued at approximately $35 each.

Campus Security and the Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating.

Anyone with information about this activity can call campus security at 403-329-2345, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (4277) or the Lethbridge Regional Police office at 403-328-4444.

To see photos of the suspects, follow this link.

Rattlesnake Awareness Information Session, Thursday, Aug. 4

trevor.kenney — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:37:27 +0000

Rattlesnakes have been found on campus recently and are common in the coulees.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, Reg Ernst, a wildlife biologist under contract to the City of Lethbridge, will be on campus to talk to employees and interested members of the public about what you should -- and shouldn't -- do if you encounter a rattlesnake.

Ernst is the person Campus Security calls to locate and safely remove rattlesnakes found on campus and is a noted expert on the species. His contact information is (403) 359-1041 cell / e-mail: regde@shaw.ca

Ernst's talk would be of interest to anyone who spends time in the coulees.

DATE: Thursday, Aug 4, 2011

TIME: 11 a.m. to 12 noon

LOCATION: Room AH117, Anderson Hall

Additional Information:

Lethbridge is home to a small and likely dwindling population of prairie rattlesnakes, restricted mainly to southwest Lethbridge.

Please exercise caution when walking around campus, particularly in the coulees, as snakes are occasionally sighted.

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and given a choice will retreat rather than strike.

Rattlesnakes are a naturally occurring species in a properly functioning prairie ecosystem such as we have around Lethbridge.

They are practically harmless and will only strike if extremely provoked or stepped on.

They play a very important role in the control of rodents and thus reduce the spread of diseases such as hanta virus.

Rattlesnakes are the color of dry prairie grass and have a very well-defined, triangular-shaped head. They may or may not possess rattles.

Lethbridge is also home to the bull snake which imitates the rattlesnake by coiling up and shaking its tail, but it does not actually have a rattle. Bull snakes are not poisonous.

If you see a rattlesnake, walk slowly away from it. Give the snake plenty of room to escape from you. Notify Campus Security at (403) 329-2345. They will have a specialist relocate the snake to a natural habitat.

In Alberta, rattlesnakes are 'blue-listed' which means they have undergone declines in population or habitat and may be at risk.

Please remember, it is illegal to kill rattlesnakes, possess rattlesnakes or their parts or damage occupied den areas. Many people do not realize that there are significant charges and fines for killing a rattlesnake in Alberta.

NOTE: IF POSSIBLE, ERNST WILL HAVE A LIVE RATTLESNAKE, PROPERLY HANDLED AND CAGED, AVAILABLE SO PEOPLE CAN SEE WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE.

-- 30 --

Campus Critter Alert -- Aggressive Coyotes and Wild Dogs

trevor.kenney — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:45:23 +0000

Campus security has received reports of aggressive coyotes and wild dogs on campus from people walking their dogs on the north campus property near the IUNCTUS satellite dome.

Please be vigilant and report all sightings to Campus Security immediately at (403) 329-2345.

Coyotes/wild dogs should not be approached, and if challenged you should remain calm and back away slowly. Do not turn and run.

City of Lethbridge Animal Control & Alberta Fish & Wildlife are aware of these sightings and are investigating.

It is strongly advised that you not walk your pets on campus because of the risk.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Holiday hours

trevor.kenney — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:32:22 +0000

The majority of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus will close its doors for the holiday season beginning 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. The campus will essentially be closed from this date through to 5 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4. However, those hoping to visit the U of L's athletic facilities will still have the opportunity to do so throughout the holiday season.

1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

The 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, the Fitness Centre, the Ascent Climbing Centre and the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre are all open over the holidays - except for Christmas Day (Saturday, Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011).

To walk, swim or run off your turkey, ham and holiday snacks, visit the following fitness facility websites to learn more about their holiday operating hours: Max Bell Pool Schedule; Ascent Climbing Centre Schedule; Fitness Centre Schedule.

For additional information, call 403-329-2706 or visit the Sport and Recreation Services website.

Campus Security / Building Access

Most building entrances will be locked throughout the holiday season, except those at major campus entry points. Security staff are on duty at all times and can be reached by calling 403-329-2345.

There will be minimal public access to most buildings on campus from Saturday, Dec. 25 until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

The following entrances are open 24 hours:

- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, North entrance, Level 6
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library, main entrance by the Aperture Drive Bus Loop
- 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness (north and south entrances)
- Turcotte Hall, west section (sliding doors)

The following entrances are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 4 entrance
- ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts, Level 4 entrance

The following buildings are closed to the public until 5 a.m. on Jan. 4:
- Students' Union Building
- Turcotte Hall (east section)
- Anderson Hall
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
- Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building
- Markin Hall
- Park Way Service Complex

Security personnel are on duty 24 hours a day. If you have questions or concerns, call the emergency number at 403-329-2345. Those on campus can dial ext. 2345.

Planning, inter-departmental work aids Fresh Fest

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:38:04 +0000

Getting students to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is one thing – helping them feel comfortable once they're here and setting them up to succeed is of even greater importance.

Fresh Fest is one initiative aimed at not only welcoming students to the U of L campus, but also introducing them to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that cares about fostering a true student community. The 2010 edition of Fresh Fest proved to be the most successful week of welcome events thus far at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and credit can be given to the co-operative work of a number of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ units.

"Fresh Fest serves as a release from the stress of the first week of classes and allows our students, both new and returning, to become better acquainted with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ experience as well as opportunities to get involved with their community," says Taz Kassam, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) president. "It is believed that the first six weeks of a student's university experience determines whether or not that student will stay at their university. By offering a week of welcome activities, such as Fresh Fest, we hope it helps in making that decision easier."

The Fresh Fest Organizing Committee, a group of nine individuals dedicated to presenting a great event, worked throughout the summer to ensure its success. The committee strived for improvements from previous years, including offering a diversity of high quality bands at the Fresh U Jamboree to entertain Freshies throughout the day.

"We took money that would have been spent on a headliner and spread that out so that we'd have good music playing all day," says Cole Lehto, Jamboree co-ordinator.

Fresh Fest organizers also co-ordinated with New Student Orientation this year, providing a Fresh Fest mail-out to students well in advance of the event. It ensured that all Fresh Fest Packages were sold out.

"A little more attention was paid to finding the right vendors for the event, making it more like a carnival," says Lehto.

A new location for Fresh U Jamboree, as well as close work with Campus Security and Risk and Safety Services, mitigated disturbances both at the event and in the broader Lethbridge community.

"The new green space, beside Markin Hall, controlled the sound from Fresh U Jamboree much better, allowing for fewer disturbances in the community," says Lehto. "It also created a cozy festival feel to the event."

After 61 official noise complaints were filed with Lethbridge Regional Police last year, there were none following the 2010 jamboree.

Fresh Fest organizers met with Director of Security Services and Parking, John O'Keeffe, as well as the Risk and Safety Services office throughout the planning process, working to ensure that noise concerns as well as problems with overindulgence would be mitigated.

Fresh Fest 2010 proved to be successful on a number of fronts, producing a sold-out event that earned rave reviews from students. A dedicated organizing committee deserves credit, as do a number of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ units that worked together to ensure a memorable experience.

Watch for rattlesnakes in area coulees

trevor.kenney — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:36:45 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's unique, natural setting is one of its finest features. On a daily basis, students, staff and faculty are treated to glimpses of the surrounding prairie wildlife.

While most of the neighbouring wildlife is harmless, there are some species from which people should stay clear – namely the prairie rattlesnake. A recent sighting on campus has brought to light the need for people to exercise caution when walking around campus, particularly in the coulee areas where snakes are occasionally sighted.

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and given a choice will retreat rather than strike. Although some people may find them loathsome, rattlesnakes are a naturally occurring species in a properly functioning prairie ecosystem such as we have around Lethbridge. They are practically harmless and will only strike if extremely provoked or stepped on. They play a very important role in the control of rodents and thus reduce the spread of diseases such as hanta virus.

Rattlesnakes are the color of dry prairie grass and have a very well defined, triangular-shaped head. They may or may not possess rattles. Lethbridge is also home to the bull snake, which imitates the rattlesnake by coiling up and shaking its tail, but it does not actually have a rattle. Bull snakes are not poisonous.

If you see a rattlesnake, walk slowly away from it. Give the snake plenty of room to escape from you and then notify Campus Security at 403-329-2345. They will have a specialist relocate the snake to a natural habitat.

In Alberta, rattlesnakes are blue-listed, meaning they have undergone declines in population or habitat and may be at risk. It is illegal to kill rattlesnakes, possess rattlesnakes or their parts or damage occupied den areas. There are significant charges and fines for killing a rattlesnake in Alberta.

Look for new e-newsletter

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:42:29 +0000

Beginning in March, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Communications office will be producing an e-news mailing that will be distributed to all employees once per week on Mondays.

The main purpose of the e-newsletter is to reduce the volume of e-mail messages being sent to all employees from a wide variety of departments and administrative offices and group them in a brief, weekly, easy-to-read format.

Submissions and regular contributions are encouraged from all areas. Items included in the e-newsletter can be of timely, general interest to the campus employee community, (APO, AUPE, EXEMPT, Faculty) such as information from Human Resources, Financial Services or other administrative departments; employee networking and social activities; Campus Security or Facilities information; construction or other maintenance updates; notices about upcoming speakers of interest to the campus community and sports and recreation information, among other topics.

The submission e-mail address will be communications@uleth.ca and will be activated mid-February. For additional information, please contact Bob Cooney, communications officer, at robert.cooney@uleth.ca

UNews - Campus Security

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Planning, inter-departmental work aids Fresh Fest

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Look for new e-newsletter

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