University police urge students to stay aware of their surroundings following a recent incident at Olive Hall. 

On Jan. 31 an unidentified male was reported to have followed an unnamed student into the hall.  UNA Police Chief Les Jackson revealed that, to date, the identity and student status of the male subject remain undetermined, and he has not been sighted on campus since the incident.

“We had an incident where a student entered Olive Hall, and a male subject entered behind her,” said Jackson.

In response to this unsettling event, the university has taken proactive steps to enhance the safety and awareness of its students. Signage has been prominently displayed within the residence halls, urging residents to remain vigilant and be cognizant of their surroundings. 

University Public Relations Director Michelle Eubanks clarified that there has been no official university-wide announcement concerning the matter. Eubanks emphasized the importance of empowering students with the tools to navigate such situations. 

“This opportunity is making sure that students have the tools to know what to do in those situations,” said Eubanks. While underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for its student body.

Chief Jackson provided a detailed account of the incident, shedding light on the sequence of events that transpired on that day. After the male subject followed the student in, unaware of the presence of the unidentified male, encountered another male friend in the lobby, and together they entered the elevator bound for her room. Jackson expressed the need to identify the male subject to ascertain whether he had a legitimate reason for entering the residence hall.

“To my understanding, they didn’t know the male subject. They moved to another friend’s room, where the subject knocked on the friend’s door, and the friend didn’t answer. After that, that’s the end of that incident,” Jackson said. 

The incident, reported on Feb. 1, brought attention to the potential vulnerabilities in residence hall security. The university’s response to the incident has been measured but focused.  Despite efforts to locate and contact the individual, there has been no further communication, and the subject has not reappeared on campus, according to UNA Police.

In light of these events, Jackson outlined a series of safety measures intended to empower students and mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future. He advised students never to open their doors to strangers and emphasized the importance of not propping open secure doors, such as those in residence halls, fire exits, and university buildings.

Furthermore, students were urged to promptly report any suspicious activity or individuals, contributing to the collective safety of the university community. Jackson stressed the significance of securing unsecured doors and maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings. The directive included an immediate call to UNA PD without hesitation in case of any concerns.

The safety recommendations extended to practical advice for students, advocating for staying in well-lit areas, walking in pairs for added security, and fully utilizing the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol service provided by the university. If transportation is required after SNAP hours, students are encouraged to reach out to UNA PD for assistance.

As the university continues to address the aftermath of the incident, it is evident that a collective effort is underway to prioritize the safety and well-being of the student community. The incident catalyzes not only addressing immediate concerns but also fostering a culture of awareness, preparedness, and proactive safety measures on campus.