The University Program Council teamed with the student Senate to host a safety discussion forum on Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Stone Lodge.

UPC Culture and Education Chair Christian Bayens put the event together.

Several topics were discussed including Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP), unlit areas of campus, international students falling victim to attacks and the UNA bus that circles Florence during the weekend, aiding those who may be too impaired to drive.

The UNA police department works with international students regarding safety tactics, said UNA Police Chief Bob Pastula, who said he was not informed about the event.

“International students are victimized more than anyone else, simply because they are less accustomed to the culture,” Pastula said.

The student audience voiced many differing opinions about the status of safety on campus.

“Honestly, I feel very safe on campus,” said Anna Goggans, a student. “Regarding issues of walking around (campus) at night, it is our responsibilities as students to be aware of the resources campus has provided to us.”

UNA Student Government Association President Laura Giles said she has never personally felt unsafe on campus.

“I now have to look at safety from the perspective of all students on campus,” she said. “SGA has been working toward educating students about maintaining their safety on campus and what preventative measures they can take to remain safe.”

Senator Sarah Emerson said she wants campus to feel safer.

“Many times, I fear walking at night in the parking deck and near the library,” Emerson said. “There’s always that thought of what could happen.”

Many students believed the forum served a beneficial purpose for the discussion of what is needed on campus and what resources are available for use.

Alyson Berry, an audience member, said she thought the event allowed students to be open and honest about how they feel about campus safety.

“This is important because if we know what the issues are, we can act appropriately and take precautions to keep ourselves safe,” Berry said.

Crime rates on campus are going down, Baynes said.

 He said he advises students to use resources such as SNAP to take precautions to stay safe.

Pastula said he could not confirm the fact crime rates are declining but he said, “Crime isn’t going up.”