Recently, the Residence Halls have been dealing with some unfortunate and unforeseen events, including a sexual assault in Rollins and [a death in Dogwood.](https://www.themaneater.com/blogs/crime/2013/10/13/18-year-old-male-found-dead-pershing-residence-hal/) These events are sad, shocking, and out of the ordinary.
I would like to think that I can speak for a majority of students here at Mizzou when I say I would like to offer my support to those involved in these situations. I think at this time it is important to look at the resources we can use to protect ourselves in our Residence Halls. As a ResLife Student Staff member in Gillett Hall this year and a resident of Gillett Hall last year, I have seen many different situations that could have been prevented by simple measures or communication.
Firstly, if it is late at night, please be cognizant of who you are letting into the building. I know it’s almost second nature to open the door for others or hold it open behind you as you enter the building. It may seem rude, but if the person you are denying access to the building is really here to visit someone or lives here, they can call their friend or let themselves in. You are helping to ensure the safety of the entire building by doing so. Secondly, lock your doors. Leaving a magnet or a door stop in your door can be a very convenient thing to do, but if you forget to lock your door later, you become a target for theft and trespassing.
The next measure everyone can take is to communicate. Your safety and comfort is the top priority of the ResLife members in your building, not getting you into trouble. Talk to them about your situations or conflicts; they have had all kinds of training to deal with many different situations. Even if you think your situation is trivial, a ResLife member can help or try to find others who can help you. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and ResLife members can’t help in a situation that they weren’t aware of. Talk to ResLife members in person, and use resources such as the on-call phone number appropriately. ResLife members aren’t just your Peer Advisor, Leadership Advisor, or Community Advisor. These can be the Desk Attendants, Desk Supervisors, or Hall Coordinators. MUPD is also a great resource to use. Their phone number is on the back of every student’s ID card. They offer all kinds of services, including campus escorts at any time of night.
We hope that you realize that there is an entire network of people ready to help and support you in any situation you are experiencing.
_—Georgianna Victor,_
_grvkw8@mail.missouri.edu_