VAMA's local chapter network, BRAC, is making strides for student safety!
Print this Article | Send to Colleague
Safety for University of Virginia students, parents, administrators, and the community as a whole has been a major concern since the abduction and murder of 2nd year student Hanna Graham in mid-September. As a result, members of BRAC have been meeting regularly with the UVA Safety Advisory Group since last October, when they first met with President Teresa Sullivan, EVP Pat Hogan, UVA Police Chief Mike Gibson, and Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo. Over several meetings, BRAC members led by Ronda Puryear, Jim Stultz, and Keith Woodard have worked with an expanded Safety Group to look for ways that BRAC members can work in a collaborate effort with UVA and the City to enhance off-grounds housing safety. In addition, they have been briefed on the many initiatives that UVA has undertaken, from the new Ambassadors Program, new police substation at the Corner, and additional lighting on-grounds. BRAC has asked to work with Resident Life to provide education to 1st year students in the Fall, asked how they might add more Blue Light stations on or near their properties, and sought for guidance to bring a better understanding of video surveillance to its members. The BRAC group has continually advocated for additional lighting and policing from the City. Working with VAMA, BRAC is hoping to host a video surveillance technology seminar led by City police detective Blaine Cosgrove. The next BRAC/UVA Safety Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for this month – final date is being worked out as we go to press.
Submitted by Rick Jones.
