College of Saint Mary named one of the safest small campuses in U.S.
Omaha, Neb. – College of Saint Mary has been named one of the top 50 safest small campuses by College Choice. The rating is an important measuring tool for those evaluating potential colleges.
“The issue of safety on college campuses is a major national discussion these days,” says Dave Ferber, CSM’s director of safety and security, “and prospective students, and their parents, list campus safety as a key factor when choosing a college.
“We take great pride in being listed as one of the Top 50 Safest Small Colleges in America,” says Ferber. “Our Safety and Security Department does everything possible to ensure that our students have the safest possible environment in which to live, learn and work.”
College Choice gave CSM high ratings in general safety, which looks at theft, assault, arson, and other offenses; and the women’s safety grade, which reflects the overall VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. The University scored a perfect 100 percent Anti-discrimination grade, which reflects the number of hate crimes reported in the past three years.
Most of the nation’s safest schools are small, private institutions located in smaller towns, according to College Choice. The organization reviewed not only the institutions, but the cities in which they are located and which surround them. Although CSM is definitely a small, private university, it’s located in the heart of Omaha – one of the region’s largest metropolitan areas.
Other data used to rate the schools came from the U.S. Department of Education, from the university and colleges’ websites, U.S. News & World Report, and The National Center for Education Statistics.
CSM’s dedicated security professionals patrol the campus 24 hours a day on foot, bicycle and car. Officers are trained to respond not only to criminal activity, but also to fires, and medical illness and injury. A text alert system is in place that would notify students in the case of a security breach on campus. Security will provide safe walks and vehicle assists to any member of the CSM community who requests them. The staff also works closely with local law enforcement, the fire department and EMS.
All campus facilities are secured, monitored and patrolled by Safety and Security Department personnel. Residential buildings are locked 24 hours a day and accessible only by electronic pass card holders. To gain after-hours access to any CSM building, a person must call Security and provide the appropriate CSM identification. CSM Safety and Security also provides new student orientation, resident advisor training and fire safety.
“But safety doesn’t stop at patrols,” says Ferber. “The Safety and Security Department also educates the campus community on a variety of topics so students and employees can develop sound safety habits.”
Two of CSM’s crime prevention and safety awareness programs were mentioned by College Choice.
For “If I Was a Thief”, security officers patrol the study areas on campus, handing out cards to students when they leave their belongings unattended – highlighting a prime opportunity for theft.
The “Clean Car Campaign” urges all CSM community members to keep the interior of their car clean and to remove all visible items.
“Thieves are much less likely to target a car if they don’t see anything to steal,” says Ferber. “Prevention is the best first step to take in ensuring the safety of our students and their belongings.”
By Chris Kasel, Media Coordinator
