College Success Tip # 13

Many higher education students take courses different times throughout the day. Based on one's schedule classes are taken in morning, afternoon, evening and night. It is important for higher education students to be mindful of their surroundings because there are individuals who step foot on a college campus with the intent to harm others. Higher education students it is wise to walk with caution and utilize discernment at school.

I shared this topic with my college readiness boot camp students who had no idea they had to be mindful of their surroundings when they start college in the Fall. No one ever told them about college safety, only about how to get accepted into the higher education institution of their choice. After sharing my personal experiences and news stories regarding campus safety students soon got the point that being cautious is key and it has nothing to do with gender, safety is for all.

I gave my College Readiness boot camp students a couple of tips that will help them in regards to college safety and I believe it will help undergraduate and graduate students reading this also.

1. Exit Strategy - Before the start of your semester take a general tour of where your classes will be and the exit doors and stairways in the building. You should do this to be aware, just in case of an emergency you are able to exit in a timely fashion. When and if a situation occurs, you want to be knowledgeable of your exit strategy.

2. Change Route - Sometimes higher education students get in a routine of taking the same route every day when going to class, their cars, and study spots. Switch it up!! You don't know who is watching you.

3. Parking Lot - Be mindful where you park your car. If you feel uncomfortable regarding your walking distance from your class to the parking lot make the sacrifice to come to school earlier to secure a parking spot. Also if you are enrolled in evening and night classes try to park near lighted areas. Your safety is important.

4. Use Your Voice - If you feel threatned or are around someone suspicious it is ok to speak a little louder than normal. If you feel in danger yell and scream.

5. Phones & Headphones - Higher education students it is wise not to walk around campus with headphones on your ear with the music BLASTING. Also it is not wise to walk with your eyes glued to your phone. You need to be aware of all that is going on around you, and you cannot do that when you are blocking 2 of your five senses that help you indicate dangers around you. You are not invincible. Have your phone near and ready just in case you need to call 9-1-1 or campus security.

These five tips will help you become more aware of the hidden dangers around you, be mindful of your surroundings.

Giving you something to think about,

Dr. Bryant