PASSHE Chancellor says campuses are safer than communities

(Harrisburg) — Despite at least two high-profile criminal acts occurring on or near State System Higher Education campuses, Chancellor Frank Brogan says he feels good about student safety.

A Millersville freshman was killed in February and an Edinboro University student stands accused of shooting two fellow students a few weeks ago.

“We also know that today that’s one of the hottest issues that families to and at when considering a university selection for their sons and daughters,” says Brogan, pointing out that universities have a vested interest in the issue.

According to Chancellor Brogan, the crime rates on the campuses of the 14 state-owned universities is much lower than surrounding communities.

Brogan says a recent tour of campuses with student body presidents left him feeling good about safety. 

The student government president at Slippery Rock says students and faculty look for potential dangerous areas on campus, and work to address problems immediately.

“So all students, faculty and administration go through trainings when they arrive at the university to make sure that they know how to communicate if there is a problem, or something that needs to be looked at,” says Slippery Rock Student Government President Katie Hill.