Campus Security A Vital Aspect: Perspective from an Indian Doctoral Student at Wayne State University Campus

Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, is a centre of cultural diversity, boasting a multifaceted community that includes a significant number of Indian students and staff. The university supports this diversity with various services and facilities, such as health care at the Campus Health Center and the mental health assessments conducted throughout the semester with the help of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for all students.

Accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, CAPS provides free and confidential mental health evaluations and recommends treatments like counselling, case management, and referrals. The team includes licensed counsellors, psychologists, social workers, a psychiatrist, and clinical trainees.

Security at campus is maintained through regular patrolling and rapid response to incidents Since the safety and security of students is priority the campus provides various facilities to make sure students need not worry inside the campus.

Campus Security

Campus safety is ensured on campus through patrolling and responding quickly to incidents. The Safe Walk programme by the university allows students to request an officer escort to their vehicle or dorm. Along with this, the Wayne State Alerts system sends text notifications about closures and emergencies to students, faculty, staff, parents, and community partners. The university also has a comprehensive emergency plan for various situations, including severe weather and infrastructure issues like gas leaks or power outages, with crisis management and behaviour intervention teams ready to respond.

Student Well-Being

Wayne State University offers extensive resources and training programmes to equip students with the skills to handle safety concerns. These include student-conducted services, support programmes, and interventions provided by the Dean of Students Office, as well as specialised training sessions like the rape aggression defence course conducted by the Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD). This teaches students practical self-defence techniques.

Students at the campus can use the resources and the training provided by the university in cases of emergency. The self defence techniques taught by the university will help students in cases where appropriate authorities are unable to reach them on time. 

New students at the university are also introduced to campus security resources and training programmes during orientation. Students are required to participate in training and drills on university protocols and systems to ensure they are familiar with and can effectively use the available resources and mental health services. Wayne State University provides a secure and supportive environment where students can thrive, with well-lit walkways, continuous patrols by WSUPD, and a 24-hour police hotline. This emphasis on safety complements the university’s reputation for academic excellence, offering students comprehensive support for their overall well-being.

NOTE: Published with inputs and permission from SPAN Magazine