Summers here on campus are usually quiet times of the year, when undergraduates head to summer internships and construction projects pop up all over the quad. But it can be a busy time of year for incoming freshmen as they prepare for life at college.
Department of Public Safety Officer Greg Scheurer helped one group of students prepare for school with some advice for staying safe when they arrive on campus.
“Staying safe is about staying aware,” says Officer Greg Scheurer of the Syracuse University campus police force. “Whether you attend SU or another school, we want you to be safe. That’s where this program comes in.”
Office Scheurer taught a group of graduating high school seniors some basic crime prevention strategies at CNY Karate in East Syracuse. The basic class included lectures and presentations, handouts on topics like common side effects of illegal drugs, and also physical self-defense lessons.
“These are not just karate classes,” says Marvin Labbate, director at CNY Karate. “This program helps to prepare graduating boys and girls by giving them mental and physical tools to help keep them safe when away from home.”
Officer Scheurer covered topics like knowing your surroundings, having a safe exit strategy, and registering your electronics with campus security. He and Sensei Labbate also teach them a small set of physical self-defense moves designed for students to remove themselves from confrontational situations.
“These classes have really opened my eyes,” says Janet, one of the students in the latest class. “My mom signed me up for them, and I think we both feel better now about me going off to college this fall.”
For more information or to register for the next program, contact Officer Greg Scheurer atgdscheur@syr.edu.