Columbia has many safety programs throughout the campus, including the very recognizable blue light phones, but one of the services that they provide often goes overlooked. Many students are not aware of the more than 100 red phones that connect directly to campus security. 

As Ronald Sodini, the associate vice president of Campus Safety and Security, told the Chronicle, when new students go to orientation, they are shown a slide about the system. But he added, “it kind of isn’t something they notice until they need it.”

It would be beneficial to students for the college to remind them of different safety protocols and services Columbia has to offer, especially after the loads of information given to them in their first year. This could be something as simple as a poster or social media post or even an email to students as a refresher, though we recognize that students aren’t always good about checking their email. 

One of the best features of the red phones is that they are hardwired into Columbia’s safety system. Campus security is alerted where the call is coming from through this and can get to the scene quicker. But this is all based on whether students know about the phones and actually use them. 

Although many students have their own phones and access to the blue light phones in emergency cases where a cell phone is not accessible, it can be a valuable resource. 

Put into place almost 20 years ago, they can still provide access to safety – if students know they’re there.

Copy edited by Patience Hurston