The George Washington University’s Campus Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) held its first meeting Wednesday, with members sharing about their interest or expertise in safety, offering their perspectives and reviewing examples of similar committees at other universities.
Throughout the meeting, participants noted the importance of collaborating as a community to improve safety efforts. They discussed the different views of safety on campus that many individuals have based on their unique identities and the need to hear each other’s stories, while using evidence-based decision making strategies about safety.
“I am pleased that the important work of the Campus Safety Advisory Committee is underway,” said Baxter Goodly, vice president for safety and operations and CSAC chair. “Our discussions already have been productive, and I appreciate the commitment the committee is demonstrating to safety on our campuses. I look forward to our work together in the committee’s inaugural year.”
In addition, a couple of the main questions the group began to consider on Wednesday surrounded defining physical and emotional safety as well as identifying the most important goals the group should work to accomplish. These discussions will continue at future meetings.
The CSAC, which works to increase the GW community’s awareness of and engagement on campus safety, was envisioned during the university’s efforts to enhance public safety. The committee brings together a broad array of the university’s campus and neighborhood stakeholders to identify and highlight safety concerns and challenges on GW’s campuses as well as what is contributing to community safety. CSAC includes representation from students, faculty, staff, university leadership and a neighborhood community member.
The committee will meet regularly over the next year to collaboratively develop, define, and share their concept of campus safety, and provide a brief annual report with recommendations.