Normally, they are the group watching over the University, 24 hours a day, in person and through more than 250 on-campus security cameras. However, beginning in mid-March, the campus security group is asking the University community to check in on them.

The University of Lethbridge has commissioned external security consultants David Hyde and Associates to perform a campus security audit. The objective of the audit is to assess the current campus personal safety and security program and provide input to the future direction to be adopted by the Security Services department.

"Our program is in place to ensure a safe and secure campus environment is maintained for all University stakeholders," says John O'Keeffe, the U of L's security director. "It is absolutely essential that the experiences and views of the people who learn, live, teach and work at the campus are taken into consideration."

O'Keefe says that since the last major audit was completed, the campus has changed significantly.

"While progress has been made in implementing a number of security measures, my team and I are looking forward to receiving the input and results from the independent group commissioned to conduct the audit to help with future planning."

The audit takes the form of online surveys, several town hall-style meetings and feedback opportunities through a secure website.

"We really want this audit to give us a solid direction, and to include as much information as possible from the campus community," adds O'Keefe.

There are two ways that University stakeholders can participate in the upcoming Campus Security Audit. The first is by completing a short survey located on the Security Services section of the University website (www.uleth.ca/security/).

The second way to participate is to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting hosted by the team of security specialists performing the audit.

"By participating in a Town Hall Meeting or in completing the survey, people can contribute to a more representative security audit and, most importantly, contribute to helping us provide a safe and secure campus," says O'Keefe.

The dates for the Town Hall Meeting representing each major stakeholder group are as follows:

AUPE: Monday, Mar. 14, noon to 1 p.m. (L1060, University Library)
Students: Tuesday, Mar. 15, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. (Students' Union Ballroom)
APO: Wednesday, Mar. 16, noon to 1 p.m. (L1060, University Library)
ULFA: Friday, Mar. 18, noon to 1 p.m. (L1060)

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.