Spring Kicks Off With Campus Safety Upgrades

Layout modifications for Merced College have rolled out in the spring semester with a focus on student safety. The relocation of police services, as well as the installation of bollards in major walkways on campus, were initiated to promote a more secure environment for students and staff.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as possible,” Vice President of Administrative Services Joe Allison said. “We wanted to bring together police, fire, EMT and criminology all in one place. Locations for classes, plus the need for more space gave us the opportunity to make a more accessible location.”

At the suggestion of the Merced College Superintendent/President Chris Vitelli, this allows for more of a one-stop location for all major services on campus. The campus police are now located in Tri-College Building 4, with the building open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and services accessible until 11 p.m.

Allison said the bollards, now located at major walkways across campus, offer an extra layer of protection for students and staff. Limiting vehicle access on campus can help prevent major injuries and serve as a deterrent in using vehicles as potential weapons.

Another new addition to the campus was the completion of the electric vehicle charging stations for personal automobiles. The stations, which were built through a grant offered to Merced College, were installed with the intention of reducing our carbon footprint and a conscious movement to stay ahead of the curve in regards to long-term sustainability. They are located in Lot P3, directly across from the pool.

-- Alessandria Pedretti

This article was originally found on mccd.edu