Developed in the summer of 2006 by the Chico State University Police Department's Community Services Unit, The Freshmen Safe Start Program was implemented with help from University Housing, Wellness Center , and the A.S. Women's Center. This pilot project was designed to assist freshmen students with safety issues that encompass college life in any university environment. It is further designed to provide support to students who, for the first time, are away from home and often become over-loaded, stressed, or are not prepared for all the changes that they may face in their first year.
TRAINING TOPICS include:
- General personal safety tips
- Sexual assault awareness/prevention
- Violent dating relationships
- Hate crimes vs. hate incidents
- First year stress issues
- Overview of resources and assistance available
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CSU, Chico and The Freshmen Safe Start Program are focused towards successful retention of our students. The organizations involved in this new program recognize that when there is student victimization, inappropriate behavior, or a lack of life-coping skills, educational success and retention can be affected.
In the Fall 2006 Semester, we trained approximately 1,900 incoming freshmen students in on-campus housing. Surveys were collected from all participants, and the initial feedback was exceptionally positive.
Student Feedback:
"Very informative, well organized."
"Great idea. I feel safer now."
"...makes me think about the choices I have to make"
"I will be more aware."
"Very Powerful"
"Awesome!"
Due to the overwhelmingly positive responses we have received from our students, The Freshmen Safe Start Program is committed to training all in-coming freshmen students living in Housing.
We at the University Police Department are also committed to expanding this program to serve other groups of students in need of safety information.
For more information on Campus Safety related issues, please download our presentations on Campus Safety and Rape Drugs |
