Miami Student

Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Campus

An "M" in front of Roudebush guides visitors along a walkway with signs posting statistics and stories about campus safety.

Walking by the front of Roudebush Hall, one can't help but notice the gigantic red and white "M" painted prominently on the front lawn.

This is exactly the effect HAWKS (Health Advocates for Wellness Knowledge and Skills) Peer Educators was aiming for when the group teamed up with the Miami University Police Department (MUPD) to promote the group's yearlong "Choices and Challenges" program, according to senior Lindsey Miller, awareness manager for HAWKS.

The painted "M" in front of Roudebush Hall kicked off this semester's awareness week, which took place Monday, April 7 through Friday, April 11. The exhibit was designed as a reflective walk, guiding visitors along an "M" shaped walkway adorned with signs that present viewers with statistics and personal stories about the danger of making high-risk choices.

Miller said HAWKS develops programming that encourages the Miami community to focus on health issues relevant to the student body. This year, as part of "Choices and Challenges," the group's goal has been to provide students with information that will help them to make safe and responsible choices.

"It was definitely one of the biggest events that HAWKS has sponsored," Miller said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Miller stood in front of the "M" with several officers from MUPD to hand out information to passing students.

"We know that it's a smart environment, but the more information we can get out and the more people we can reach, it makes us a better community," said MUPD Lt. Stephen VanWinkle. "Everyone thinks we're in our own little bubble here at Miami, but things can happen and things do happen."

VanWinkle and Miller agreed that one of the main goals of the week was to start a dialogue between students, administration and police that would work towards improving campus safety.

HAWKS organized a "reverse town hall meeting" April 9 in Benton Hall to help lay the lines of communication. A panel of authority figures on campus was invited to help lead a two-way forum with members from the Miami community regarding a variety of issues.

"Our motto is we're here to educate," VanWinkle said. "It's not like we're strictly here to discipline."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools