TOWSON, Md. — "Since freshman year I've always felt safe walking around campus. It’s just late at night it becomes, you become a little more cautious especially as a woman," said Tianna Olden, a Junior at Towson University.
Olden and her friends were walking around campus on Thursday night, right before it got dark. They are more cautious around campus after reports of sexual assault.
Tuesday, Towson University's president held a student community forum.
Just two days later, changes were made.
"I’m glad they’re taking responsibility and acting so quickly," said Luke Eskoros, a Sophomore at TU. He pointed out a new blue light security pole in front of the 10 West apartments.
It was added Wednesday, one day after the community meeting. There are several other security poles around campus.
"If you don’t feel safe, maybe someone following you, you just press the button and TUPD will show up," Eskoros explained.
The university upped their policing efforts by increasing foot patrols, immediately after the Tuesday meeting. They also plan on adding seven positions in the TUPD department, which they hope to fill within 45 days. The SafeRide Shuttle is also extending its hours next week.
"More police can feel like a more secure environment, make students feel more protect," said Kendall Thomas, a Freshman at TU.
She wasn't surprised with the quick response from the university.
"Normally it will kind of be swept under if there’s not heat on it and I think that with all the technology and social media heat that it does get and can get that they do have to make it fast acting," she said.
TU plans on adding more counselors and are looking at sexual assault education for the upcoming spring semester, all while working with students for future plans. Students home forums like the one on Tuesday will continue.
"People need to voice their opinions because ultimately we are the change and I feel like we need to do that," said Olden.
