Iowa State Student Government has begun a series of town halls for students to meet campus decision-makers, ask questions and share their opinions on important topics.  

Know Your Leaders Town Hall Series allows Iowa State students to voice their thoughts and have face-to-face conversations about topics that matter to them. 

This week, Student Government hosted the Iowa State University Police Department (ISUPD) and discussed topics around student safety. 

The university representatives on the panel were:

  • Campus Planner Chris Strawhacker
  • Public Safety Customer Relations Coordinator Sara Everson
  • ISUPD Lt. David Peterson
  • ISUPD Engagement and Inclusion Officer Natasha Greene
  • Student Health and Wellness Violence Prevention Strategy Manager Carrie Giese

Underage Drinking

A large topic of discussion was underage drinking violations in the Iowa State community. 

“One thing we are really adamant about is students reaching out for help in substance-related crises,” Greene said. “We focus on medical assistance, not on enforcement of underage alcohol usage.”

The Good Samaritan law protects students who call 911 or reach out to help someone experiencing a medical emergency—the law aims to encourage people to call for help without the fear of getting in trouble. 

Underage drinking has become more popular around campus, including big events like tailgating football games and 801 Day. 

“We want to continue to enforce underage drinking violations during these big events,” Greene said. “When more police officers are on the tailgating lots, it simply reduces issues and crises.” 

ISUPD wants to move forward throughout the year, recognizing students who are following the law rather than focusing on punishing kids who are not.

“If 30 kids receive a drinking violation, there are probably 30,000 students who did not and are doing the right thing,” Peterson said. “These kids didn’t come to party, but rather to Iowa State to get an education.” 

Parking

Student Government recently started a program in which each student is eligible to have one ISUPD-issued parking ticket waived per academic year by participating in the SHOP food pantry. 

“The parking police aren’t out to get you or make money,” Everson said. “Students paid for parking permits, and we just want everyone to follow the rules and to park safely. I love the idea of giving back to the community with release funds.” 

Some students complain about the lack of parking spots surrounding campus or the inconvenience of certain parking lots. 

“We have over 10,000 student spaces at Iowa State compared to other campuses. We are extremely lucky to have this many spots,” Everson said. “Take the University of Iowa: they pay way more money than our students and park miles away from campus.” 

The commuter parking lot was also opened to people living in the Ames community, not just outside of Ames. 

Green Dot 

The ISU Green Dot is a campus-wide program that empowers students to act when violence, sexual assault or stalking is present on the campus. 

“Our goal is to end power-based violence and sexual violence, and using bystander invention lens,” Giese said. “Green Dot provided tools and resources to change campus culture and to make campus better for everyone.” 

There are many other resources students can use, like the Cyclone Support Website and the Iowa State Safe App, if they need help. 

“Students are more likely to go to their friends, sorority sisters, fraternity brothers or peers before coming to us,” Giese said. “If someone goes to you, report it and be prepared with Iowa State’s resources.” 

Protecting student property

When students sign their parking pass agreement, they sign a waiver that claims the Iowa State or ISUPD is not responsible for any lost or damaged property.

“We are getting more cameras installed around the parking lots,” Everson said. “Of course, if you see suspicious activity, report it.” 

ISUPD’s social media is plastered with ways to educate kids on crime trends and prevent crime.

“We have dealt with these incidents so many times before. The best way to solve crime is to prevent it,” Peterson said. “We posted numerous times to take your bike home for winter break, take your laptop when you stand up, and more.” 

The next Know Your Leaders discussion will take place on Feb 11 at 6 p.m. in Carver 101, featuring Associate Vice President for Student Health and Wellness Erin Baldwin conversing about student health.



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