Security measures have increased in light of two muggings that occurred on campus earlier in the year, according to Pedro Pineiro, director of Queens College's Office of Security.
"The Office of Public Safety and the Buildings and Grounds Department have been expanding the college's security procedures and will continue to identify and rectify any areas that may need improvement," said Pineiro. Pineiro was asked questions about the violent bathroom muggings that occurred on campus last January and April, as well as whether there were any security improvements made at QC since then.
Pineiro said changes include an increase in lighting around campus, a new security booth and more frequent patrols of security guards in buildings and on campus grounds.
He did not say if more security cameras would be installed in areas where muggings are more likely to occur.
Peneiro also declined to talk about the status of the victims and three suspects of the muggings.
"An active security presence throughout the campus is one of the most important deterrents to crime," said Pineiro.
The Office of Public Safety recently added a new security booth at the Melbourne Avenue and Kissena Boulevard entrance, next to the Student Union. Pineiro guaranteed that while classes are in session, security guards will be present on campus.
"Shady" areas on campus have been equipped with new lighting installments. These locations include the walkway behind the Rosenthal Library (opposite Parking Field 6), the area behind the main dining hall and Rathaus Hall and the area along the Music Building (extending to the front of the Colden Auditorium).
If an incident occurs, the blue emergency telephone boxes scattered throughout the campus are going to be a big help to students in need.
Pineiro said that, every month, the boxes are maintained and tested for efficiency and functionality.
In addition to these changes, the Office of Public Safety also offered safety tips for students.
When walking around on campus, students are advised to always be aware of their surroundings and to stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Studies have shown that many assaults occur in parking garages, stairwells, elevators, bathrooms and dimly lit areas bordered by shrubbery, so students are advised to avoid those areas.
"For example, if you see a suspicious-looking person ... in a parking garage or lot, go with your [gut] feelings and leave the area," said Pineiro.
Lastly, students are advised to immediately report any suspicious activities to the Office of Public Safety - located in Jefferson Hall, Room 201 - or to the local police authorities.
"We [the Writing Center staff] service around 500 students each semester," said Troynaski.
He said that now, with the budget reduced considerably, the Writing Center has had to cut down on hiring.
"Ultimately, it's the students who will lose these services," Troynaski said.
According to the financial disclosure statement on CUNY's Web site, there was a financial management conference held to address the cuts made on Sept. 15 and 16, but Stevens said that the president would only be able to comment after Oct. 6, after attending a meeting about the cuts.
"It's expected that the chancellor will be discussing how the government's cutbacks in funding will affect the CUNY colleges," said Stevens.
Sue Henderson, vice president for institutional advancement, said, "The college and CUNY are working to meet the budgetary needs for this fiscal year while advocating with the state regarding next year's budget."
"Because we do not know the exact effect of the budget cut, we have been conservative in our spending so that we can be prepared for any additional cuts," said Henderson about the preventative measures taken by the college.
"We are completing many good projects we began last year," said Henderson, "thanks to last year's budget."
Henderson said that hiring at QC has been reduced, which contributes to salary savings.
"The college will use funds to ensure that its core mission is met," said Henderson.
"We will make sure that we offer the classes that students need in a manner that we have done in past years," she said.
As for now, Henderson said that "department heads and administrators sit with various units to work out the highest priority needs for the year and ensure that they are funded at a level that is in line with available funds."
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