RYAN FLYNN — General Assignment Reporter
The Campus Watch program is alive and well, and exclusively back in the hands of local fraternity Beta Mu Sigma. Since 2004, Beta Mu Sigma has worked in tandem with campus police, helping to keep Southern Connecticut State University’s campus a safe, friendly environment both day and night.
On scheduled nights, a pair of brothers from the Beta fraternity sign into the on-campus police station, grab reflective vests, a flashlight and a radio. The duo of Beta members then walk the campus, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, according to Beta Mu Sigma president Nick Gleifert.
The Beta members usually make rounds that include the academic and residential quad, parking lots and various other hot spots on campus, Gleifert said. Any suspicious activity is radioed in directly to the campus police. Once their shift is over, the brothers return their gear to campus police and are then on their way.
“The main purpose of this program is to provide not only assistance to the SCSU community from leaders and brothers, but also to instill a sense of security to all of campus,” Gleifert said. “Another set of eyes, if you will.”
Beta Mu Sigma, established in 1959, regularly makes philanthropy a piece of the Beta experience. They have taken part in such events as Relay for Life, Cheers for Charity, and Hip-hop for Haiti.
This past winter, campus police took a step to expand the Campus Watch program. They opened up the watch to other on-campus organizations and clubs, allowing them to sign up for time spots.
“When the police station opened up campus watch to other organizations, it made sense,” said Gleifert. “More eyes, more involvement and more people willing to help the campus.”
However, things didn’t work out as planned. Volunteers began to dwindle, and the program subsequently lost its footing. To counteract this, Beta members spoke with Chief Joseph Dooley of the campus police last week in an effort to take over sole possession of the watch once more, which they were granted.
“The effect of the program being ours began to disappear over the past year,” Gleifert said. “A goal of Beta Mu Sigma this year it to be seen, respected and involved on campus. That’s why we have decided to start fresh, dedicated and ready to help out Southern’s campus.”
Now, with the program back solely in the hands of Beta Mu Sigma, Campus Watch is back to running on all cylinders. During nights this semester, pairs of brothers will make their rounds of the campus, once again ensuring the safety of the Southern community.
