Hillsdale College faculty, local police, and about 10 Hillsdale College students will meet Friday to discuss student sexual assault and other safety concerns and brainstorm ways to make the campus safer.
Calling it a “task force,” Dean of Women Diane Philipp said the meeting has been planned for months in light of conversations with students regarding safety this year. Besides Philipp, Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé, Dean of Men Aaron Petersen, Assistant Dean of Men Jeff Rogers, Assistant Dean of Women Rebekah Dell, Director of Campus Security William Whorley, and Associate Director of Security Joe Kellam will attend the meeting to discuss safety issues with male and female students and three Hillsdale police officers, including the police chief and the under-sheriff.
“We want to find out in what areas we do well and areas we can improve,” Philipp said. Topics of discussion may include alcohol abuse and sexual assault reporting procedures.
After the meeting, Philipp said, the college plans to stay in contact with the student group, develop plans as necessary in response to suggestions, and hold similar focus groups in the future.
