Each year, Marywood University releases an annual safety report for the previous year. Compared to last year, there were significant decreases in alcohol and drug violations across the campus.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clergy Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report is mandated for all colleges to disclose their statistics and safety policies over the three previous years.
The report covers incidents divided into four areas: on campus, off campus, public property and in residence halls. Last year, there was a significant increase in alcohol violations in the residence halls. Compared to the 63 violations reported in 2023, there were only 36 incidents reported for 2024.
There were three other types of offenses noted in the safety report for this past year. There were two illegal weapon referrals in the residence halls this past year, along with a report of vandalism on campus and four reports of theft.
Campus Safety Chief Michael Pasqualicchio attributes the success in declining liquor violations to Residence Life.
“I think it has a lot to do with Residence Life programming and Student Engagement keeping students busy,” he said.
Director of Housing Erica Armstrong attributed the decline to the resident assistants.
“The RAs do a great job of being proactive in addressing potential issues before they escalate, and the main way they do this is through their constant presence via increased rounds, programming and strong community-building efforts,” she said.
Pasqualicchio and Armstrong both highlighted visibility as a major factor in the improved number of liquor violations.
“I think Campus Safety’s presence at the front desks and being visible is a major deterrent,” Pasqualicchio said.
Armstrong said that last school year “over 3,000 rounds were completed by RAs across the residential buildings. This consistent visibility not only helps deter policy violations but also creates a stronger sense of accountability and connection with our students.”
Overall, the reduction in violations is attributed to the increase in programming from Residence Life and Student Engagement.
Armstrong said, “Last academic year RAs put on a total of 130 programs, 38 of which were facilitated on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday in direct response to student feedback expressing a desire for more engagement opportunities during weekends.”
The addition of programs on the weekend allows students a place to hang out together and enjoy themselves without substances.
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