Students concerned about getting home safe now have another option: the Delta Tau Delta fraternity escort system.
Members of the fraternity will be available to walk students home between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Escorts can be found at a table near the main floor library entrance.
Delta Tau Delta Community Service Chair and sophomore psychology major Ryan Gutchewsky said this is not the first time the fraternity has offered escorts.
“We had a program in the past and wanted to restore it again,” he said. “A lot of guys said they wanted to do it and get involved.”
Two fraternity members will be available during each of the two shifts per night, Gutchewsky said. As of now, 15 members have signed up to be escorts, but Gutchewsky said if there is more interest in the program that number can increase.
“As the word gets out, we’re hoping more people will get [escorts],” he said. “We’re trying to offer another way for people to get home safely. We’re right there in the library, so it may be more convenient than the Safety Cruiser.”
The Hilltop Safety Cruiser was enacted at the end of fall semester, and has proven a popular option for students looking for a safe way home.
“There’s safety in knowing there’s the Cruiser to use, but we want to bridge the gap [between the escort system and the Cruiser] so people feel comfortable approaching us,” Gutchewsky said.
The Delts will escort students anywhere on campus within walking distance, Gutchewsky said, but he said he encourages students to take the Safety Cruiser if they choose to go somewhere farther.
Despite the program’s infancy, Delt escort and freshman mechanical engineering major Alex Greenhill said he’s had the opportunity to walk several people home.
“I’ve assisted a few students that wanted to be accompanied on their way back to the dorms,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to know that you are helping people feel safer. We want people to know that we are out to help them.”
Delt escort and junior psychology major Luke Harness said the fraternity is trying to give back through the service.
“It’s not only a good way to give back to campus, but it helps make campus just a little safer,” he said.
Gutchewsky said he enjoys being an escort because he can help students feel safe and that he enjoys chatting with students as he walks them home.
“Feel free to come talk to us,” he said. “We’re a good group of guys and we’re willing to help you get home safe.”
