On Jan. 13, the NSU community was alarmed by campus crime alerts that gave details of a sexual assault incident that was reported at 2:30 a.m. that day.
According to the alert, two female NSU students were sexually assaulted off-campus and at an on-campus residence hall by two males they met for drinks at a local bar. The report also stated that their beverages were possibly drugged.
Director of the Office of Public Safety Jim Ewing said the office will not comment on the case, which is currently under investigation by the Davie police department.
“If any additional news comes out, we will alert the NSU community,” Ewing said.
NSU’s campus is open to community members and visitors and hosts community events. Students should be aware of how to stay safe with the measures NSU has in place to keep students safe.
These measures are headed by the Office of Public Safety, comprised of unarmed proprietary employees who use the support of the Davie Police Department and other contract security officers. Students may recognize these officially titled “protective care givers” in their uniforms or white labeled patrol cars around campus.
Public Safety offers many services to the NSU community that can be taken advantage of in case of an emergency or simply in case a student feels uncomfortable or unsafe. The department responds to the Blue Light system, tall telephone poles labeled “emergency” located around campus. This system is a fast and effective way to reach the department in case of an emergency.
But according to Associate Director of Public Safety Shane Lam, in case of an emergency, students should first call 911 to alert the local police, fire department or emergency medical service. After speaking to an operator, students should then call Public Safety from wherever they are.
To report non-emergency situations or an incident that has already occurred, students can also use the Blue Light system or contact the department. Public Safety maintains a list of Campus Crime Alerts, where students can read details about reported incidents as far back as 2007.
Public Safety also offers a 24/7 safety escort system, which makes a walking escort available upon request to anyone in the NSU community within property limits.
“The objective of the program is to provide a safe alternative to walking alone at night, or anytime a person for safety reason doesn’t want to walk to their destination alone,” said Lam.
To view campus safety alerts, including the sexual assault report, visit nova.edu/publicsafety/crimealerts.html.
For more information on personal safety or to report incidents or receive assistance,, contact Public Safety at 954-262-8999 or visit nova.edu/publicsafety.
For students who find themselves walking or traveling alone around campus, the Office of Public Safety offers these safety tips:
Chemical sprays, such as pepper spray, may be carried in quantities of two ounces or less.
Use the Shark Shuttle service instead of walking long distances across campus.
Register your phone and email with the Emergency Alert System on WebSTAR to receive timely alerts on crimes, emergency situations and suspicious activity on and around campus.
Report suspected criminal activity, thefts and injuries in a timely manner.
Always leave home with your SharkCard and cell phone in addition to other forms of identification.
