Brittany Lofton
News Reporter

The Mesa State Escort Service has a new name and a few new faces as well. The Escort Service is now called the Campus Safety Association. Since the Grand Junction Police took over the program in August, Sgt. Pua Utu and his staff made several changes. They changed the logo, obtained the uniforms, and have a selection process including an interview.
Since the changes in the program, the group has seen an increase in awareness and interest for having a Campus Safety Assistant help walk a student, staff, or faculty member to their safe destination. The name change was a much-needed change for them, as they were not receiving calls for a safe walk across campus, but for a different kind of escort service.
Junior Matthew Gadbois, a criminal justice major, uses the CSA program as a work study position and to gain experience for his career field.
“The name change was neded,” Godbois said. “The new title gives more meaning than an escort. It’s a person who provides safety.”
Junior Kristian Ambors, a computer science major said, “The change was needed. It shows front line service, but we take initiative if needed and able to take that position.”
Not only are CSAs asked to escort MSC students, but they have gained the responsibilities of overseeing the campus. The report suspicious activity, and help other CSAs gain experience for a positive influence for not only students, but for the community.
Utu and the officers give the CSAs many specific duties beyond escorting students to their cars or dorms. They are expected to watch recent activity on campus at places such as Bunting Avenue Student Housing.
“It’s a good starting block for policy academy, but we do not discriminate against other majors,” Utu said.
The officers said they are always taking applications, and would like to see more female students in the program.

blofton@mesastate.edu