News Reporter
Police are still investigating the theft of over $1,000 worth of material from the Renaissance Village construction site. The site, which sits between ACB and the Mav Center, is currently fenced off as the last touches are being added.
“The site itself actually belongs to the contractor,” CMU’s Vice President John Marshall said.
Because the University doesn’t own the property until it’s handed over by the contractor, the incident isn’t technically the university’s problem.
“Parents touring it with potential students are going to shy away from the university if there is visible vandalism and rumors of theft,” sophomore Krissy Trujillo said. “From a business perspective, each lost student could be thousands of dollars.”
In addition to theft, graffiti was spotted on various buildings and artwork was stolen from outside the Fine Arts building.
“I’ve noticed spray paint all over the art building and ACB before,” sophomore Nisha Homes said. “I wasn’t sure if it was art or someone trying to be funny. . . until I saw the clean-up crew.”
Dylan Brown, a student janitor, notes that graffiti and other vandalism is relatively common.
“It’s hard to patrol this campus at all times,” Brown said. “I bet they’ve been dealing with this stuff forever.”
Marshall notes that the university employs a variety of patrols including parking staff, campus safety and the Grand Junction police department. Still, minor criminal activity is to be expected.
“College campuses are really interactive,” ASG Vice President Ariel Diamond said. “Everything is really open. The big challenge is promoting self-responsibility and the trust of others.”
“Generally, our campus does a good job at being community-police oriented,” Marshall said. “At the end of the day, it’s all of our campus. We all have a responsibility to make sure it stays in the condition we want it to.”
Students are encouraged to take advantage of Crime Stoppers and other anonymous tip lines if they see individuals engaging in a destructive manner.
“We’re all on the lookout,” Marshall said. “If you see somebody that’s doing things they shouldn’t be doing, make a call and put a stop to it.”
At the end of the day, CMU remains dedicated to creating an inviting and safe environment for its students, faculty and the community members that support it. As always, campus groups like ASG are eager to hear from students on how they can better policy and procedure.
“This is one of those things where, if students come to ASG with concerns, then we tackle that issue,” Diamond said. “If it becomes an increasing problem, it becomes a matter of enforcement for ASG.”
cfergance@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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