Over the past few weeks, CMU has been alerted of alleged armed robbery on Jan. 28 and alleged sexual assault in the dorms on Feb. 5.

Despite these alleged crimes, CMU is still a relatively safe campus. According to Clery Act reports from 2010-2012, CMU has reported only eight forcible sex offenses, only half of Colorado State’s total (16) and University of Colorado’s total (18). CMU has only one reported robbery in that span, less than CSU (5) and CU (8).

With the rapid growth of the CMU campus, however, the number of reported crimes will certainly rise—more students, more crime.

Though the specifics of the most recent incidents on campus have yet to be released, there are steps students can take to be aware and safe on campus.

First, use the buddy system or travel in groups. Those who plan to harm students are more likely to do so to students traveling alone—they are discouraged by students in numbers.

Second, be careful socializing with strangers. Don’t travel with strangers, and don’t take alcohol from them. Surround yourself with trustworthy friends—if something goes wrong with a stranger, it’s important to have friends that can help each other to safety.

Most importantly, become familiar with the safety resources CMU provides.

MavRides runs every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and deliver students anywhere in the Grand Junction metropolitan area for free with a MavCard. They can be reached at 248-2222.

The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is an emergency support service to help victims of sexual assault. SART can be reached at 270-5895 and provides confidential service to students 24 hours a day.

Campus Safety Assistants are extra pairs of eyes on campus and provide an escort service to walk students safely across campus at night. These students respond to emergency calls until 3 a.m.