The Student Government Association safety committee is encouraging Ball State to adapt a new phone application to keep students safe on campus.
Senator Jacob Peterson, the safety committee whip, created a senate resolution asking the university to implement the Rave Guardian Campus App.
According to the app’s website, one of Rave Guardian's multiple features is a panic button which allows students to directly connect with authorities. It also allows for students to post tips to police through photos and messages on a two-way channel.
The resolution has more than 30 sponsors as of publication time.
Joel Whitesel, the director of the Integrated Learning Institute, said he sponsored the app because student safety is important on a college campus, especially now that he has a daughter who goes here.
“I think student safety is critically important,” he said. “I don’t think anyone should feel scared.”
Peterson said the idea originated when he saw Ball State’s Feminists for Action group, who were protesting sexual assault. He attended one of the group's meetings and talked about safety concerns.
He initially brought up the idea about creating an app from scratch to Whitesel. However, after doing research, they came across Rave Guardian.
Rave Wireless, which runs the app, is the same company the university uses to send out the emergency text alerts, Peterson said.
Depending on the terms of the contract, the university may or may not have to pay to implement the app, he said.
“This is essential to safety here at Ball State and this is a step forward,” he said. “If there is any opportunity to make this place safer, let’s do it.”
Not only can students use this app on campus, but it works off campus as well, so students can contact Muncie police if they need to, Peterson said.
“Every one student here, whether on campus or off, deserves the right to feel safe,” Peterson said.
The technology is there, so the university should approve it and make the app Ball State’s primary safety application, he said.
The resolution is expected to be read for the first time at the SGA meeting on Wednesday.
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