Campus Vulnerability (From Violence on Campus: Defining the Problems, Strategies for Action, P 17-28, 1998, Allan M. Hoffman, John H. Schuh, et al., eds, -- See NCJ-186198)

• NCJ Number: 186200
• Author(s): John H. Schuh
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Aspen Publishers, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In discussing selected factors and conditions that contribute to campus vulnerability to violent acts, this chapter identifies the physical and psychological conditions that contribute to such vulnerability.

Abstract

The physical conditions that contribute to campus vulnerability to violent crime are the administration's emphasis on making the campus accessible to the public; making a wide variety of buildings available to campus visitors, including classroom buildings, libraries, and laboratories; having some facilities and services accessible during nights and weekends; offering a wide variety of campus events to the general public; having administrators and faculty accessible on campus; and the permanence of campus locations, some of which become surrounded by high-crime areas over time. Psychological factors complement the physical conditions of college campuses to increase their vulnerability to violent behavior. Such psychological factors include the cultivation of trust and respect for diverse forms of self-expression and behavior; controversy as a central dynamic of college life; the prevalence of various forms of substance abuse among students; the stress of campus social and academic life; and the relatively short period of time for involvement in college life, reducing the likelihood of a psychological investment in the institution. It is likely that many colleges and universities will take measures to strengthen their police services as violence touches more and more campuses. 38 references