University of Iowa officials are urging students to "take precautions" after three recent assaults reported on campus. Thomas Rocklin, the University of Iowa’s interim vice president for student services, sent an e-mail to all U-of-I students on Wednesday, urging "everyone" on campus "to be vigilant."
Rocklin’s advisory comes after three recent assaults in which men attacked other men. One occurred early Sunday, October 19th, when two men told police they were "jumped" by a group of men, but people nearby started yelling and the group ran off.
The university’s V.P. said in his e-mail that while campus police and Iowa City police patrol the area, they "can’t be everywhere at once, so safety must be a responsibility shared by students and other people." He advised students not to walk alone in isolated areas late at night or early in the morning. Joggers and bicyclists were advised to stay on well-lit roads and paths, and to vary the routes and times they exercise.