<p>This is one of the colleges my child was thinking of applying to but with the recent postings of rapes, assaults and robberies around the campus involving UDEL students, I am very wary about the school. </p>
<p>Can someone please offer me more insight into what the campus/town is like?
Also, can anyone give info on how the administration is addressing this most important issue with its students.</p>
<p>I don't want to downplay the recent rapes/assaults/etc but the reason why there's been such big press about them is because they don't happen very often. I still feel very safe walking around campus after my 10pm lab gets out. Crime is a problem at any college... UDel is doing what they can to combat the problems. Students have been sent emails regarding this issue and I believe there is a safety forum being held sometime this week. Dorm staff has been extra cautious and I know I have personally been talked to about our building's safety... ie locking doors, reporting outsiders in the building, etc. From what I've read, they police think that three of the incidents were done by the same person. So there's one bad apple at a school of 20,000... I guess because I come from an area which is always near the top when it comes to crime and murders, I don't see that the issues at UD are too big. Overall it's pretty safe. I wouldn't let these recent happenings have any impact on your son/daughters choice.</p>
<p>Anovice, I agree with everything you said except that "there's one bad apple," since nothing I've heard or read gave me the impression that the perp is necessarily a student. The campus and town are open to anyone, and the latest offense took place in a sorority house which, I understand, is not even "on" campus. Any woman at any school has to be aware of common sense issues such as locking doors, not walking alone late at night or in secluded areas, and being cautious with strangers. DD felt safe at UD but still knew better than to tempt fate by going out walking by herself late at night or leaving her door unlocked. Unfortunately there will always be predators just looking for the chance to strike, but in general I think that UD does a good job of protecting the students. </p>
<p>NYS, if you go to the UD web site and click on the "news" section, you can get current info about the situation on campus. Don't let this one person drive you and your child away from UD, it's a wonderful school.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. From all the research I have done regarding the crime in Newark, I think I am gonna have to go with my gut instinct on this. It would have been nice to add UDEL to a list of safety schools but the area of Newark has left a bad taste in my mouth.</p>
<p>It's unfortunate that you won't be looking further into UDel. I am by no means a big fan of UD(as I have looked into transfering) but it is a good school. The school is the epitome of a college town... it's got the beautiful "quad", the quintessential "main street", and lots of character. I looked at lots of schools. I visited many schools. Delaware was a safety for me but I picked Delaware because it was the best value(with scholarships.. not so much without scholarships for out of staters). I encourage you to visit... maybe your opinion will change. There are definitely sketchy areas of Newark but you can most definitely live and go to school at DE without going to those parts (as I do).</p>
<p>hey that's ok, please don't have your kid apply. Newark is awesome and I hope you have luck finding a crimefree college area! And besides, that leaves one more space for those of us who think it's a great school!</p>
<p>nysgoal5,</p>
<p>You had a difficult decision to make and going with your gut instinct is the right thing. If this is your first child going to college you will find latter on that a lot of decisions come down to that.</p>
<p>May daughter is a freshman at UD and my wife and I are worried sick about the situation. Having said that, I have noticed a proactive approach from the university and the fact that the news has been so prominent has had the desirable effect of raising awareness among the students. In addition to the information that has been provided by the school, the students themselves appear to be taking an active role in addressing the problem and trying to minimize their exposure. My daughter makes frequent use of campus security and their services. She often calls them to request transportation from the more remote areas of campus to her dorm in the North Campus area, particularly at night or when she is alone.</p>
<p>Unfortunately UD is not alone. Our son attends school in Pasadena, which is supposed to be a very safe area, but a friend of him got robbed not long ago just outside campus. We live in NJ and similar problems have been reported at Rutgers. This is not to say that misery loves company but rather a consequence of the fact that college students make an attractive target for bad people, almost without exception.</p>
<p>Again, I believe a gut call is the right one but I wanted to share this viewpoint for other people on the board. The problem is certainly worrisome but overall we are very impressed with the school and in particular with the individual attention our daughter is getting from the faculty and administration. I did not anticipate this in a public university.</p>
<p>My daughter is also a freshman at Delaware and while we are not pleased with what is happening, I also believe the university has taken a proactive approach. It is wise to check out the campus security site for any college your child is planning to attend. View the crime statistics and you will see what is happening!</p>
<p>I was down visiting two weeks ago, and saw many signs and posters advising caution while walking home late at night, etc. </p>
<p>I will also agree with what you said about not expecting this response in a public university.</p>
<p>Pretty much everything I've seen at Delaware is on a par with a private univeristy. The faculty are outstanding, as is the abililty to interact with the faculty at every level. The support for the students is wonderful, from academic help, to extracurricular activities, to mentor availability. </p>
<p>I graduated from Lehigh University, and while I am an enthusiastic alum, there are things going on at that school that may concern a parent. So my point is, as you stated, use your judgement. There may be more than one school that is right for your child. </p>
<p>In my opinion, Delaware was a good choice for my daughter.</p>
<p>Crime is a reality and college is not, and SHOULD not be a bubble of self-inflicted isolationism for if it is, it fails to teach people some of the most important values in life. </p>
<p>I agree completely with McHgh:</p>
<p>Pretty much everything I've seen at Delaware is on a par with a private univeristy. The faculty are outstanding, as is the abililty to interact with the faculty at every level. The support for the students is wonderful, from academic help, to extracurricular activities, to mentor availability.</p>
<p>You can't find these opportunities just anywhere - a strong university with a caring heart for the students and community.</p>
<p>It'd be ridiculous to let a few isolated incidents affect your decision. I'm a freshman at the university and I can't praise it enough on all levels, including safety.</p>
<p>Interestingly, one of the "incidents" turned out to be a false allegation. <a href="http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/jan/unfounded010807.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/jan/unfounded010807.html</a></p>
<p>I'm also a freshman. many false allegations have been reported. Though there have been 2 rapes, an incident hasn't occurred in months.</p>
<p>I am a freshman female at UD. After the first rape, everybody in my dorm was understandably freaked out – not only did the attack take place just blocks from our dorm, but, for most of us, it was our first scary situation away from home. And yet, I have never <em>not</em> felt safe at UD. You’ll frequently see cops driving around. People always walk in group. After the rapes, a lot of people, myself included, equipped themselves with pepper spray and/or a whistle. There are “blue lights” all around campus, and there is always at least one in sight. UD does a tremendous amount to make sure the students stay safe, and the students themselves also tend to stick together as well. There is really a strong sense of community at UD, and many students will go out of their way to make sure that their friends never walk around by themselves. </p>
<p>That being said, I truly do not think UD is any “less safe” than most of the schools out there. You are always going to have people who do horrible things regardless of what school you attend. It’s scary, but that’s life.</p>
<p>We are considering the summer program for high school students or perhaps one of the figure skating programs for our daughter. Would you consider the campus safe for a 16 year old? She is pretty savvy about security - has spent a lot of time in NYC. So, is it all about being careful and aware?</p>
<p>And, does anyone know about the program for high school students?</p>
<p>Your daughter should be fine if she has spent a lot of time in NYC. I am sure that she knows that the most important thing is to always be aware and use common sense. The program for high school students seems to be an excellent program for motivated students. I believe that students in the program stay in the Rodney/Dickinson residence hall area. I found a link that may be useful: <a href="http://summercollege.honors.udel.edu/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://summercollege.honors.udel.edu/index.html</a></p>
<p>I'm not familiar with the skating program, but the summer after my sophomore year I participated in UD's Governor's School. We were heavily supervised at all times, were always in groups, etc. While I can't say it would be exactly the same, I'm sure the organizors of the program work to make sure all participants are safe. And if your daughter has spent a lot of time in NYC, I would say she would definitely be fine.</p>