Several offices on campus have launched a campaign to draw students’ attention to their technology usage and how it distracts from the chaos around them. The campaign involves new signs at intersections around campus encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert.
“The idea came from President Pastides’ concern that the increased use of handheld devices and earbuds were making students less aware of their surroundings while trying to navigate any of the campuses,” Koby Padgett, the university communications manager, said.
The campaign was developed by a team involving the offices of Communications and Public Affairs, Student Affairs and Academic Support and Facilities and Transportation.
Walking around campus, it is easy to find students focused on their music, talking to their parents back home or texting their roommates. According to Padgett, making sure students are focused on where they are going will help especially in a busy urban community like Columbia.
While technology use when crossing the street is seen as a problem on campus, some students like first-year pharmacy student Katie Harlacher were careful before they saw the signs.
“I don’t want to get hit by a car, for one …. I use my phone a lot, but not when I’m with other people," she said. "A lot of times I’m usually with other people when I cross the street."
This campus wide initiative is working with students to ensure that everyone can cross the streets safely.
“The goal is to lessen the number of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists across the university system campuses,” Padgett said.