Written by Imari Scarbrough
Safety at Montreat College is generally a top priority. Some students have complained about inadequate snow safety (e.g., icy walkways and wet stairs), but for the most part, students seem content with the campus safety. The nurse attends certain on-campus events when she is able, such as the Downhill Derby, and keeps walk-in hours at the Health and Wellness Center, next to the counselor's office. The nurse has been known to make "house" calls to sick students in the dorms, too.
The main walkways are adequately lit, and most of the parking areas are near the dorms. Police patrol the campus regularly and an emergency phone is available on the library lawn. Nearly all of the "public" phones on campus in the dorms and certain other buildings are accompanied by emergency contact information. The police and fire department also go to the dorms for early-semester introductions and talks on safety procedures; campus police sometimes introduce themselves to students on campus. They are in close contact with the Student Services office, sometimes meeting with the deans to discuss events and procedures. When safety is a concern, the administration, police, nurse, counselor, and fire department all work together as needed to ensure the well-being of students and fix the problem. Prevention is a main priority—hence, the patrols, fire drills, emergency phone and contact numbers, and well-lit pathways.