The Argonaut

Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: News

Age: 18-25, Male, Height: 5-10 to 5-11, Weight: Slender Build, Hair: dark spiky hair, Complexion: Light with noticable acne, Race: Asian

Age: 18-25, Male, Height: 5-8, Weight: Athletic but not stocky, Hair: Thick dark and short, Complexion: Light with a tan, Race: White

Since the alleged sexual assault on campus Jan. 20, the NDNU community has expressed alarm for the victim and for their own safety. To address these issues, Campus Life hosted a community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31, in the SJ 1st lounge.

At the forum, Lt. Dan DeSmidt from the Belmont Police Department announced that a sketch composite was being released of two unidentified young men sought as witnesses to the assault. According to DeSmidt, the two men were reportedly in the hall around the time of the assault.

He stressed that they are not suspects in the investigation but just possible witnesses. "They might have any reason to be in the dorm at night. They might very well be students," said DeSmidt. "We don't have any suspect information."

DeSmidt said that the law forbade him from discussing specifics but explained that they are gathering and evaluating the physical evidence and they are seeking witnesses. He said that they were receiving a lot of cooperation from the campus, and they are conducting interviews to get more information.

According to David Mefford, the chief of public safety, he and NDNU Chief Operating Officer Tim Schickedanz are working together to install cameras in on campus.

"We are looking at putting cameras in certain residential areas in the residence halls," said Mefford. In addition, they are considering implementing lock changes, using an electronic card system to replace keys in an attempt to isolate the floors and to prevent access to the different floors.

Mefford said that they are currently addressing the issues of safety on the campus by having the public safety officers work overtime and by moving their shifts around. New lights will also be installed on the walkway between Taube and St. Mary's.

Mary Oleksy, the director of housing and resident life, said that when a sexual assault occurs, it is important to report it to a campus official. "You have to find someone you can talk to," said Oleksy.

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