Sense of Security

Safety on the HutchCC campus

Safety is an important thing, whenever one goes anywhere they want to be safe. When choosing a college, safety can be a deciding factor. If students don’t feel safe, they cannot be comfortable.

When 45 students were asked if they ever felt uncomfortable on the Hutchinson Community College campus, 44.4% said yes. There is currently a student cadet program, but HutchCC does not have any student cadets. Anyone interested can put in an application through Human Resources. A student cadet is similar to a part-time student working in HR or admissions, but a cadet is a student who works part time for the security department.

Student cadets conduct walking patrols around campus assisting staff, students, and visitors. They observe what is occurring around campus and report to the proper department concerning safety issues. If they discover suspicious activity occurring, they are not expected to address the activity themselves, but report it to the police or campus security. After hours they can escort students or staff to the dorms or their vehicles if they don’t feel

◄ In order to evaluate campus lighting, the Student Government Association and Campus Security conducts a safety walk. The annual walk was planned for Feb. 26.

Photo by Sydney Henke

safe walking alone.

“Once a year, a campus safety walk is conducted with staff and students from SGA [Student Government Association] to hear firsthand what safety concerns they have and their ideas to solve them,” David Maness, Coordinator of Campus Safety, said.

Safety is taken seriously at HutchCC. There are many ways students can stay safe on campus. During the fall semester, a selfdefense class was put on by members of the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.

“HutchCC has a safety and security committee that meets once a month. Safety concerns are brought before the committee who prioritize those concerns and find solutions to them,” Maness said.

Out of the 45 students surveyed, 37 percent said they carried a self-defense weapon.

“I carry pepper spray with me,” Madison Richards, Wichita, said.

“Generally speaking, from a personal safety standpoint, students should always be aware of their surroundings,” Sheldon Stewart, Criminal Justice Instructor and

◄ A student keychain showcases examples of common self defense weapons. The whistles were given out at the self-defense seminar held by the Student Government Association during the fall semester.

Photo by Sydney Henke

STAY SAFE

Coordinator, said.

A sense of security is always a nice thing and that is HutchCC’s mission. At their monthly meetings, the safety and security committee discusses about things they want to add to HutchCC.

“One of the most recent additions, with the increased number of active shootings, are ‘Stop the Bleed’ kits. These kits contain first aid supplies aimed towards bleeding control. One of these kits has been added to each campus building which are located near the AED’s. We will be discussing basic first aid and CPR training for staff covering the use of these kits and AEDs,” Maness said.

Besides classes, self-defense weapons and being aware of surroundings, there are also security officers on campus.

“During normal business hours, there is one security officer on duty. After hours and on weekends, there is one security officer on campus and one security officer assigned to the dorms,” Maness said.

HutchCC strives to make campus a safe place for all.

▼ David Maness, Coordinator of Campus Safety, gives out a ticket to a dorm student. Dorm students cannot park in the main lot until after 1:00 pm.

Photo by Sydney Henke

HutchCC Campus Security 620-665-3379 Day & Evening HutchCC Counseling Services 620-665-3377 Regular business hours, M-F

HutchCC Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 620-665-3512 Regular business hours, M-F

Upholding the Spirit of HutchCC

Duke continues to bring energy to fans

Duke’s presence at Hutchinson Community College games is important to players, cheerleaders and fans. Duke brings fun and encouraging energy to those attending sporting events. His loving spirit can be seen when connecting with fans, especially children.

“I enjoy being Duke because of the interactions I have with kids, fans, and other students. These interactions are beautiful,” said Duke.

Duke affects fans and students’ energy at games more than one might realize.It would not be as lively and positive if Duke’s presence was missing.

“Duke brings his unique energy that the whole band can feel. The pep band would not be the same if he didn’t make an appearance,” said Hunter Spoon, Yates Center.

Not only is Duke known for interacting with fans of all ages, he is also known for being fun and goofy. He can be seen with the cheer squad, players, and dance team. Duke danced with the Dragon Dolls during a halftime show on Jan. 29.

“Duke often inspires the cheer squad,” said Kala McElhaney, Spirit Squad Head Coach. “He often interacts with players before games, they love interacting with Duke.”

Keeping Duke’s identity a secret is important to the spirit of the Blue Dragon mascot and the energy he brings to games. To children, Duke is Duke.

“I feel like since Duke is anonymous it allows him to get into it and hype everything up. That allows people to get into it as well and feel a part of it. Games wouldn’t be as fun without him. The band also likes him which allows us to put a lot of energy into what we do,” said Martha Titus, Copeland.

Duke has played a big role in the spirit of HutchCC. For 92 years, Duke has kept the spirit of HutchCC bright and lively.

There isn’t a list of requirements to be Duke, but there are some qualities one would have to have. According to McElhaney, some characteristics of becoming a mascot are being outgoing and uplifting.

Advising future mascots, McElhaney said, “They’d have to get into character and be committed.”

Duke’s presence at sporting events is important to the fans, players, band, and the cheer squad. The spirit of HutchCC would not be the same without Duke the Dragon.

◄ Duke cheers and supports the women’s basketball team. HutchCC won against Garden City with a score of 103-61 on Feb 8.

Photo by Matthew Folkerts

▼ Duke entertains fans by posing for a picture. Duke’s fun and encouraging energy brings joy to fans.

Photo by Matthew Folkerts

► Duke visits with the Prohle family. The Prohle family was visiting from out of town.

Photo by Matthew Folkerts