Daytime is usually the best time for a guided tour of the University of Houston’s scenic campus. An upcoming exploration of the university, however, will take place long after sundown to focus on areas that are potential security risks.

UH is hosting its third Walk in the Dark starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 9. This event will begin in front of the University Center on University Drive and is free and open to the entire campus community.

Led by members of Plant Operations and the UH Department of Public Safety, this tour is designed to observe parts of the campus that might lack sufficient lighting or pose safety hazards such as sections of uneven pavement or landscaping that obstructs visibility.

“The first two events have provided the university with useful information,” said David Irvin, associate vice president of plant operations. “The recent installation of security cameras and various lighting projects were directly inspired by recommendations made by students during the first two Walks.”

Among the observations made during these Walks was the lack of lighting near the UH Law Center. Now, the nearby parking lots are enhanced with additional lighting and security cameras are firmly in place.

It also was noted that the M.D. Anderson Library, which maintains late hours, needed supplementary lighting. This prompted additional exterior lighting to be installed while construction crews worked on the library’s expansion project.

The Walks have also prompted changes in existing lighting. Round globe lights that were used in areas of campus including Entrance 14 were found to be only modestly effective. Now, the globes on Entrance 14 have been replaced with more energy efficient lighting that lasts three times longer and provides three times the amount of light on the sidewalks.

“Eventually, all of the globe lights on campus will be replaced with the type of lighting currently used around Entrance 14,” Irvin said.

He added that Plant Operations has budgeted $250,000 to be allocated toward improving pedestrian lighting on campus. Once the new parking garage is complete, additional funds will be applied toward the improvement of parking lot lighting.

Past Walks have included members of the Student Government Association and the UH System Board of Regents.

Malcolm Davis, chief of police, feels that this event is helpful for the UH community because it also opens the channels of communication between the UH community and those assigned to serve and protect it.

“When we’re patrolling campus, we sometimes don’t see the campus in the same way a student or staff member does,” Davis said. “Our officers are armed and have radios and back-up. When we hear from the faculty, staff and students, it helps open our eyes to certain things that need to be addressed. Thanks to this event, the university has acted on concerns and made definite improvements.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu