The preliminary results of a safety survey have shed some light on Ohio U. students’ anxiety about some dark spots on and near campus.

The Presidential Advisory Council for Campus Safety conducted a Campus Safety Perception Survey in April 2010 and lighting was identified as a concern, said Joe Adams, director of Environmental Health and Safety, in an e-mail.

During the past two years, OU’s Student Senate has voted on resolutions or listened to presentations regarding problems with campus lighting. Most recently, OU added lights to Emeriti Park on Oxbow Drive.

“Outside lighting on campus is definitely a concern, but it cannot necessarily be measured in numerical terms,” said Elizabeth Herron, an at-large student senator for University Life.

The main areas of concern include Jeff Hill and around Baker University Center.

“The primary area identified on campus was the area between Baker Center and Clippinger/Edwards Accelerator,” Adams said.

No specific amount of money is set aside to pay for improvements to outside lighting on campus, he said, adding that OU uses money from the general maintenance fund and other improvement projects for upgrades.

Baker Center and Jeff Hill are not the only places where students would like to see more lighting.

There are some areas “in deep South” that could use more, said Marissa Couto, a junior studying psychology.

“Overall, they do a pretty good job,” she said.

Good outside lighting does not always guarantee safety, however.

“Walking alone is a concern no matter how bright the lighting is,” Herron said.

OU reported seven forcible rapes in 2007, four more than the previous year, according to the most recent Clery Report. OU also reported 48 burglaries in 2007, compared to 45 in 2006.

The Clery Report, released annually, details the number of crimes committed on or near college campuses.

Increased outside lighting is not likely to have a significant impact on safety and crime rates, said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers.

“We strive to educate students and raise awareness about crime prevention and personal safety, as these methods are more likely to help students reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime,” Powers said.

The advisory committee is still reviewing the results of the safety survey.

“A new lighting standard is being developed, and areas not meeting this standard will be upgraded,” said Adams.