Student Government began working on a lighting initiative during the spring semester to increase security on campus at night, and the long-awaited project should begin its final stage within the next two weeks.
Marcus Alexander, SG director of campus development and political science and sociology senior, said SG members were accompanied by Campus Safety and the LSU Police Department on a walk around campus in search of dimly lit areas.
“We circled the spots that were poorly lit and unsafe,” Alexander said. “Then we turned in our report to Campus Safety and LSUPD on lights that should be fixed or place.”
According to James Mayne, associate director of Facility Services, the light fixtures are in the process of being delivered, and he expects the project to be underway within the next two weeks.
In addition to adding new fixtures on campus, he said the original induction light bulbs will be replaced by new high-pressure sodium bulbs.
“These new bulbs save energy and have better color recognition,” Mayne said. “Overall, they have a better look and a better well-lit.”
The University has received funding for the lighting under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which targets infrastructure development and enhancement.
“After the lighting walks, a contractor from an engineering firm was hired to further enhance the amount of security,” Mayne said.
Jessica Wildes, computer engineering sophomore, said she often goes to the Math Lab in Pleasant Hall at night and thinks there should be more lighting on the walkways.
Taylor Hurst, political science sophomore, said she thinks lighting is adequate in most areas, but some of the parking lots need additional lighting.
“I usually feel pretty safe walking on campus at night unless I hear of something recently happening,” she said. “Some schools have emergency phones that call straight to security. A lot of students don’t have LSUPD’s number, and I think that LSU should look into getting some of the emergency