Students win free swag, learn about campus safety resources at the Department of Public Safety’s annual 'Welcome Wagon'
Droves of students won free gear at the annual event that is hosted twice a semester off campus by Temple University’s Department of Public Safety
As the sun baked on a hot summer day off campus on Tuesday, Aug. 29, Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly was cooking up questions to ask students who were walking by 16th and Berks Streets.
If students answered correctly, then they’d get free swag, like t-shirts, pens and more.
“What we’re doing is a Welcome Wagon, where we give out information to our students and make them aware of all the services that we offer,” Wimberly said.
One question was: What’s the number to the Department of Public Safety? Answer: 215-204-1234.
Another question: When is trash day? Answer: It’s Monday, but students are encouraged to put your trash out Sunday evening.
“Students love the giveaways and we love to see their faces light up when they get to take home free Temple gear,” Wimberly said.
Students were also asked to download the new safety app called TUSafe. The Temple community can use this mobile tool to connect directly with Temple’s Department of Public Safety.
Kyra Knapp, a senior human resource management major, said she’s glad police reminded students like her to download the new app.
Madeline Collyer, a junior marketing major, called the app an improvement from last year’s RAVE Temple Guardian, which will be phased out at the end of September.
“It’s just nice to know that the community cares a lot about us Temple students,” Collyer said.
Vice President of Public Safety Jennifer Griffin said TUSafe offers features such as access to a one-touch panic button, flight maps, and more options to interface with Temple to request walking escorts, report a crime tip virtually and add campus maps.
“The most important thing is that students know that we care and that we’re here to help keep them safe,” Griffin said.
The Welcome Wagon’s second and final day for the semester was held Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Carlisle and Norris streets, where more swag was given away.