Both of my daughters have said that they have never felt unsafe on Carleton's campus. My daughter who is a current junior feels comfortable walking alone at any time of day or night, and she and her friends leave their room doors unlocked without incident. They also have no concerns about leaving their laptops and other items unattended in public spaces.
Northfield is a charming small town, and the neighborhood surrounding Carleton is filled with families, which perhaps adds to the feeling of safety in the area. I think that Carleton is also helped by the lack of a Greek system, which can sometimes be fraught with bad behavior. This is not to say that Carleton students do not have an active social and party life, but they really do look out for each other and take care of one another. In the seven years that I have had a daughter on campus, I have never once worried about their safety.
Safety on campus can be defined in a myriad of ways. First and foremost my daughter has expressed that she is safe and comfortable on campus at all times whether it is returning to her dorm late at night, early morning workouts, or being driven by kind security personnel to the hospital for an injury. She describes the student body, staff and general community on campus to be inclusive and supportive allowing her voice to be heard. Coming from a diverse Bay Area / California community this was an integral part of her decision making process before committing to 4 years in the mid-west. She has surrounded herself with a warm and supportive family of Carls.
Carleton has a number of resources for mental health, safety, finding affinity groups etc, available, and awareness brought to students through multiple platforms including social media, email, and posters around campus. Advisors and faculty are available and easily accessible as a tremendous resource, as a sounding board, and to steer our young adults in their decision making processes whether academic or otherwise.
Please reach out directly if I can help answer any questions pertaining to safety on campus or anything else. Best wishes and hope your rising freshman will soon be a Carl.
Questions and Comments
Both of my daughters have said that they have never felt unsafe on Carleton's campus. My daughter who is a current junior feels comfortable walking alone at any time of day or night, and she and her friends leave their room doors unlocked without incident. They also have no concerns about leaving their laptops and other items unattended in public spaces.
Northfield is a charming small town, and the neighborhood surrounding Carleton is filled with families, which perhaps adds to the feeling of safety in the area. I think that Carleton is also helped by the lack of a Greek system, which can sometimes be fraught with bad behavior. This is not to say that Carleton students do not have an active social and party life, but they really do look out for each other and take care of one another. In the seven years that I have had a daughter on campus, I have never once worried about their safety.
Safety on campus can be defined in a myriad of ways. First and foremost my daughter has expressed that she is safe and comfortable on campus at all times whether it is returning to her dorm late at night, early morning workouts, or being driven by kind security personnel to the hospital for an injury. She describes the student body, staff and general community on campus to be inclusive and supportive allowing her voice to be heard. Coming from a diverse Bay Area / California community this was an integral part of her decision making process before committing to 4 years in the mid-west. She has surrounded herself with a warm and supportive family of Carls.
Carleton has a number of resources for mental health, safety, finding affinity groups etc, available, and awareness brought to students through multiple platforms including social media, email, and posters around campus. Advisors and faculty are available and easily accessible as a tremendous resource, as a sounding board, and to steer our young adults in their decision making processes whether academic or otherwise.
Please reach out directly if I can help answer any questions pertaining to safety on campus or anything else. Best wishes and hope your rising freshman will soon be a Carl.