The fear of a dark alley, the long trek from an evening class to a car in an outlying parking lot or the approach of a stranger at night has some Sacramento State students feeling nervous about their safety on campus.

With increased enrollment this year, people are finding that they have to park further away from their classrooms.

The longer walk includes more fear, said one student.

“I feel very unsafe on campus at night,” said Chrissy Grilli, a junior majoring in communication studies. “I?ll just start walking, but as the lights get fewer and fewer towards the levy, I do a mild jog-run.”Shakoya Brown Rivers, a junior also majoring in communication studies, recounted a scary experience.

“My class got out at 8:50 p.m. and it seemed like nobody was on campus,” said Brown Rivers. “It was dark, there were lots of trees and it was really scary.”

While waiting for her husband to pick her up near the Hornet bookstore, a homeless man approached her and tried to make conversation.

Brown Rivers tried to walk away, but the man followed her. Afraid for her safety, she ran to a campus phone and dialed 911.

Campus police responded quickly, but the homeless man left the scene before they arrived.

Brown Rivers? husband, arrived 10 minutes later to find police waiting with his wife.

University police officer Greg Revelez has some advice for students who are on campus at night.

“The main thing is take the night shuttle,” Revelez said.” But if you?re walking to your vehicle, make sure you get your keys ready and check the back seats before you get in.”

The campus night shuttle runs from 5:30?11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and can be reached at 278-7260.

According to its coordinator Jeff Weiler, students appreciate the service.

“It?s definitely a really good program,” said Flint, a sophomore majoring in molecular biology.

After 11 p.m., the university police can be called for an escort.

Revelez said people should stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

“Follow your gut instinct,” Revelez said. “If you feel like there is something wrong with a situation, lots of times there is.”

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