If you are heading off to college next fall, you have probably visited the campus and are honing in on the classes you plan to take. You may have checked out the dorms and are dreaming about how you will decorate your space, wondering what will your roommate be like – and thinking about how much you will enjoy your new-found freedom.

But have you thought about how to stay safe on campus?

To help you further prepare for college, the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club is sponsoring “Campus Fighting Chance,” a crash-course on street smarts for students who will be living independently for the first time.

Taught by representatives of the Lemont Police Department, Illinois State Police, Guardian Angel Community Services and the Illinois Emergency Room Nurses Association, Campus Fighting Chance will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Lemont Police Department at 14600 127^th St.

Topics will include traveling safely on foot, by car and public transit; protecting your personal property from being ripped off, safely living in a dorm setting, reducing the risk of robbery while using an ATM, preventing identity theft – and avoiding the pitfalls of campus socializing, such as preventing sexual assault, stalking, the dangers of drugs and alcohol and more.

“According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, one in five young women in college report being sexually assaulted,” said Samantha Gehrig, prevention coordinator for Guardian Angel Community Services. “Campus Fighting Chance can provide college-bound students with information and tools to increase their safety during their college years and beyond.”

The fee for the course is $25, and includes a pizza lunch. Registration forms are available at the Lemont Police Department or may be downloaded from the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club website by clicking here. 

Registration and fees are due by April 12 to Theresa Vasvery, 10 Auburn Ct., Lemont, IL  60439. Class size is limited, so early registration is recommended.

For more information call Sgt. Therese Thompson at 630-257-2229 or email tthompson@lemont.il.us.

“Registering your child in Campus Fighting Chance will be your cheapest college purchase,”  Thompson tells parents of college-bound students. “But I believe it will be invaluable.”

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