Following its annual summer hiatus, the University’s Campus Escort Service will resume operating this Sunday, Aug. 24. For the upcoming fall and spring semesters, the free service will continue to offer the expanded-hours schedule established in early 2008.

Campus Escort Service provides a safe transportation alternative for students, faculty and staff to any location on campus or within a two-mile radius. As of Sunday, the clearly marked escort vans will again operate from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. To request the service, call (775) 742-6808.

“The ride is never too short,” said Monica Thompson, the ASUN escort services coordinator. “We don’t want to find out that somebody didn’t take the time to call or wait for our officers and then find out that something terrible happened.”

Campus Escort launched an additional service at the end of February: a walking escort program. To request a walking escort, students, faculty and staff are directed to call the Campus Escort Service dispatch or stop by the second floor lobby of the new Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center where walking-escorts are on duty 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

At this time, the boundaries for the walking-escort program are Center Street to the south, Evans Avenue to the east, Sierra Street to the west and the Joe Crowley Student Union to the north. For patrons needing to go to the West Stadium Parking Complex or the parking lots north of campus, a van will be sent. However, if wait times are long due to demand, walking escorts will be dispatched for assistance to these areas.

All Campus Escort Service employees are easily identified by their distinct uniforms, which include a white polo shirt and navy blue pants. They are trained, work in pairs of two and remain in radio contact at all times.

“We try to do our best and enrich the lives of others,” Thompson said. “Our courtesy starts with a smile and ends with a safe arrival at the destination.”

The University’s network of emergency “blue light” phones was significantly expanded this summer with the addition of 25 tower-style phones installed across the main Reno campus. Each phone allows quick access to “911” emergency assistance with the push of a button. A second “info” button provides immediate access to Campus Escort Service dispatch.

The Campus Escort Service is available to students, faculty and staff during the fall and spring semesters with limited service on legal holidays. The Campus Escort Service has an open door policy for inquiries, suggestions, comments or complaints. Please take the time to provide feedback, drop by their office in room 334 of the Joe Crowley Student Union, or simply call (775) 784-6341.