Campus Safety
UW–Madison suffered the tragic loss of one of our students, Brittany Zimmermann, on Wednesday, April 2. Zimmermann was found slain in her off-campus apartment on Doty Street in downtown Madison.
The Madison Police Department is heading the investigation and has released few details.
Although an event like this is extremely unsettling, it is very uncommon, as Madison is a generally safe community. The UW–Madison Police Department and Madison Police have increased their patrols and doubled the number of SAFEwalk escorts in the wake of this incident.
We encourage you to talk with your student about safety. To start the conversation, ask how he or she has been feeling about safety on campus and downtown.
Urge your student to take advantage of free SAFE transportation programs. SAFEwalk provides escorted walks from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily. SAFEride buses run throughout campus and surrounding areas from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6:30.p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. SAFEride Cab, offered 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily, is available when students occasionally are without other safe transportation options.
In addition, remind your student to take personal responsibility for safety, including remaining aware of surroundings; walking in groups; using lighted paths when walking at night; locking doors and windows at all times; keeping friends and family informed about where they are going and who they are with; carrying a cell phone; and calling 911 immediately if they feel threatened.
For more information about campus safety, contact the Parent Program.