Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

A rise in sexual violent crime at Ohio University led to this study. The purpose of this study is to analyze and determine potential associations between Ohio University students' perception of risk based on crime and lighting levels on campus, so that recommendations can be made to improve campus safety. Results from the analysis indicated that individuals related lighting levels to perceived safety but were unable to specify a crime area according to perceived risk. Recommendations include investigating lighting levels for pathways that are well traveled as well as considering other solutions preferred by students. These solutions could include a safety app that would document crime areas on campus, a nightly chaperon service, and self-defense classes for students are also recommended.

Committee: Diana Schwerha (Advisor); Dale Masel (Committee Member); Tim Ryan (Committee Member); Dean Bruckner (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Occupational Safety

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Youngstown State University, 2023, Department of Criminal Justice and Consumer Sciences

This exploratory study examines the difference in reporting of Clery Act crimes at public institutions of higher education with and without a designated campus police department. This study examines the differences in Clery Act reporting within four categories: criminal offenses, arrests, student disciplinary referrals, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses. Secondary data analysis was selected from the U.S. Department of Education's Campus Safety Data Analysis Cutting Tool and College Navigator along with a purposive and random sample comprised of 31 institutions with and 31 institutions without a designated campus police department with student enrollment over 10,000. As anticipated, results showed a statistical difference in criminal offenses, arrests, disciplinary referrals, and VAWA offenses. Additionally, specific institutional characteristics such as, enrollment, student-to-faculty ratio, tuition, minority population, graduation rate, retention rate, and poverty rate, appear to increase higher crime rates on campus. Lastly, the presence of a designated campus police department is not the most significant predictor for criminal offenses, arrests, disciplinary referrals, and VAWA offenses. Further research is recommended, such as a longitudinal study, to further examine the role of a designated campus police department.

Committee: Christopher Bellas PhD (Advisor); John Hazy PhD (Committee Member); Charles VanDyke EdD (Committee Member) Subjects: Criminology

Master of City and Regional Planning, The Ohio State University, 2019, City and Regional Planning

The built environment has been known to effect perceptions of safety, and many tools and theories have been created to measure and address the characteristics of the built environment that effect these perceptions of safety the most. A new movement in city planning, Gender Mainstreaming, has emerged out of the need to create cities that are more inclusive to women and people of all genders. This study aims to analyze the gendered perceptions of safety around the Ohio State University's Columbus Campus through a safety audit and subsequent narrative and photo reflections. This multi-faceted study produced findings including significant differences in perceptions of safety between men and women, especially in unsafe areas, and differences in the ways that men and women interact and internalize characteristics of the built environment as they relate to their perceived safety. Further, the stress of constant surveillance and fear of their surroundings limits women's access to opportunities in their college carrier.

Committee: Jason Reece PhD (Advisor); Bernadette Hanlon PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Urban Planning; Womens Studies