From a self-defense skills course with a Karate club to a talk featuring members of the Rochester Police Department, a week-long series of events at the University of Rochester aims to increase awareness of student safety on and off campus. Sponsored by Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, the inaugural Self-Defense Week runs from Monday, Nov. 4, through Friday, Nov. 8, and brings together a variety of offices and campus resources dedicated to student well-being.

"We're hoping our events teach students to be aware and proactive about public safety when they're on and off campus," says Nicholas Benjamin '14, Phi Kappa Tau president.

Benjamin said that Phi Kappa Tau, which is just one of the fraternities that resides off-campus, had the safety of their visitors in mind when planning the week. With that in mind, they created a program that features the University's Public Safety Department and the Rochester City Police Department, who will explain their jurisdictions, discuss the difference between Peace Officers and Security Officers, and provide tips for staying safe, both on campus and off.

Co-sponsors of the week include UR Concerts, University Counseling Center, UHS Health Promotion Office, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, MERT, Debate Union, Hatha Yoga, Shotokan Karate, UR Cinema Group, Public Safety, and the Rochester Police Department.

Select Events for Self-Defense Week include:
CPR Training
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., UHS
The University's Medical Emergency Response Team will provide CPR certification.

Gun Control Debate
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Dewey 1-101
The Debate Team and members of Phi Kappa Tau will discuss gun control laws and their impact on schools and society.

Shotokan Karate Club
Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m., O'Brien Dance Studio
Participants will learn basic self-defense skills taught by the Shotokan Karate Club.

Talk with RPD and Public Safety
Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m., Hoyt Auditorium
Officers from RPD and Public Safety will explain their jurisdictions, the difference between Peace Officers and Security Officers, and on-campus versus off-campus safety.