Think of a time when you caught yourself or someone else not paying attention when crossing the street or walking near a construction zone. Far too often students on campus are distracted when crossing streets or walking past the construction on campus. Whether it is a busy mind or funny text message, it is easy to get caught in the moment. With the construction site in the middle of campus and a busy parking lot, students’ awareness is more important than ever.
Mary Van Eyk, Capital Planning Analyst at Stan State, noticed many students walking past the busy construction zones with earbuds on or looking down at their phones near where heavy machinery around campus is being operated.
Van Eyk offered several tips for students to follow during the busy times on campus. She said students should “look up where they are going” and consider wearing one earbud while walking around on campus.
The parking lot on campus is another busy place where heightened awareness is important, day or night. There are several ways students can get around campus safely and quickly.
Lieutenant Matthew Dillon, University Police Department (UPD), suggested students refer to the links on the university’s website page for the police to learn more about safety in campus parking lots. Dillon said the Warrior shuttle service offered on campus is a great way for students to get back to their cars. 
“This program is especially important when the time changes and most night classes are truly in the dark along with students studying in the library,” Dillon said.
Students can access contact information for the police and the shuttle through UPD’s website. 
Craig Rith, Check-6 Coach, spent most of his career in the military and has been with Check-6 for five years and has traveled across the country to help teach and spread safe ideologies. He explained what the Check-6 initiative is and how we can apply it to our lives.
The phrase “check-6” refers to the location of 6 on the clock face. The term originated during the war when pilots were continually attacked from behind. It refers to checking behind you or watching your back.  
Check-6 is a company that “maximizes human performance,” Rith added. They specialize in optimizing and continuing the safety of others in fields he described as “high reliability” like oil and construction. Their ideology is about looking out for yourself and others while on the job because it could save a life, while also making sure work is efficient.
The Check-6 ideals can be applied in the workforce and in our daily lives. It is important to look out for each other on campus for several reasons, like returning home to our families Rith explained. He suggested that complacency is fought best by “situational awareness.” Complacency is something that impacts everyone and being aware of it is the best way to help yourself and others, according to Rith.
Even though Check-6 focuses on safety in high risk jobs, it is clear their ideologies can be applied to our lives at Stan State. Fighting against complacency and being aware of our surroundings can potentially save a life.