The Department of Public Safety and Government of the Student Body Safety Escort Program will be in full force this weekend during Veishea, making sure students get back and forth from buildings safely.

Doug Houghton, DPS program coordinator, said he’s anticipating an increase in service with the upcoming Veishea weekend.

In its first year, the Safety Escort Program was able to serve students better with its use of two golf carts. One golf cart was supplied by GSB and the other one was supplied by DPS.

Houghton said he expects the golf carts to be utilized more this semester.

Depending on the situation, the golf carts won’t always be utilized. Houghton said some escorts will walk and some will travel in the golf carts or the Help Van.

GSB also has helped the Safety Escort Program by setting up a $800 capital depreciation fund for the upkeep of the golf carts. Although the program was funded about $5,000 this year, it was approved for only $700 for 1997-98. Houghton said they received the amount they requested.

He said more money was needed for this year to help with publicity, like keychains and brochures. He said they will utilize the extra keychains, brochures and money to maintain awareness among students.

With 235 escort services made last semester, many students are taking full advantage of the service. Houghton said he expects to see an increase in numbers during the spring semester.

There are many escorts available because, Houghton said, they utilize Student Security Officers.

“The poll of people is quite large because the officers are not exclusive to the escort service,” he said. “That’s one reason why the program works pretty well, because it’s a trained group of students in uniforms.”

The DPS/GSB Safety Escort Program runs seven days a week from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Students who need an escort can call 294-4444.