It has been over a full year since the crossing guards were instituted to work on campus to help students and staff travel across the busy Mullica Hill Road. Along with pedestrian safety, the speed of traffic itself has become more manageable as drivers become more conscientious instead of blazing through the speed limit. 

Maximus Ramos, a freshman in the law and justice major, is a frequent user of the crossing guards and expressed how he finds the crossing guards to be a beneficial addition to Rowan’s campus. 

“The crossing guards are always friendly, and they wish students to have a good day. They are also pretty attentive and have gotten good at directing traffic for the drivers,” Ramos said.

Sophomore Zaria James, in the pre-business major, has experienced the university before the crossing guards became a part of campus and has felt the changes in how the guards allow her to feel secure while walking the crosswalk.

“The crossing guards definitely keep it safer. I feel more confident crossing, and it makes it a less conscious decision instead of fearing a car hits you,” said James. “Even the other students feel less inclined to jaywalk when they can rely on the guards.”

James had also mentioned one of the concerns that came with the guards was that they don’t stay later into the night. The hours that the crossing guards are available are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Morning crossing guard Vince Bristow has been at Rowan for five months and enjoys his time working for the campus. 

“It genuinely feels good to help the students since cars don’t stop on this road for anything. Also, plenty of staff members are able to take their time and feel safe about traveling back and forth,” Bristow.

Other crossing guards include Justin Mateo, who has been at Rowan for four months, working during the night.

“I like the people I work with, and the students have been pretty great too. The only issues I could ever have with the job are the bad drivers that speed down the street,” Mateo said. 

When asked about how the night shift ends two hours before classes finish for the night, Mateo added his thoughts.

“I have considered staying until students are done, but I trust that as adults, pedestrians and drivers would play it safer at night. Especially since the traffic signs light up and are clearer to see,” said Mateo.

Overall, students and even the guards have a good relationship with the campus and each other, which allows the crosswalks to be safer than they’ve ever been.

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