Two sexual assaults on campus during the first week of classes are under investigation at George Mason University.
The assaults reportedly happened in residence halls over the Labor Day weekend.
Police believe they’ve identified suspects in each assault.
“These two incidents really have focused the community on the fact that sexual assault occurs here, and it’s both given us an opportunity to remind students to be vigilant, to take care of each other, to take care of themselves, but also know what the resources are that exist on campus,” Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell said.
The school sent alerts about the assaults to students, who told News4 it’s raised their awareness.
“I’ve never heard of this happening until now,” freshman Taylor Kestner said. “My roommate and I are great at the buddy system. We carry pepper spray on us, we are always alert of our surroundings, we don’t come back to our dorm late. So it just reminds us to look around and know who we’re bringing into the building at all times.”
School officials do not believe there’s a greater threat to students.
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“I don’t feel unsafe,” junior Kendall Lawhorn said. “I just think that people really need to be aware of their surroundings.”
