IU sorority members never have to walk home alone thanks to a new group chat.

One student created the chat using GroupMe, a messaging app, connecting over 500 women in the Greek community on campus. IU junior, Layne Sermershiem, believes campus safety is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. She started the “IU Safe Walk Home” GroupMe to connect women of the Greek community and help ensure no student walks home alone at night. “It doesn’t matter what letters you wear across your chest. It doesn’t matter if you’re in this house or that house,” Sermershiem said. “You would still be able to help someone in need.”

Students have used the app to also ask for rides. Sermershiem said most sorority members complained about campus safety concerns  after Greek events, walks home from on-campus buildings after late night studying and using ride-sharing apps, including Uber and Lyft. She believes IU safety can be improved if there were more overhead lights around campus, blue light phones along North Jordan Avenue and a more reliable bus service.

The GroupMe is exclusively for women in the IU Greek community. To join, contact Layne via GroupMe direct message. IU also offers the Safety Escort TapRide service if you are in need of a ride home. The service allows any IU student or faculty a free ride home within city limits. Safe rides are available seven days a week when IU is in session.