Nearly half of blue light emergency phones at residence halls have significant functioning problems or do not work at all, according to a Student Senate study.

The study found that 20 of the 42 residence halls had deficiencies. Twelve stations’ lights did not work and another seven emergency buttons did not connect to Ohio University Police Department. In one test, the caller and operatorhad difficulty hearing one another.

Blue lights are emergency units located near almost every building on campus. Students in need can contact OUPD by pressing an emergency button.

After telling OUPD about the senate’s plan, Senator Robin Jones walked around campus to check the lights during Athens Beautification Day April 19 and finished testing the dorms on South Green last week. She and Women’s Affairs Commissioner Sally Neidhard presented their findings to the senate at last night’s meeting.

“This is really important because when incoming freshmen come, you tell them, ‘Look for the blue lights. That’s where you can go if you have a problem,’” Jones said.

In addition to the malfunctions at residence halls, emergency lights near the Convocation Center, Ping Center and Lasher Hall and one free-standing pole behind Ryors Hall also had problems.

The senate unanimously voted to send the results later this week to OU President Roderick McDavis, Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith, Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Residence Life in hopes of change.

Neidhard said that the senate understands the recent budget issues and layoffs but that student safety remains at stake.

“We’re not asking for more of anything. We’re not asking for an addition to something. We’re asking just for maintenance of what we have already,” she said.