Housing and Residential Education officials are warning residents to watch out for a man who has bothered female students living in the Residence Halls by asking them for personal information.
Housing officials sent an e-mail to residents after receiving complaints about a man in his mid-40s who has approached several female students, who are mostly Asian and Asian-American.
Barb Remsburg, associate director of housing, said she has received complaints from students living in the Residence Halls and other places on campus. However, she said the man frequents the Residence Halls because it has a higher population of Asians and Asian-Americans.
“He has been seen walking around the Heritage Commons,” Remsburg said.
The man was described by students as tall, thin and wearing glasses. Although most described him as Caucasian, some described him as Asian-American.
The e-mail said that the man has asked students what their names are, where they live and what part of Asia they’re from. Housing officials urge students to avoid giving out their phone numbers because the man has also been reported to call students continuously.
If he has called after students have asked him not to, officials are encouraging these students to contact the police, because they could compile a report based on harassment.
Remsburg declined to release the man’s name and said she does not know if the man is a U student. Remsburg said she has received similar complaints during past semesters but did not know if they involved the same person.
Sgt. Kent Curtis, who is conducting the investigation for the U Police Department, said that although attempts have been made to contact the man, he has not been arrested because he has not done anything illegal.
In the meantime, Curtis encourages students to avoid men who appear suspicious.
“Do the same thing if you were approached by a stranger,” Curtis said. “If he comes up and talks to you, just walk away.”
Students with more information about the man are encouraged to report suspicious activity to a resident adviser at 587-2000, or the U Police at 585-2677.