SU Department of Public Safety teams with Otto the Orange in new student safety video

SU Department of Public Safety teams with Otto the Orange in new student safety videoAugust 23, 2007Josh Blair

The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) has unveiled its new Student Safety Orientation Video titled “Oh No, Otto!” featuring SU’s beloved mascot in a series of vignettes designed to teach students how to stay safe on campus.

After receiving input from students, DPS Chief Anthony Callisto Jr. determined the best way to inform students of crime prevention tips and services offered by DPS was to produce a short and entertaining yet informative video. The use of Otto in the video was a no-brainer. “Otto is the most recognizable member of the Syracuse University community, and one that even incoming students who have never set foot on campus can recognize,” Callisto says. “We really wanted to set ourselves apart with this video, and having Otto in it not only makes it much more engaging to students, but also much more fun.”

DPS plans to show the video to all incoming first-year students during move-in and residence hall meetings and will reach returning students through hall meetings, safety programs, and DPS tables and booths.

Overall response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the video,” Callisto says. “But the most important thing is that the students take something away from it and actually utilize the safety tips we present in the video, which I am confident they will.”

“Oh No, Otto!” can be seen on the DPS website (http://publicsafety.syr.edu) and also on YouTube, Google Video, the SU Video Showcase (http://video.syr.edu)and the CNY Video Showcase (http://cnyvs.com).