The Undergraduate Student Government's Department of Safety will kick off the Campaign for a Safer Penn State tomorrow with a safety fair for children in the Big Brother and Big Sister program and Youth Service Bureau.

Although the department was created to serve students, Department Director Robyn Walls said it is important to give something back to State College residents as well.

"The reason we decided to do it is to include off campus and on campus," Walls said. "We want to promote town safety too and we are bridging the gap between the town and the University."

The fair will feature McGruff the Crime Dog and a fire department and ambulance service demonstrations, among other things, Walls said. Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority is also helping with the fair, she added.

Today, during a formal news conference announcing the week of safety oriented programs, University President Bryce Jordan is expected to make a statement.

During the rest of the week:

-- A self-defense demostration by the Penn State Karate Club will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday in the White Building. The public is invited to attend and participate.

-- A sexual assault awareness program will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday in the HUB Fishbowl. Four speakers will talk about their jobs and services their organizations make available.

Speakers include: Patty Johnstone from the Center for Women Students; Pam Gerber, University victim/witness advocate; and Cathy Bouvier and Karen Weidemann from the Women's Resource Center.

Following the speakers, the movie "Someone You Know" will be shown and speakers will answer questions about the consequences of rape.

-- Mothers Against Drunk Driving member Dot Smith, whose daughter was killed in a drunken driving accident, will speak at 8 p.m. Monday in the HUB Assembly Room. She will note drunken driving and accident statistics.

- The movie "Clean and Sober" will be shown on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the HUB Assembly Room. The movie addresses alcoholism and drug addiction and will be followed by discussion.

-- A program will be conducted by members of the Peer Contraceptive Education Program and the Sexual Health Awareness Resource Program on alcohol and sexuality.

Department of safety member J.P. Muir said a safety device, consisting of a flashlight and beeper, will be displayed at all of the programs. He added that the device costs about $3.

Members of the safety department said they are excited about the week and hope it continues.

"We hope this will carry on," Walls said. "Our main goal is to educate students. These programs are to help students be safer at Perm State and to help make Penn State a safer place."