The suspect detained for the assaults on campus March 25 was released from jail last week, 35 days before the end of his sentence.

Andrew Thomas Plancarte, a 40 year-old-man, was reportedly released early for “good behavior,” although the assault investigations are ongoing.

Though the warning signs with his picture are gone and the residence hall lockdowns are no longer in effect, Director of News and Public Affairs Jim Berscheidt believes students are at the same risk now as they were before.

“The thing is that people always need to be aware of their surroundings,” he said.

“The students are not at more risk now then they were three weeks ago, but that does not mean that students should not pay attention to safety in general.”

The Crime Alert involving the assaults is still available on the Web site, and students can obtain whistles from Campus Safety, but female students on campus are already ahead of the game.

When told about the suspect’s release and asked their opinion, female students responded with very little surprise and a lot of determination.

“I didn’t know that he was free, and that’s kind of interesting to hear,” said freshman Emily Gordon.

“I don’t know that I will do anything different now that he’s out; it will just make me more aware.””I just don’t understand why they would put someone in jail if they’re just going to let him off the hook,” said sophomore Lauren Sarnosky. “I don’t think there is any higher risk now, but girls should still walk places in groups at night.”

Just in case, Berscheidt gave a list of actions that women on campus can take to avoid assault. His list included things such as traveling in pairs and taking the Saferide shuttle at night, which the females on campus seem to already know. Fortunately, conditions may be better now on campus than they were even three weeks ago.

“It’s not dark as early as it was a few weeks ago,” Berscheidt said. “There won’t be as much darkness when students get out of their evening classes.”

Regardless of whether the suspect is in jail or out, Berscheidt and the female students advocate constant vigilance and awareness of surroundings. The Denver police were unavailable for comment on the investigation.