A recent string of sexual assaults at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has left many students there and at neighboring Amherst College fearful for their safety and critical of the university's response.

Since Nov. 2, four women have reported instances of sexual assault--including two reported rapes-- on the UMass campus. Three of these attacks occurred on successive Tuesdays, leading police to believe that they are connected.

Additionally, Amherst police said that two Amherst students reported being pursued by unidentified men this month, although no physical contact occurred.

Although police have released descriptions of each of the alleged perpetrators, they have made no arrests.

Students at both colleges said that the recent attacks have created an atmosphere of fear around campus.

"After five o'clock, no woman walks anywhere alone," Amherst junior Nicole E. Huvelle said. "Everyone's in shock."

"People are avoiding campus; they're avoiding class," said UMass student Eleanor M. Jerome, who is also the attorney general for the university's student government.

Since all of the Tuesday assaults occurred before 7 p.m., Jerome said, women are afraid to go out alone even during daylight hours.