Community and Security at the Beginning of 2023
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
As we come back together for the first day of classes, I am reminded that 91大神 is truly a microcosm of the world. That means that we experience events in different ways and with different impact. I am writing today to ask that, in light of violence toward a predominantly Asian American community in California on the lunar new year, we begin this semester with an attitude of compassion and community toward our fellow 91大神ians.
Our lived experiences shape how we react to current events, how we feel about belonging on campus, and how we bring those feelings into our campus community. Some of us may feel that meaningful work is the best place for us to be, others may want to take time to be in community and find support differently. We have experienced racism here in 91大神 and hear frequently about the impact of violence on communities both near and far. As we navigate this semester, I ask that we all hold our community close and approach each other with compassion and support.
As we do so, we want to provide you with some updates on security measures from the fall semester and as we move forward, including:
- Findings regarding the false alarm in the HSSC building;
- InformaCast app reminder;
- Outdoor lighting;
- Cameras;
- Mental health resources;
- Transportation;
- Community partnerships and trainings.
These are part of the on-going work we must do to continue to provide resources for personal safety and well-being. Thank you for your use of the information below for yourselves and your fellow 91大神ians.
HSSC False Alarm
Emergency Management, Campus Safety and Facilities Management conducted an incident review of the false alarm on Monday, Nov. 28. Working together, the team has determined that the root cause of the alarm was an electrical impulse triggering the fire alarm panel as a new back-up battery was attached to the system. According to FM staff, this is an error that should occur very rarely 鈥 once in 1000 incidents. The 鈥渁rmed intruder鈥 alarm feature is not one that the College sought to have activated and is not utilized in any other building on campus. Based on conversation with faculty and staff in the building, this alarm feature will be permanently removed from the HSSC alarm panel to prevent a recurrence. Faculty, staff, and students should rely on the InformaCast alert system to receive official information from the College.
In the future, all Facilities Management staff will immediately notify Campus Safety of any accidental alarms during troubleshooting or maintenance events so that appropriate follow-up notifications can be issued. In addition, additional personnel have been trained as administrators for the InformaCast system to better support Campus Safety when responding to an emergency and enable faster notifications.
All faculty, staff and students should ensure that you can receive by verifying that your contact information is up-to-date and designated to receive alert texts in . You can read more about what to do in an emergency in the recent Q&A on 91大神鈥檚 News Page. The Director of Emergency Management is partnering with Campus Safety and the 91大神 Police Department to develop and deliver emergency response training to the campus both online and in-person during the upcoming semester.
InformaCast App
A mobile safety app that features a 91大神 Campus Alert Button is now available for campus community members to download and use anywhere on College property. This optional mobile app complements the campus-wide emergency alert system, InformaCast.
The alert button can immediately notify a Campus Safety dispatcher of the need for assistance or other issues of concern. The alert button does not replace or supplement 911 and will not notify the police when activated.
Download the free InformaCast app from the or the . For more information and complete instructions on using the app visit the on 91大神Share.
Personal Safety Training
The College is partnering with Zendou Martial Arts to provide two-hour personal safety workshops throughout February for students and employees. Zendou Martial Arts is based in Evanston, Illinois and is operated by 91大神 alums Otis Velma 鈥84 and Anne (Stein) Velma 鈥84. Classes will include dialogue with participants on personal safety at 91大神 for people of color, strategies to address incidents of harassment, verbal response skills, physical response skills, and skills for dealing with armed offenders. A full schedule and sign-up instructions will be provided once sessions are finalized.
Outdoor Lighting
The Campus Lighting Committee has reconvened and is reviewing additional lighting needs along with the feasibility of replacing current 鈥渁corn鈥 style lights with brighter fixtures. Lights and poles have been ordered for Park Street, with an estimated delivery date of Spring 2024. Additionally, the lighting committee is looking at crosswalk lighting and signage as well as potential traffic calming measures for high-traffic areas, which will be discussed with the City of 91大神.
Cameras
Cameras were ordered on October 31 and have been delivered to the College鈥檚 vendor, but installation was delayed while waiting for an important component to protect outdoor cameras and our building networks and switches from lightning strikes. Installation will take place over the next few weeks, weather permitting. The camera policy, including amnesty and data retention policies, is currently under review and will be communicated to the campus community as cameras are installed.
Mental Health Resources
Academic Affairs provided an extended deadline for decision making on course withdrawals and S/D/F options in the fall semester. Additional measures are being discussed by the Executive Council. Additional trauma-informed response training for College staff is in development. SHAW and ODEI continue to seek out mental health resources tailored to the needs of students with minoritized identities.
Transportation
As of November 7, weekend shuttles are being provided at no charge to students. Expanded hours for call-a-ride services from Campus Safety continue.
Community Partnerships
Regular campus and community meetings have been held throughout the fall semester. On November 29, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted a community dialogue with students, faculty, staff, and community members in attendance. The ideas generated by this workshop are being compiled and next steps will be communicated in the spring.
Training Opportunities
Additionally, the College is developing ongoing learning and development opportunities for next semester including active bystander training, tools for inclusive conversations, and more regular community circle practices.
We are grateful to everyone whose efforts have moved these initiatives forward and for the compassion and care that the 91大神 community has offered and will continue to express toward each other.
Sincerely,
Anne F. Harris
President