Madison Central High School, Lafayette College, Widener University, and Western Delta University are all taking steps to enhance campus security and foster a sense of community on their campuses.
Madison Central High School has implemented increased police security measures following a series of physical altercations between students. The school board is treating the situation seriously, and students involved may face expulsion. As a precautionary measure, there will be a heightened law enforcement presence on campus. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns and to discuss the consequences of inappropriate social media use with their children [9bb11f2a].
The crisis management team at Lafayette College is making changes to campus security procedures, with the goal of improving prevention, response, and recovery in emergencies. One of the main changes is switching the Leopard Alerts system from opt-in to opt-out. The team is also considering adding additional warning sirens to some buildings. The communication group is working on promoting transparency during emergencies. The changes are expected to be finalized soon, and campus members can refer to the Public Safety Annual Security Report for more information [adaa470b].
Widener University has developed a holistic understanding of safety that includes physical and personal well-being. The safety officers at Widener are leading the charge to infuse a sense of belonging across the institution. Anthony Pluretti, the executive director of Campus Safety, brought a collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, re-envisioning the purpose of the safety department to put student success at the center. The safety officers increased communication with various stakeholders and replaced their formal police-like uniforms with friendlier attire to be more approachable. They also changed the shift schedule to increase overlapping coverage and reduce crime. Stacey Robertson, the university president, emphasizes the importance of infusing belonging across the entire community. The safety department leads with kindness and compassion, providing assistance and support to students. They also engage in mini-celebrations and expressions of gratitude to foster a culture of care. The new culture of care has led to innovative thinking about physical safety, with enhancements to security that prioritize community-building and well-being. Anthony Pluretti was named Campus Safety Magazine's Higher Education Director of the Year in 2022. Widener University is committed to creating a safe and inclusive campus environment [ea5bd1f7].
Last Thursday, robbers attacked the Western Delta University (WDU) in Nigeria, entering the main hostel, harassing students, and stealing mobile phones and power banks. No serious injuries were reported due to the quick intervention of security agencies. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe, assured parents and students of safety and stated that measures had been put in place to enhance security. Investigations are ongoing, and the university is working with security agencies to apprehend and punish the perpetrators. The campus is secure, and the university is prioritizing student welfare and wellbeing [7ec6bda4].
In addition to these efforts, the University of Wisconsin Green Bay is organizing the Campus Safety & Security Walk, an event where students, faculty, and staff can engage in open dialogue and walk with University Leadership to discuss and address concerns related to security and safety on campus. The event aims to highlight areas of concern such as inadequate lighting, overgrown shrubs, and traffic or pedestrian safety. The walk will start at The Learning Center on the second floor of the Cofrin Library at 5:30 pm [3d9b829b].