By Sarah Jane Rosser, Staff Writer
Thursday, February 21, 2008 — linois University, both Pfeiffer University and Stanly Community College (SCC) continue to work diligently on keeping their own students safe.
SCC President Dr. Mike Taylor said the tragedy at Virginia Tech forced all colleges and universities to re-evaluate polices and procedures in regards to ensuring, as much as possible, campus safety and security.
“At SCC, we reviewed our critical incident plan and installed a notification system for students, faculty and staff using cell phone technology,” he said.
“We even demonstrated that system with the trustees at their January meeting.”
Multiple school shootings have occurred throughout the U.S., including Columbine High School in Colorado, Virginia Tech, Platte Colorado High School, West Nickel Mines Amish School in Pennsylvania and the most recent Northern Illinois University shooting.
In the last month, news reports indicate three additional school shootings in Tennessee, California and Louisiana.
Pfeiffer University is on track with a new mass notification system called Connect-ED that provides college officials the ability to schedule, send and track specific messages to the campus community within minutes.
“In the wake of recent and past tragedies that have occurred on school campuses, we realized the urgency of effectively communicating to our campus communities if their is an emergency,” Pfeiffer University President Chuck Ambrose said.
Other efforts at Pfeiffer include 24-hour patrol coverage by Misenheimer Police Department, an update of Pfeiffer’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan, assigned building captains for each structure on campus and recent discussions under way about possibly adding additional lighting along U.S. 52 and the installation of an alarm or siren system to alert students of emergency situations and inclement weather.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure safety, so we depend on the entire campus community to be watchful, diligent and to report any unusual activity,” Ambrose said.
Stanly County Schools are also paying special attention to news reports regarding school shootings and continuing to take measure to keep children safe.
A buzzer system is in place at all elementary schools with the exception of the new Central Elementary School, which is being pursued, according to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Angela Mills.
The system allows the operator at the front desk to judge a person before he or she is let in the building during school hours.
The high schools are equipped with cameras due to the comings and goings, making it nearly impossible to place a buzzer system available.
“All of our schools work hard on their emergency management plans,” Mills said.
“We want to be as prepared as we possibly can.”
Sarah Jane Rosser can be contacted at snaponline26@yahoo.com.
