Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

In my last higher-education blog, I wrote about planning for how and when to lockdown a campus. Once the task force is in place and working, it’s time to…

In my last higher-education blog, I wrote about planning for how and when to lockdown a campus and the first step of creating a task force to plan for potential problems such as a natural disasters, chemical spills, and a gunman on campus.

Once the task force is in place and working, it’s time to talk with an experienced security systems integrator about helping with a campus risk assessment. This is a chance to look at the strengths and weaknesses of your system in academic buildings, dormitories, parking lots, power plants, and other facilities that impact day-to-day campus functions. The integrator may recommend changes such as adding or moving cameras, increasing lighting, or modifying landscaping.…Read More

I applaud the state of Missouri for taking one of my favorite ideas for deterring campus crime and violence…

I applaud the state of Missouri for taking one of my favorite ideas for deterring campus crime and violence–an anonymous hotline–and moving the concept into the 21st Century.

The state‘s Department of Public Safety recently posted a page on its web site known as “Report It!” As with the hotline, created in 2001, Report It! is intended for use by students, parents and teachers to anonymously report fights, weapons on campus, thefts, and bullying.…Read More

While Twitter delivers quick messages, mass notification systems have several key advantages that make them invaluable to school administrators in an emergency…

Twitter, which started as a way for friends and family to share quick 140-character messages, has gone mainstream. So much so, I’ve even heard suggestions that school districts consider using it as a means to notify parents and students of emergency situations on campus.

It’s an interesting idea. After all, Twitter is free and can reach hundreds, even thousands of followers in seconds. It can reach people by their smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers.…Read More

The recent death of a University of Virginia student and the arrest of her former boyfriend for suspected murder once again casts a shadow over the safety of our nation’s colleges.

The high level of media attention paid to this case and other events gives us a sense that campuses are out of control. In reality, our college and university campuses are safe places.

But administrators could do a better job in some areas……Read More