Campus security and questions of what has changed since Oct . 1 are still on the minds of many. Changes in security began last term and are continuing. Besides the deputy who is already on patrol, additional security staff have been requested in a grant that will go before the Oregon legislature in February.
Over 100 new door locks have also been ordered and will arrive in about two to three weeks. Private funding paid for the dual system locks, according to Susan Taylor, Foundation director. Installations will occur Fridays and through the weekends until all are in place.
Each department has a first responder for emergencies with some buildings having at least one back up responder. These individuals are trained in how to respond to a crisis and have a list of duties to perform, from making sure the area is clear, to performing effective lock-down if required. Each responder also has a kit with a satellite phone for sustained communication. The outlines for a lock-down and evacuation procedure can be found on the UCC website.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility, so we have to be aware of situations and plan ahead on what we would do in any kind of crisis,” said interim President Walter Nolte. “Be aware of your own surroundings.”
Fire drills will begin again Feb. 1. Faculty and staff will be informed ahead of time as to when and in which buildings the drills will take place. The Emergency Alert system, which failed on Oct. 1, is still being tested.
“That’s why we do these things, to see where things aren’t working,” Nolte said.
Other types of drills are also in the works for the future. The issue of whether individuals can opt out of participating in the drill is still undetermined at this time.
“After the locks are put in place and we go through everything, the County Sheriff’s Department has offered to come out and help us do a drill,” said Lee Salter, Community Relations director.
Long term plans for UCC’s increased security include asking for additional grants to go towards recovery efforts, enhancing security and increasing alert systems. Proposals for grants will be submitted to the state of Oregon, the federal Department of Justice and the federal Department of Education.
“Some of those have to do with the emotional and psychological well being of our faculty and staff, “ said Nolte.
Funding for a future Behavior Intervention Team is also being sought. A Student of Concern form is available online for faculty and staff to fill out should they see a student in crisis. Students who see a concern can speak to any staff or faculty member.
“Like I said before, security is everyone’s responsibility,” Nolte reiterated.
Lock down procedures and Evacuation procedure:
https://www.umpqua.edu/emergencies/lockdown-procedure
https://www.umpqua.edu/emergencies/evacuation-precedure
Student of Concern Form:
Revised Feb 3, 2016 Added links.