February 2008

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The safety of our campus is important to all of us. It is important for you to know that the University has an Emergency Response Plan that is reviewed regularly and can be implemented quickly should we face a crisis or emergency. Specific University faculty and administrators are trained and ready to respond should the need arise.

The communication of important emergency information to the campus community is an ongoing topic of serious planning and discussion. In the event of a campuswide crisis, the following methods will be used to communicate important information to the campus:

• Blast email messages that can be sent and received within minutes
• Text messages through AlertBG
• The BGSU Web site
• Communication from police officers from their patrol cars
• Residence hall directors, resident advisors and Greek Affairs staff
• Campus media (BG 24 News, WBGU-FM 88.1, WFAL-AM 1610)

We strongly encourage everyone—faculty, staff and students—to register his or her cell phone number with the University through the AlertBG system to insure the fastest possible personal notification in the event of emergencies, whether related to weather, crime, building closures or other University-related critical situations.

For those who reside in University housing, our residence hall and Greek Affairs staff are well trained to respond to crises and emergencies. These staff members will be a valuable communication link in a time of crisis or emergency. In addition, entry into University residences during specified hours requires the use of a personal entry device, or PED. We ask for complete cooperation in maintaining the security of all living units by not propping open locked doors or allowing strangers to enter the building behind you.

It is essential that every member of the campus community take a personal role in campus safety. Please help secure the campus by observing campus safety polices and making wise personal safety decisions.

Thank you for your assistance in making BGSU a safer environment for everyone.

Edward G. Whipple, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs