College campuses should always be safe spaces, but with diverse student bodies and a constant buzz of activity, clear communication, safety protocols, and emergency contingency plans are not always top priority. In a recent survey of undergraduate and graduate students, 56% worry about campus safety, and 60% say that campus safety was a factor they considered when choosing their college.
With that in mind, it’s crucial to invest in tools and resources that enhance the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff and attract prospective students and new hires. Below are three ways colleges and higher learning institutions can use technology to prioritize safety while keeping things fun.
1. Prioritize Clear and Consistent Communication
Large campuses can create communication silos, making it difficult for people to receive important information promptly. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and staff and students must respond quickly.
Integrating business radios or emergency alert systems ensures critical information is disseminated during emergencies and day-to-day operations. Additionally, leveraging mobile apps, digital signage, and social media platforms enables real-time updates, event notifications, and community engagement, fostering a dynamic and connected campus.
Multiple communication channels ensure that critical information reaches individuals through various means, reducing the risk of missed messages. By integrating all these tools, campuses can create a reliable communication ecosystem to ensure nothing goes unnoticed.
2. Streamline Events and Coordinate Recreational Activities
Campus events make student life great, but the logistics for staff can be a headache. Access to communication tools dedicated to radio channels or group chats can help event coordinators and staff operate smoothly without disruption, delivering a better experience for everyone involved.
Staff members should also be cautious of external forces that disrupt their event or activity. Whether it’s severe weather or an emergency alert, campuses should have a system that allows notifications as soon as possible. Some radios offer advanced features such as weather and emergency alerts, keeping safety top of mind and helping streamline outdoor recreational activities. By providing timely updates, organizers can make informed decisions to ensure the well-being of participants.
3. Be Prepared to React Effectively
Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, so being prepared to react efficiently and effectively is critical. Service issues, whether it’s poor cell coverage, network overload, or outages, can be the main reason communication challenges arise during emergencies.
Traditional communication methods such as cell phones and landlines may not always be fast enough or reliable. Ultimately, having multiple methods of communication is the best way to be prepared. Two-way radios offer instant connection between security personnel, allowing for a quicker response for emergencies or suspicious activity. This immediate action can make all the difference in ensuring campus safety. Additionally, radios are not dependent on external networks, making them extremely reliable communication tools. This is crucial when traditional communication infrastructure may be compromised.
By implementing these simple yet effective communication strategies and tools, colleges can create a more connected, efficient, and enjoyable environment for all and foster a sense of unity among students, faculty, and staff.
