Dear Colleagues,
The University’s recent review of our safety notifications identified opportunities to make improvements in both communication and training. The cross-departmental group that conducted the review made several significant recommendations that we will implement over the next few months.
Communications:
Wright State University places the safety and security of its students, employees, and visitors as its highest priority. Wright State has a comprehensive emergency notification system called Wright State Alert that can send emails, text messages, or phone calls. The purpose of this system is to keep students and employees informed about emergencies and life-threatening situations on campus.
The Wright State Alert system is populated by the University with student and employee email addresses. However, due to federal requirements, students or employees who desire to receive text messages or phone calls must log into the system to add their mobile number. Not adding a mobile number means you will only receive an email communication, which may not be timely in certain situations.
Therefore, we feel it is IMPERATIVE that all employees should opt into the Wright State Alert system with a mobile phone number. And please ensure that your information remains up to date.
Training:
As an institution of higher education, Wright State understands that we can all benefit from continuous learning. Understanding safety responses and how to navigate situations is foundational to a healthy and successful campus community.
Safety
All employees are required to complete training focused on improving situational awareness, personal safety, and the physical and emotional well-being of those who interact with students. This training will be conducted by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Employees will complete the courses no later than the beginning of fall 2024.
DPS, HR, and the Provost’s Office will coordinate the implementation of the training program, which will include an Overview of Public Safety; Run, Hide, Fight; QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer Suicide Prevention); and Narcan training.
Front Line Mental Health
To improve employees’ ability to provide front-line support in understanding and identifying student mental health needs, all employees are required to complete training in mental health awareness.
Faculty, and many staff who frequently and regularly interact with students, have a unique vantage point to promptly identify potential student mental health needs and provide information and referrals to help guide the students to appropriate resources. Initial training will be conducted from May through August 2024 with staff training beginning May 1 and faculty training commencing five days before the start of fall 2024 classes.
We are a community here at Wright State, and I truly appreciate your cooperation in the implementation of these endeavors. Doing so will ensure that our campus is informed and prepared for any emergency that may occur. Also, you may now review complete action plan (PDF).
Many thanks to the Department of Audit, Risk, and Compliance for leading the internal review.
And thank you in advance for your participation.
Best wishes
Sue
