Straight Talk from the President - February 18, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
In the university, we create a sanctum for learning; we help our students gain knowledge and confidence inside and outside the classroom. As it has been for about 3,000 years, an institution of higher education is a place where scholars and students exchange ideas, a place where society seeks answers. We want the university to be a safe place, a place where ideas are exchanged freely, a place where we can work and study free from any established dogma. We also know that a university community reflects modern society and all of its accompanying trials and tribulations, and we know we are not immune to such challenges. I know that like me, you found it extremely difficult to learn of the recent campus shootings at Louisiana Technical College and Northern Illinois University. We all wish those university families solace and peace in the wake of these horrible tragedies.
We often ask ourselves: how would ULM handle, or even prevent, such a tragedy? While it is nearly impossible to predict or prevent such a crisis, I can tell you ULM adheres to an Emergency Response Plan that we created more than two years ago with the help of a security consultant. Enhanced campus security has been a top capital outlay priority for the last several years. A $2 million line of credit will fund additional video surveillance and emergency call boxes, enhanced lighting, electronic controlled access, a mechanical keying system for the entire campus, a campus-wide emergency alert siren, and a backup generator. Construction on these security enhancements will begin within a year and will be completed by the fall 2009 semester.
To further enhance our security efforts, ULM joins other Louisiana universities by implementing Firstcall Interactive Network, an instant messaging system. Firstcall is one of three vendors that made it through a rigorous Request for Proposals process directed by the Board of Regents. The BOR will fund costs to implement the new system. In addition to sending text and voice messages to cell phones, the Firstcall system allows for text-to-voice features that will send messages to landlines, will interface with campus signage, and will trigger an alarm. The text messaging system complements existing emergency communications tools on campuses, such as alarm systems, e-mail, sirens, flashing lights, and electronic signage. In the next several weeks, we will explain how you can sign-up to receive such alerts in the time of a crisis. We will also ask you to help us educate our students on this important new initiative.
In addition, we will be training our counselors and other student affairs professionals on working with students with psychiatric disabilities in a postsecondary educational setting. We will also provide threat assessment training during Professional Development week in the fall. While enhanced security measures are needed, we must continue to be cognizant of all the issues surrounding these recent events.
As always, I value your input and welcome you to contact me regarding your ideas and suggestions.
Sincerely,
James E. Cofer
President