Keeping campus safe has always been a top priority for the University, but in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy last spring, pressure has been put on the advancement of campus safety procedures.

This summer, members of the campus community, including faculty, staff and students evaluated the University’s emergency-response plan.

This plan is reviewed regularly and involves the ways in which the campus is alerted to emergency situations.

Thus far the campus community has been warned about emergencies through the BGSU Web site, by blast e-mail messages that can be sent within minutes, campus and city police communication, resident and Greek hall advisors and campus media.

Suzy Atchison, a senior who lives off campus, said that while these security messages should still be in place, a calling system would be more beneficial to her, and many other students living off campus.

“I’m not always on campus or by my computer, but I always have my cell phone on me,” said Atchison.

Plans are also in the works for a reverse 911 system on campus, said University Police Chief Wiegand.

A reverse 911 system calls all listed subscribers if a threatening 911 call is made, and a specific message pertaining to that threat is sent out. The University is not ready for reverse 911 calls yet.

Wiegand explained that finding a reverse 911 system that is right for the University may take some time, since so many different companies sell the systems.

However, the University is looking to reverse blue light phones that are seen along side campus walkways.

Members of the campus police force, as well as most members of the city police force also worked with the Ohio Highway Patrol this summer to participate in active shooter training, Wiegand said.

This active shooter training provided all participants the opportunity to become prepared for different emergencies involving physical threats to campus, such as an armed person.

In addition to active shooter training, general improvements to campus security were made.

Police continually look for ways to improve campus lighting and all around student safety measures.

“Colleges and universities are all looking at their security measures to see what they can improve, even without the Virginia Tech tragedy, we would still be looking to improve security. We are always looking at how to improve,” Wiegand said.

The University’s emergency procedure guidelines can be found at: www.bgsu.edu/downloads/finance/file34676.pdf