You're invited: Campus Safety Week at GCSU

Next week, Sept. 22-26, is Campus Safety Week at Georgia College & State University.

In honor of National Campus Safety Month, Georgia College & State University will host seven live webinars spanning various safety topics, from mental health resources to active-threat scenario training.

Each 30-minute webinar will also include an open Q&A forum.

See the schedule of events below and please plan to attend as your schedule allows.

Monday, Sept. 22

“What Does It Mean to ‘Shelter in Place?’” (3 p.m.)

Brian Freese, deputy chief of police at Georgia College, will explore the crisis situations that lead to “shelter in place” orders, how they differ and what you need to know in each specific instance.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Tuesday, Sept. 23

“Sexual Misconduct & Title IX” (3 p.m.)

Jackie Watts, Title IX coordinator, will discuss misconduct, how to report it and the important role of mandatory reporters.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Wednesday, Sept. 24

“Preparing for Severe Weather” (3 p.m.)

Jeremy Nobles, associate director of Emergency Management, will outline what you need to know before and during emergency weather situations, from stocking necessary supplies to how the university works to keep you safe.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Thursday, Sept. 25

“Protecting Yourself and Your Belongings” (2 p.m. – for students)

Director of Residence Life Lori Burns will share tips and tricks about personal safety, as well as preventing theft and burglary.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR

“What If There’s a Chemical Spill or Fire?” (3 p.m. – for faculty/staff)

Dr. Michael Hejazi, director of Environmental Health, Safety & Fire Safety, will cover the proper response to dangerous workplace accidents.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Friday, Sept. 26

“You’re Not Alone: Mental Health Resources” (2 p.m.)

Steve Wilson, director of Counseling Services, will dive into mental health, the signs of a crisis and the resources available to those who are, or know someone who is, struggling.

• ACCESS THE WEBINAR
   
  • "Suicide Prevention" (noon)
    
    The University System of Georgia will also host a suicide-prevention training webinar for all USG students, faculty and staff (with additional events scheduled in October).
     
  • LEARN MORE and REGISTER

“Emergency Preparedness: Active Threat Protocols” (3 p.m.)

Public Safety Chief Wes Hardin will provide an overview of lockdown protocols, how to properly respond to reported active-shooter or bomb threats and how Public Safety is prepared to keep you safe.

ACCESS THE WEBINAR

Staying Safe on Campus

Georgia College is dedicated to your safety – in fact, $856,000 was recently committed to safety improvements on campus, and the university earned national certification last week for its storm preparedness.

It’s also important, however, to know what resources are available to you here at GCSU. Below, Chief Wes Hardin offers tips for staying safe and informed on campus.

• If you see something, say something. If you encounter suspicious activity, file an anonymous tip, email Public Safety (publicsafety@gcsu.edu) or send an email directly to Chief Hardin (wes.hardin@gcsu.edu).
  • If you’ve noticed signs of distress from a student or colleague and are concerned for their wellbeing, you can also submit a form to the CARE Team.
• Download the Rave Guardian App. With this app, you’ll never have to walk alone at night again. Just set your destination and expected travel time — if you don’t reach the destination before the timer goes off, Public Safety will be notified automatically.
   
• Call Public Safety. “We’re so much more interested in supporting than we are in enforcing,” Hardin said. “We are here to protect students, to serve students … to just be another tool on the toolbelt for them to be successful.”
  
  Call the emergency number, at 478-445-4400, the non-emergency line, at 478-445-4054, or email publicsafety@gcsu.edu.
   
• Know your rights. If federal, state, county or city law enforcement appears at your classroom or office:
  • Do not interfere.
  • Call GCSU Public Safety: 478-445-4400 or 478-445-4054
  • Notify your supervisor when appropriate.
  • Ask if they have a warrant.
  • Request they wait for Public Safety before proceeding.

For more information about GCSU’s safety culture, visit Public Safety online.