Active Shooter Training

It is unfortunate that there is a need for workplaces and schools to undergo active shooter training, but these trainings are very beneficial. We are fortunate to have skilled trainers within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) on our campus. DPS has implemented a plan so all incoming students undergo active shooter training. Working with our UI100 courses, DPS has been able to train all our incoming freshmen this fall. This is something we will continue annually, so all our students undergo training. But, our students are only a portion of our campus community.

It is critical that our faculty and staff are also trained. I have asked DPS to implement a plan in the spring to train all faculty and staff. To serve as an introduction and streamline trainings, we are instructing faculty and staff to begin by watching the Run, Hide, Fight video online before your training session. DPS will work with departments and offices to schedule trainings in the spring semester following the tentative schedule below.

• January - Polytech, Johnson, Magill, & Rhodes
• February - Dempster, Scully, Parker, & Athletics
• March - Memorial, Academic, Carnahan & Crisp
• April - Grauel, University Center & River Campus
• Summer - All remaining buildings
• Annually - DPS will schedule training with the large teams in Facilities Management and Residence Life

I feel this training is vitally important because I want our community to be as prepared and knowledgeable as we can be. In advance, I express appreciation to you all for your participation.

Transforming Lives Campaign

I announced the launch of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the history of Southeast during our Homecoming celebration. The Transforming Lives campaign will support the University's transformation to a modern campus and support the students whose lives are transformed here. I have asked the Advancement team in the University Foundation to share a brief FAQ to help educate us about the campaign. Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation Wendell Snodgrass is also available to visit with your office or department to discuss and answer additional questions.

Legislative Briefing

On November 6, the University hosted a Legislative Briefing in anticipation of the 2024 legislative session. The briefing was attended by eight state legislators, three staff members representing the offices of Congressman Jason Smith and Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, and members of the Board of Governors and University administration. The agenda included an update on University plans, including a discussion of the Transforming Lives campaign and modern campus initiative. It also included a review of the University's 2024 legislative and capital priorities.