Faculty, staff committed to student safety
Daniel Dove
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Campus Life
Have you ever wondered about your safety as a student at Gainesville State College? Fear not, as students can study with peace of mind knowing that the dedicated faculty and staff here at GSC are committed to protecting students and ensuring safety.
The decision to close the school is ultimately the responsibility of college President Martha Nesbitt. But if Nesbitt is not available,"the decision will then fall to the executive council, which is comprised of the vice presidents of the college," Sloan Jones, director of public relations & marketing, said.
Nesbitt consults Department of Transportation reports, weather forecasts and monitors the conditions of roads and the campus themselves before determining that the college should be closed.
In light of recent snow and icy conditions, classes were canceled for the afternoon of Thursday Jan 7, in addition to all classes the following day. Thanks to the newly implemented LakerAlert notification system, students were quickly informed of the closings.
Laker Alert sends pertinent information such as closings, cancellations, and late openings to students. The information is received either through an e-mail or text message, as designated when you sign up in the system.
Jones is in charge of updating Laker Alert and notifying news outlets of closings. "The best way for students to get information quickly and easily is first the LakerAlert System, followed by the college's Web site, and finally TV and radio. It would be ideal if all students were signed up for Laker Alerts," Jones said.
If you are not already registered in the system, you may be prompted to do so when you log into a computer on campus.
Dangerous weather is not the only threat to student safety.
Director of public safety and police Chief Richard G. Goodson wrote the book on emergency procedure, literally. After Chief Goodson joined the faculty and staff at GSC in 2007, one of his first objectives was to put together a guideline on how to proceed in emergency situations.
The result is the Emergency Procedure Manual, a detailed flip chart found in the offices on campus. The manual deals with everything from emergency evacuations, bomb threats, shooting incidents and more.
Students can find information on the school website by searching "Public Safety" and selecting "General Information." In addition, students will find posters in the academic buildings detailing evacuation routes and procedures for varying emergencies.
Preparedness can make the difference in an emergency situation. "The main thing students can do is plan ahead. Plan ahead, take action, and remember leadership is necessary, said Goodson.
If you see a situation unfolding that will require police presence, you can reach the Campus Police through a 24-hour direct line at 678-717-1777.
The decision to close the school is ultimately the responsibility of college President Martha Nesbitt. But if Nesbitt is not available,"the decision will then fall to the executive council, which is comprised of the vice presidents of the college," Sloan Jones, director of public relations & marketing, said.
Nesbitt consults Department of Transportation reports, weather forecasts and monitors the conditions of roads and the campus themselves before determining that the college should be closed.
In light of recent snow and icy conditions, classes were canceled for the afternoon of Thursday Jan 7, in addition to all classes the following day. Thanks to the newly implemented LakerAlert notification system, students were quickly informed of the closings.
Laker Alert sends pertinent information such as closings, cancellations, and late openings to students. The information is received either through an e-mail or text message, as designated when you sign up in the system.
Jones is in charge of updating Laker Alert and notifying news outlets of closings. "The best way for students to get information quickly and easily is first the LakerAlert System, followed by the college's Web site, and finally TV and radio. It would be ideal if all students were signed up for Laker Alerts," Jones said.
If you are not already registered in the system, you may be prompted to do so when you log into a computer on campus.
Dangerous weather is not the only threat to student safety.
Director of public safety and police Chief Richard G. Goodson wrote the book on emergency procedure, literally. After Chief Goodson joined the faculty and staff at GSC in 2007, one of his first objectives was to put together a guideline on how to proceed in emergency situations.
The result is the Emergency Procedure Manual, a detailed flip chart found in the offices on campus. The manual deals with everything from emergency evacuations, bomb threats, shooting incidents and more.
Students can find information on the school website by searching "Public Safety" and selecting "General Information." In addition, students will find posters in the academic buildings detailing evacuation routes and procedures for varying emergencies.
Preparedness can make the difference in an emergency situation. "The main thing students can do is plan ahead. Plan ahead, take action, and remember leadership is necessary, said Goodson.
If you see a situation unfolding that will require police presence, you can reach the Campus Police through a 24-hour direct line at 678-717-1777.
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