Emergency Text Messaging Among New Security Measures

Old Dominion increased campus security measures over the past few months, including the addition of several new public safety positions and implementation of an emergency text messaging system. The measures, some part of a security master plan and some in response to the tragedy at Virginia Tech, were in full operation for the start of the fall semester.

Four new public safety positions were added, including two police officers, an emergency coordinator and a technology specialist to oversee the campus card access systems. A police substation also opened at Powhatan Apartments.

Additionally, security officers have been posted at campus residence halls round-the-clock, peepholes were installed in all suite-room doors, and halls now require card access 24 hours a day.

At the start of the fall semester, students, faculty and staff were encouraged to sign up to receive emergency text messages from the university. The free service, ODU Alerts, will deliver security information to users’ cell phones in the event of a campus emergency.