Emergency training should increase

Syracuse University must do everything it can to ensure the safety of its students, which includes making sure that professors are well-equipped to deal with emergency situations, particularly active shooter scenarios as campus shootings become more common.

Campus shootings are not uncommon; within the last month shootings have occurred at Michigan State University, Purdue University and South Carolina State University. With these recent shootings, DPS has seen an increase in the number of professors asking for information on what to do in these kinds of situations. This demonstrates the need for increased education on the matter.

The Department of Public Safety offers seminars on what professors should do in the event of an emergency, but these seminars are not mandatory. Faculty members must request that DPS put on one of these sessions.

New employees undergo some training on the subject. They are required to read the Emergency Preparation Guidelines instructions on DPS’ website and watch “Shots Fired,” a two-minute instructional video available on MySlice.

Offering these sessions upon request and providing new employees with a one-time requirement is not enough. The university should hold information sessions regularly within each college and require that professors attend them every year. Professors take on a responsibility of leadership in the classroom, and that leadership applies to knowing what to do in an emergency situation.

During an emergency, communication is usually not at its best as information is developing rapidly and everyone is reacting. It is important that professors know the proper procedure for an emergency in advance as they cannot expect to receive instructions as the event unfolds.

Like professors, students must also take responsibility for their safety by learning about what to do in these scenarios. The university should require an emergency preparedness instructional video for students, similar to the alcohol education program Think About It.

The issue of active shooters on campus is one that cannot be ignored. Any campus, including SU, is vulnerable. As the trend persists, it is important that SU provide ample instruction on what to do in these scenarios.