Important Public Safety Information

September 8, 2008

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we begin the academic year, I want to make you aware of a number of important changes in the area of campus safety. These initiatives arise out of recommendations brought forth last year in campuswide open forums and reflect the commitment of Public Safety Director Paul Ominsky and his staff to responsive, proactive protection of our community.

We have now conducted two successful tests of our emergency notification system and will continue regular testing in each semester and in the summer. I strongly encourage you to provide or update your contact information in Banner, particularly your cell phone number, in order to receive timely information in the event of a campus emergency.

Finally, as I outlined in my letter at the end of last semester, we will continue the discussion about whether our public safety officers should carry firearms and the role we envision for them in the event of an incident involving weapons. I invite you to share your views on the subject with me and Paul by writing tosafetystudy@smith.edu.

Sincerely,
Carol T. Christ