MATC Matters

The events at Virginia Tech yesterday have raised many questions across the nation relative to school safety in K-12 and higher education. According to Dave Hooker, Campus Security Services, “College campuses are open and accessible environments so, yes, this can make security challenging. MATC Campus Security is here to serve the MATC community, including visitors to our campuses.�

Working to keep us safe

Our Security Office works proactively to prevent crime through community policing activities carried out by regular patrols of Madison police officers and MATC student officers enrolled in our Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Program. Our officers are trained to notice unusual behaviors and approach individuals who appear suspicious. They also are alerted to watch for any individuals who may have exhibited threatening or disturbing behavior on campus, or are known to have done so off campus.

Our Security Office maintains close, ongoing contact with local law enforcement, frequently conducts drills on emergency response procedures and regularly provides security and crime prevention tips to students and staff. During winter months, the college operates a shuttle service in our Truax parking lot that offers students free rides to their cars and also will provide a personal security escort to any student who requests one.

Someone to listen

Even though the tragedy occurred far from here, if faculty or staff notice anyone (particularly students) who appear to need support in the days or weeks ahead, they can be referred to the MATC counseling office. For more information, go to “Counseling” in the A-Z index on the MATC website and follow the “Faculty and Staff Resources” links. Printed materials on coping with traumatic situations are also available from the counseling department.

Maintaining a safe and secure environment

There are three key things everyone should be aware of:

1. Be aware of the emergency procedures for MATC.
   Emergency Procedures are on the Facilities page on the MATC Website.
   Faculty should be advising their students of these procedures in each class. Handouts (PDF: 220 KB) are available for this online.
   Staff should review the MATC specific EMERGENCY PROCEDURES online. Click on “EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Orientation.” It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. This training program is intended to familiarize you with important emergency procedures for all of the MATC campuses. This training is required for all new employees.
2. Be aware and observant of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to Campus Security Services (x4357) immediately.
3. Call Emergency Services (9-911 from most campus phones) if there is a life-threatening situation or imminent danger to people or property (if you call 9-911, also call the security line x4357).

More information on MATC’s Security Services and Emergency Procedures can be found here:

http://matcmadison.edu/facilities/facilities/service_links/securityservices.shtm
http://matcmadison.edu/facilities/facilities/emergencies/

Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to Cynthia Eghbalnia, Campus Safety & Security Manager.

Cynthia Eghbalnia, MPH, CIH
Campus Safety & Security Manager
Work (608)246-6291; Fax (608) 246-6880