<p>Wheaton College (MA)</p>
<p>To the campus community,</p>
<p>The tragedy that unfolded yesterday at Virginia Tech shocks and saddens us all. I am certain that you join me in sending thoughts and prayers to the students, families, faculty and staff who are struggling with the weight of the disaster that has taken place in their community.</p>
<p>Yesterday's tragic events might cause some to wonder about safety here on our own campus. I want to assure you that the college takes the safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff very seriously. Like many colleges around the country, we will be conducting a review of our procedures and plans in response to this horrific event. But safety is an ongoing issue. The college works daily to ensure security and public safety on campus, and continually reviews the plans and resources available for responding to emergencies.</p>
<p>Every day and night, public safety monitors parking lots, residence halls and other buildings on campus. Public safety officers pay particular attention to visitors, parked cars without Wheaton permits and the security of residence halls. They regularly test the emergency telephones and security lighting around campus. In addition, the department provides information and education on personal safety practices, and it alerts the community when an event occurs.</p>
<p>Residence hall staff are also trained in promoting security, particularly in keeping residence hall doors securely locked. You can do your part by never ''propping'' open residence hall doors. (You also can review personal safety measures at <a href="http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/PublicSafety/Safety/Personal/%5B/url%5D">http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/PublicSafety/Safety/Personal/</a>.)</p>
<p>In addition, the college has a critical incident plan that has been designed for responding to a wide array of emergencies. Administrators regularly review the plan, and in recent years, the college has participated in training exercises with the area's public emergency services agencies. </p>
<p>In fact, the college has been investigating emergency notification this year. We currently use email, the campus voicemail system and the Web to communicate with students, faculty and staff in emergency situations. We are also investigating an emergency notification system to supplement these existing forms of communication. Such a system would allow us to reach students by cellphone or text message and communicate simultaneously with parents and families .</p>
<p>The tragedy in Virginia has naturally caused many of us to reflect on our own vulnerability and to experience feelings of shock, grief or fear. I encourage students to check in with parents, friends and family members, and, as mentioned in our earlier e-mail, I hope all members of the college community will feel free to talk with one of the trained staff members on campus, Dean Vereene Parnell or the counseling center staff.</p>
<p>Ultimately, our concern for each other, our strength as a community willing to help each other, represents an important source of security. I am interested in your thoughts and ideas on campus safety, and I urge you to do your part to keep Wheaton safe.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
Ronald Crutcher
President</p>