September 2003 — Special Feature
Print this article | Email this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
A Pragmatic Approach to High-Tech Security on Campus
Mobile Communications System Keeps Universities, Students Connected
Emerging technologies are beginning to make a difference in the way campuses communicate during a crisis. When an emergency occurred at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., school officials turned to a familiar technology: cell phones equipped with robust features that allowed them to reach a large number of students at once and account for their safety. The university was able to immediately ascertain the disposition and geographical location of each student by pushing a series of preset numbers on their cell phones.
This technology, offered by Ascendent Telecommuni-cations, is one method that several universities, including Marquette and The University of Chicago, are adapting to allow themselves to reach students and administrators at all times. The technology connects to both the university's PBX and the students' personal remote phone devices, allowing for instant student contact and accountability. It also eliminates the previous expense of providing the school's emergency response team with two-way radios.
Ascendent's technology is also being used when schools are forced to provide temporary living quarters to incoming freshmen. "Ascendent helped us communicate with students who were living in temporary living quarters outside of student housing," said Rick Arcuri, associate dean for administration residence life of Marquette, in a statement. "No matter where the student moves, they keep the same phone number and we can stay in touch with them. Ascendent's RollCall feature helps us to communicate with a large number of students in the case of an emergency." The feature allows a group of people to receive and respond to a voice, SMS or e-mail message.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
