What scared you the most while you were at university?
Was it pop quizzes or the possibility of failing a class? Getting stuck with a bad roommate? These are the kinds of worries most of us are glad to leave behind.
However, students face far more significant and unpredictable threats, not only from external factors but also from fellow students. From unauthorized intruders and wild animals to cyberattacks and campus crime, students have valid concerns. Many believe universities should be doing more to protect them.
Campus security is not just about physical safety anymore–it’s about their data, privacy, and emotional well-being. For many students, the very spaces meant to foster growth and self-discovery can feel like sources of risk. Student protection requires a comprehensive and modern approach to balance safety and the independence students cherish.
Access control systems stand at the forefront of campus security.
They prevent unauthorized entry and can lock down administrative and residence buildings to the smallest room. With hundreds to thousands of people on campus every day, it can be difficult to manually keep track of every name and face.
Traditional locks and keys are also no longer enough since locks can be broken and keys can be duplicated. If a key is lost, the lock will need to be replaced. With a smart access control system, universities can instead reprogram the locks from a digital platform.
Access control systems have multiple authentication methods, each with its pros and cons.
Biometric authentication, such as facial ID and fingerprints, provides a higher level of security. Facial recognition systems have gotten a lot smarter and more accurate, and no two fingerprints are the same. This solution could also circumvent issues like losing a key pass or forgetting a PIN code.
However, in a large university, a biometric access control system might be difficult to implement. Think about the number of new students that arrive every year. Universities may struggle to sustain a biometric authentication system if they don’t have the proper resources.
The upfront costs can also be burdensome. Though many security experts argue that it’s more cost-effective in the long run, many universities face budget constraints that make such investments challenging.
The implementation of a facial tracking system can also be a tricky subject due to privacy and security concerns. Many students are wary about how their biometric data is collected, stored, and potentially shared. The idea of constant surveillance can impact their comfort and idea of freedom.
Key cards are more user-friendly and easier to implement. Students and staff members only need to tap or swipe their cards on a terminal to gain access.
Key cards consist of an embedded chip or magnetic stripe. Universities can integrate this into student and staff IDs to make them more functional for access control and other university services.
While key cards are easier to implement and distribute, it can be easy for a staff member or student to lose their ID.
Mobile-based access passes eliminate the need to carry around an extra card. Students, staff, and visitors can simply use their smartphones. This also promotes accountability – After all, people are more likely to take care of their phones rather than a piece of plastic.
Smartphones even have extra layers of security. Most phones nowadays have face IDs, fingerprints, passwords, and PIN codes, which means an unauthorized individual would have trouble gaining access.
However, mobile-based authorization relies heavily on a stable network. A WiFi problem could translate into a student being unable to get into their dorm. Some users may also be uncomfortable with the idea of downloading compliance applications on their personal devices.
AMAG Symmetry’s strongest features include mobile access and scalability. Security managers can manage critical security concerns from their mobile phones and customize the platform to meet their organization’s needs.
University can be a lonely time for many students. Many students have traveled a long way to be at university, so visiting mom and dad or their best friend, especially with coursework and tests on top of that, usually takes weeks or months of planning. Instead of students always making the trip home, why not encourage parents and friends to visit?
Visitor management software brings an extra layer of security to campus safety and ensures that students can enjoy social visits without compromising security. Visitor management has features like:
VMS software simplifies visitor check-ins, which not only speeds up reception workflows but also improves the overall guest experience. But VMS isn’t just for friends and family visits.
Universities can also use it to create visitor protocols for contractors and delivery personnel.
Honeywell Forge allows organizations to pre-register visitors, track their arrival and departure, and manage access permissions to different areas. Features such as automated badge printing and real-time reporting help enhance security while providing a user-friendly experience.
Security cameras are a standard part of any building’s security, but they’ve come a long way since analog.
Modern security measures now have cloud-based and IP-enabled security cameras on the roster, with better security features like:
Cloud-based IP-enabled surveillance systems are much easier to deploy because they don’t rely on complex infrastructure. Instead, universities can connect the cameras to a server and access real-time footage from any device with a WiFi connection.
IP-enabled cameras can also integrate with access control systems, which gives security administrators a more cohesive way to monitor campus safety.
Some IP-enabled camera providers have additional features, such as pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ), to control camera movement through two-way audio via built-in microphones and speakers.
Better yet, universities can implement various types of security cameras in different areas to support various use cases.
Fixed IP cameras can stay in critical high-traffic areas, such as entrances and exits. A PTZ camera can cover larger ground and enable admin to zoom in on key details, like a car’s plate number. A camera with two-way audio can enable security staff to discreetly talk to teachers and students in lecture halls in the event of a lockdown.
Pelco is a global video surveillance provider with clients in various sectors, including higher education. They have a complete set of cameras for different use cases, including PTZ, thermal, and panoramic cameras. Pelco aims to enhance situational awareness and improve security for large and complex environments.
Information is key to overcoming adversity. A helpful tip or a quick warning can be a lifeline in unexpected emergencies, such as:
Mass notification systems help universities coordinate response protocols across large campus populations. Through email, text, or mobile app notifications, students and staff receive real-time updates with clear instructions on how to stay safe.
These systems are vital for reducing confusion and panic, ensuring everyone on campus knows exactly what to do in high-stress situations.
Universities can also use their mass notification systems for campus updates, such as class suspensions and building or pathway closures. However, universities must keep in mind that to ensure compliance, they must be alerting communities responsibly.
Think about how many irrelevant emails land in your inbox on a weekly basis. Eventually, you learn to tune them out, and it becomes noise in the background. Don’t use the alert system for minor updates or developments.
Without proper procedures, a student or staff member might miss critical information. Universities must aim to build trust around their notification systems.
Informacast provides a unified platform for all university communication needs. They provide multi-channel notifications, along with other helpful features like panic buttons and 911 alerting.
Many universities provide parcel management services to facilitate convenient collections for students. While the majority of deliveries nowadays consist of online deliveries, it’s vital to keep in mind that students also receive important documents in the mail. This may include official forms, legal notices, and passports.
Even if a university has a mailroom team to handle student deliveries, inefficient manual processing can lead to misplaced or lost parcels, which can be detrimental if they fall into the wrong hands.
Parcel or mailroom management software provides a simpler and more secure way to handle deliveries. Security features include:
Universities can also consider parcel lockers for easy collection if a mailroom is not available.
Parcel Tracker is a parcel management software built to empower mailroom operators. Powered by OCR technology, Parcel Tracker accurately scans package labels to ensure no parcel is overlooked or misplaced. Recipients collect their deliveries using a unique QR code sent directly to their email or by providing an e-signature.
Incident reporting systems enable universities to respond to everyday concerns like facility service requests or maintenance issues. However, their function extends far beyond that.
Students face numerous outside threats while navigating campus life, but sometimes, the most damaging incidents can come from within their own peer groups. Student-on-student crime is much more common than most people think, whether it’s bullying, theft, or a more serious offense like harassment. This is a reality that universities must confront.
Many incidents go unreported due to shame, fear of retaliation, or, sadly, because the victim thought that the authorities could not help. Students should never feel unsafe or unsupported in their own environments.
Confidential reporting platforms give students a voice – an opportunity to seek justice and closure, but it’s not enough to collect reports. Universities must follow up on each report with support systems like counseling, mediation, and disciplinary measures. Universities must not be afraid to report severe crimes to the necessary authorities.
Vector Anonymous Reporting was designed to obtain early insights by providing students with a safe communication platform. Students can opt to send anonymous reports, and security managers can start a two-way channel to chat with students in real time.
Technology has become deeply embedded in campus life and is now also integral for campus security. Sensitive information like names and personal contact information are collected into a database. This makes it easier for universities to monitor activity within their campuses.
However, it can also be a threat without the right security measures. Cyber attacks on educational institutions increased by 44% in 2022.
Password protection and firewalls are foundational, but universities must adopt advanced security measures to secure the data of both students and staff.
This can include:
Universities must partner with vendors who have a strong commitment to data privacy and security. High standards must be a minimum when it comes to safety.
Technology integration can bolster a university’s defenses, but it should never be a replacement for a comprehensive security strategy. While access control systems and modern security camera networks are valuable tools, they are only effective when combined with a culture of safety and proactive prevention strategies.
Technology can streamline internal communication, but universities can also use it to build stronger connections with the local community. Imagine a scenario where a campus emergency unfolds. If the university uses communication tools different from those of the responding agencies, it can lose valuable time trying to coordinate a response.
This creates a communication gap, a dangerous silo that can delay crucial assistance.
Universities should reach out to the following community stakeholders:
It’s crucial to build relationships with these organizations to foster trust between the students and responders.
Contact information for emergency services must be accessible. Universities can post these on billboards or print the information on student and staff IDs. Proactive measures like these can foster a culture of safety.
Security technology, however sophisticated, can never replace the human element. For students, security guards are friendly faces and people they can trust for their safety. Any technology implemented in a university is there to empower them.
Encourage security personnel to be visible on campus and to engage with students in a friendly and approachable manner. Allow security personnel to collaborate with university departments and student organizations. Students must be familiar with security guards to be able to build trust.
Student support or pastoral services are there to provide assistance in a student’s academic and personal life. When a person says “student support,” one might imagine tutoring or financial aid. However, they can also serve as a lifeline for students.
Imagine a student who is a victim of bullying. That student might feel like they have no one to turn to, resulting in a deep feeling of isolation. Alternatively, imagine a student who is afraid to report harassment because they feel like they wouldn’t be taken seriously.
It’s in these moments that student support services can make a difference. However, many students remain unaware that help is available, especially during times of struggle.
Initiatives like open houses or women’s safety workshops can make student support services more visible to students. Universities must promote such events to encourage students to find help when they need it.
What happens to an access control system when a building loses power?
An electric fail-safe lock disables when the power goes out, which means individuals can come and go freely. But, this leaves the building vulnerable to unauthorized access. A fail-secure lock does the opposite, but that means an emergency evacuation would not be possible.
Universities must invest in backup power to ensure that their systems remain effective in the event of a power outage.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of campus security technology to choose from. Universities must consider their goals and unique needs but must not forget the following:
The university experience is more than the quality of education. It’s about the community and the freedom to explore and grow. Proactive measures, like technology integration, help make this possible.
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