Campus safety remains a priority at Cleveland State University, and information sessions give faculty and staff a chance to learn about new tools and programs designed to keep the community safe. The first session, held Thursday, Sept. 11, covered emergency management, updated safety resources and the launch of programs. The second session is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17.

At the session Sept. 11, the Cleveland State University Police Department announced its new location inside The Student Center. CSUPD Chief, Beverly Pettrey said the addition of the SC Center location was designed to make officers more accessible, and urged students to remain alert and proactive.

“See something, say something,” Pettrey said. She also encouraged the CSU community to use of the Rave Guardian app for texting police, requesting safety escorts or reporting suspicious activity.

The Office of Community Standards and Compliance introduced a new patrol initiative. The program includes Viking Safety evening patrols between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., providing additional eyes and ears for campus safety.

“We’re very visible,” David Haas, Assistant Dean of Students said. “We carry radios and we work closely with police to address concerns on campus.” 

The Director of Access Control and Fire Safety Daniel Ivan reminded attendees of one simple but crucial habit.

“If I can impart one thing today, please, know two ways out of anywhere you are,” Ivan said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re at the mall, at home or on campus, always know two ways out.” 

Ivan also noted that CSU operates 1,300 cameras across campus with video stored for 30 days.

Cybersecurity was another major focus. The Information Systems Technology Security Compliance team explained phishing risks and reminded students that “CSU never sends you something on your personal email, only your CSU email.” It highlighted that community awareness is the university’s “most powerful tool.”

The Counseling Center outlined its mental health resources, including free counseling, psychiatric consultation and crisis walk-in hours. 

“If a student is in crisis in front of you, feel free to walk them to our office, we will take care of them,” said counselor Dorothy Costakis.

The CARE team described its role in helping students overcome barriers such as housing insecurity, food shortages or grief. 

“We don’t do it for the student, we do it with the student,” CARE Manager Camilya Williams said, highlighting individualized action plans and connections to resources.

Other updates included parking safety tips from Parking and Transportation Services, compliance and workplace training from Environmental Health and Safety and reminders from the Office for Protective Rights about reporting harassment and discrimination under Title IX.