Ohio Governor Mike DeWine awarded Cleveland State University $321,500 in funding for campus safety projects on Jan. 13, 2025.

The university says it will use the money to improve safety across the CSU campus, with initiatives including improved lighting, a mobile security trailer and upgraded security at residential locations.

“We believe these targeted upgrades will significantly enhance the safety and security of our campus community,” Cleveland State University Police Chief Beverly Pettrey said via email.

The award is part of the Ohio School Safety Center Campus Safety Grant Program. The university was awarded a hefty chunk of the $7.5 million in total grant funds, which was split between 28 Ohio colleges.

In order to be eligible for grant funding, the Ohio colleges had to complete a security and vulnerability assessment that determined aspects of their campus where safety improvements are needed. 

“The funds will be directed toward addressing specific vulnerabilities identified in our recent campus safety assessment,” Pettrey said.

Improved Lighting

Increased lighting will be implemented in areas the university determined as dark and vulnerable, with three main residential locations on campus being prioritized.

“This will enhance visibility and help mitigate safety concerns during nighttime hours,” Chief Pettrey said.

Mobile Surveillance Trailer

CSU plans to buy a third mobile camera trailer to complement the two already on campus. These vehicles are equipped with surveillance equipment to monitor campus.

“This trailer will be strategically deployed to areas with emerging security concerns or in need of additional surveillance,” the Police Chief said. “It will also be valuable for large-scale events, offering increased flexibility in monitoring campus activities.”

Upgraded Security at Residential Locations

“Lastly, the funds will strengthen security at residential buildings by upgrading locks on doors and windows,” Pettrey said.  

These residential security improvements will help prevent unauthorized access to these areas, which are the primary on-campus living areas for students.

Origins of the funding

The Ohio School Safety Center Campus Safety Grant Program has awarded $17.5 million in funding since its creation in 2021. 

“Ohio remains committed to ensuring our colleges and universities have the resources they need to make their campus’ as safe as possible,” Gov. DeWine said in a statement. “These grants will allow us to continue this important work so students can focus on thriving in their studies, chasing their career goals and reaching their full potential.”

The funds must be spent by June 2026, but CSU intends to implement planned safety improvements well before that. 

Chief Pettrey said that the administration is currently evaluating vendors and are hoping to begin spending the money within the next few months.