Emergency Notification

Policy

Minnesota State University, Mankato will issue notifications to staff and students as required by the Clery Act. Upon receiving information about an incident that poses a threat to the campus, University Security will determine which level of notification is appropriate for the situation.  If it is a situation where there is an imminent/immediate threat to the campus community, University Security will broadcast an alert over the telephone emergency broadcast system and public address systems, and issue an immediate Star Alert.  For other types of alerts that involve less urgent/serious threats, before issuing alerts/notifications, University Security will consult with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or another member of the Campus Emergency Response Team.

Whether to issue a warning and which type of warning/notification to issue will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The following criteria will be considered:

1. The type of crime/threat
2. The continuing danger to the campus
3. The possible risk of compromising law enforcement

Notifications shall include information about the crime that triggered the warning, information that would   promote safety and that would aid in the prevention of similar crimes, and campus and local emergency contact information.

Procedure

To determine when and how to communicate an actual or potential threat to the safety of the campus community, University Security will compare elements of an incident with established criteria. There are   three types of alerts that will be utilized.

Types of Emergency Warnings & Notifications:

1. Immediate Threat – Emergency Broadcast and Star Alert
   1. There is an imminent/immediate, serious, and ongoing threat to the campus
   2. Notification methods typically include:
      • Emergency Broadcast on Phones and Public Address System
      • Star Alert Text message and Star Alert Email
      • Email
      • Social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.
      • May be followed up with a Timely Warning or Security
      • May post information and updates on University Website
        • Status updates will be made when new information or instructions are available.
      • An “All Clear” notification indicates the emergency situation has been contained.
2.  Timely Warning

   1. There is a potential, serious, and ongoing threat to the campus (Note: NOT imminent or immediate)

   2. Notification methods typically include:

      1. Email
      2. University Security website
      3. Posters

   3. Personal safety hotline

3.  Security Advisory
   1. There was an incident or a series of incidents where the University community would benefit from having information
   2. Sharing the information will not interfere with a law enforcement
   3. Notification methods may include any appropriate method such as:
      1. Posters
      2. University Security website
      3. Personal safety hotline
      4. Email to specific groups

Testing

Testing of the designated text message system occurs semi-annually. Testing of the Emergency Public   Address System is completed monthly. Any deficiencies identified will be addressed promptly.

Rationale

University officials are frequently made aware of threats on campus. It is an obligation to relay this information to the University community if doing so will cause no further harm and the information will   enable the community to take action to protect themselves.