In times of crisis on a college or university campus, the ability to quickly communicate safety information to students, faculty and visitors is critically important. According to a recent study of Clery Act reports by Siemens Building Technologies division, analysis revealed that among institutions of higher learning, community colleges were least likely to have the integrated, multi-modal systems necessary to quickly reach the largest number of people when crisis strikes.
The Siemens-commissioned study Detailed Analysis of U.S. College and University Annual Clery Act Reports evaluated information submitted to the Federal government as part of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). The study analyzed data from a sample of 77 U.S. colleges and universities to provide deeper insight into which types of institutions have the most advanced mass notification systems and how these differences manifest themselves geographically.
To make these determinations, the study classified the communications platforms into four types: At Your Side (text messaging, email, etc.), Indoor (public address system, digital signage, posted notices, etc.), Outside (outside public address system, warning sirens, blue light towers, etc.) and Extended (social media, CCTV, etc.). The institutions were then placed into five maturity levels that reflected the integration of different types of technology and the number of methods used in a notification system. None of the schools were ranked in the top level. Some of the report’s findings include:
- Community colleges are the least likely to have layered emergency communication plans, using mostly At Your Side methods
- Public universities tend to have the most sophisticated plans, including three or more types of communications platforms
- Overall, schools in the South have the most advanced notification plans with multi-modal systems that include three or more types of communications platforms.
As a follow up to their initial study, Siemens plans to analyze this year’s Clery Reports scheduled for release later this month. To download a copy of Detailed Analysis of U.S. College and University Annual Clery Act Reports, please visit www.usa.siemens.com/cleryreport. BD+C
Related Stories
Digital Twin | Aug 27, 2020
The Weekly show: Digital twin technology and social equity in the AEC market
The August 27 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Architects | Aug 26, 2020
We the People: Four steps for the architecture profession to build unity through design
Architect offers a 4-point manifesto to the design community to work for racial and social justice in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd.
Coronavirus | Aug 25, 2020
Video: 5 building sectors to watch amid COVID-19
RCLCO's Brad Hunter reveals the winners and non-winners of the U.S. real estate market during the coronavirus pandemic.
Architects | Aug 19, 2020
Japan’s Tokyo Toilet project looks to improve the perception of public restrooms
17 toilets throughout Shibuya will be redesigned as part of the project.
Architects | Aug 5, 2020
Final report: BD+C's 2020 Color Trends Report
This special research report from the editors of BD+C explores the leading trends and drivers related to the use of color on commercial, institutional, and multifamily building projects.
University Buildings | Aug 2, 2020
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020
Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly
The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Jun 12, 2020
BD+C launches 'The Weekly,' a streaming program for the design and construction industry
The first episode, now available on demand, features experts from Robins & Morton, Gensler, and FMI on the current state of the AEC market.
Architects | Jun 8, 2020
Two Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen for tours with enhanced health and safety protocols
The sites will reopen on Thursday, June 11.