After University of Central Florida student Patrick Macchione met fellow student Kristen Platt in 2009, he began stalking her in cyberspace.

Macchione eventually faced criminal charges, accused of Tweeting death threats, posting 27 lewd, threatening videos on YouTube, leaving messages on Platt’s Facebook page and calling her hundreds of times.

He ended up pleading no contest to 19 charges and was sentenced to four years in jail. His lawyers wanted outpatient treatment, saying he has a severe mental illness.

With credit for time served, he could be out in two years.

Prosecutors wanted to put Macchione away for 15 years, and Pratt also thinks he got off too easy.

Do you agree? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Arizona Senator Ronald Gould plans to reintroduce a gun bill that would ensure students with concealed carry permits could carry guns on public college and university campuses.

This isn’t the first time he’s tried to get the bill passed. He introduced a similar bill last legislative session, which was vetoed by Governor Jan Brewer.

“To disallow guns on campus, what that really does is create a self-defense-free zone. So people with evil intents, they know there’s no weapons there,” Gould told reporters. He believes by allowing students to carry weapons – thus making potential criminals too afraid of getting shot themselves to actually act – crime on campus would decline.

The Arizona Board of Regents, however, sees it differently. Among their arguments against having guns on campus:

• Students and faculty should feel free to express strong opinions without fear of reprisal
• It would make it difficult for police to investigate any on-campus gun crime if one did occur, and
• Young people, drugs, alcohol and firearms is a potentially volatile combination.

But Gould still believes the bill could pass, since it made the changes that concerned the governor by allowing schools to restrict guns in buildings if they provide gun lockers. On that subject, the Board of Regents points out law enforcement concerns that it would actually give access to non-permit owners.

Where do you stand on the issue? Tell us in the comments section, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

Boston University and Suffolk University math professor Irina Kristi has been charged with running a methamphetamine lab out of her home. The charges include distribution of meth, conspiracy to violate the drug law, and drug violation in a school zone.

Her 29-year-old son turned himself into authorities last month and pleaded not guilty to the same charges. Following this, there was a daylong search of their home, where investigators found “a large amount of materials believed to be hazardous,” believed to be used to make meth.

She’s set to be arraigned Dec. 21.

While Kristy still teaches at BU, Suffolk University had placed her on administrative leave through the end of the semester after hearing of the charges. A spokesperson for the school pointing out that since Kristy is an adjunct professor appointed and a per-semester basis, she has not be reappointed for next semester.

How should the colleges respond to the arrest of a faculty member? Share your thoughts in the comments section,  and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

Campus police at the University of Wisconsin – Stout removed a poster of the beloved sci-fi/western series Firefly that hung on theater professor James Miller’s door. The reason: They thought it could be interpreted as a threat.

The poster features the show’s tough-talking hero Malcolm Reynolds and a quote from the pilot: “You don’t know me, son, so let me tell you this once:  If I ever kill you, you’ll be awake. You’ll be facing me. And you’ll be armed.”

In an email, the school police chief claimed her actions were defensible, saying, “The wording on the poster can be interpreted as a threat by others and/or could cause those that view it to believe that you are willing/able to carry out actions similar to what is listed.”

This caused the professor to fire back, “Postings that “refer” to violence constitute a threat? As in a poster from Hamlet? Or a news clipping about Hockey players that commit violent murder?”

He also attached a clip of the scene in question to provide the police chief with context – in the scene, Reynolds is explaining to a new crew member that he would never kill an unarmed man in cold blood.

Actor Nathan Fillion, who portrayed the character, weighed in on his Twitter feed, joking: “FIREFLY GETS PANTIES IN KNOT, THREATENS WHOMEVER WATCHES WITH DEATH. … Another example of, ‘Just relax.’”

Was the professor just showing off a favorite TV show? Was the campus police within its rights? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

Katherine Lees enrolled at Carthage College in the fall of 2008. Resident assistants at the dorm where she lived encouraged residents to leave their doors open so they could get to know other residents.

Lees says she was watching television in her room one night with her door open when two assailants entered. She claims one raped her while the other held her down. The perpetrators were never caught, and Lees later left the school.

In a lawsuit against the school, Lees said school officials negligently failed to take stronger security measures. But her claim failed because her expert’s testimony regarding the applicable standard of care was not admissible. Though her expert said the attack was foreseeable, there had been just one other stranger rape at the school over the previous 10 years.

Lees didn’t produce enough evidence that the school breached an applicable standard of care, so her case was dismissed.

Cite: Lees v. Carthage College.

The U.S. Department of Education fined Washington State University (WSU) $82,500 after an investigation found the school improperly reported and handled two sexual assaults that occurred in 2007.

The government found WSU guilty of two violations of the Clery Act, including failing to:

1. disclose forcible sex crime statistics and accurately classify offenses, and
2. include statements about campus crime reporting policies in its annual report.

Two incidents that happened in 2007 caused the first violation, including:

1. an incorrectly labeled “domestic dispute” — even though it included an alleged rape, for which the victim submitted an written statement, and
2. a records manager, who without authority to do so, labeled a report of a sexual assault as “unfounded” after the victim chose not to provide “substantiating evidence to the police.”

The second violation stems from WSU’s failure to follow rules on the annual security report required by the Clery Act. Specifically, the university failed to distribute the following to students and employees:

1. information on WSU counseling services
2. policies on disclosure of crime stats, and
3. consequences that may be imposed for sexual offenses.

WSU will appeal the fines, according to President Elson S. Floyd.

It’s probably a good time to review the Clery Act amendments that went into effect on July 1 — and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

Dorm fires caused by candles caused $29.8 million in property damages between 2003 and 2006. Keep students safe by suggesting these alternatives to candles.

1. Use drawer liners to give clothes a gentle scent.
2. Invest in a mobile laundry basket with wheels to help make washing clothes less of a chore, which means student won’t put it off so long.
3. Wipe up spills immediately with sponges designed to also remove the lingering odors in the air.
4. Put a box of baking soda, which will absorb odors, in the corner of the room and change the box monthly.
5. Include a house plant, such as a Cosmos Daisy or a Lemon Balm, as a natural air freshener.

Any ideas we left out? Share them in the comments box below — and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

The University of Vermont (UVM) faces civil penalties for violations of the Clery Act, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Education.
UVM was cited for:

• inaccurate reporting of crime statistics, especially anonymously reported sex offenses
• deficient crime logs, with an emphasis on the “current disposition of some incidents”
• insufficient sexual assault policy
• insufficient information regarding timely warning, specifically with regards to communication modes that would warn students in case of an imminent threat, and
• failure to distribute campus security reports in accordance with federal regulations, specifically the exact url.

The Clery Act was updated this year. Here is a refresher on the new requirements.

Has your university made a smooth transition to the updated Clery Act? Share your strategies in the comments box below — and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

Hopefully this will never happen on your campus. But if it does, you’ll need to know how to handle it.

“Detergent Suicide” or “Chemical Suicide” has been a growing problem in Japan since 2007.

Students commit suicide by inhaling toxic gases that are readily available on college campuses. They confine themselves into small spaces (such as a bathroom, car or closet) and mix chemicals to create Hydrogen sulfide, which is extremely toxic.

Just “one breath can cause death in 40-50 seconds,” according to The New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control/Hazardous Materials.

In 2008, the U.S. had only two confirmed chemical suicides. And in 2009, nine chemical suicides were reported.

But this year, more than a dozen chemical suicides have already been reported, with most recent incident happening at Indiana University.

In addition, a student at Berkeley committed chemical suicide this year, and a Pace University student caused a terror scare in the NYC subway system during his chemical suicide attempt. Subway security officers prevented the 20-year-old from mixing the chemicals.

Common warning signs

Students often barricade the door and post a sign to warns rescuers. Examples include:

• “Warning H2S”
• “Deadly Hydrogen Sulfide Gas. Do Not Open,” or
• “Deadly Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Inside. Need HazMat crew before opening.”

The toxic gas is an effective killer: Potential rescuers and safety professionals must be aware of the dangerous exposure risk. For example, one chemical suicide in an apartment building in Japan killed the victim. The incident also made more than 90 of the victim’s neighbors ill — and ten had to be hospitalized.

Here’s how to respond if you see one of the warning signs:

1. Do not open the door. Contact a HazMat crew.
2. If it’s outside, evacuate the area — and at least a 100 foot perimeter.
3. If it’s inside, evacuate the building — and shut down the A/C and heating systems to contain the gases.
4. Attempt to rouse the victim by shouting loudly, blowing horns or sirens from a distance.
5. If you’re outside — stay upwind from the incident.
6. If you notice any unusual odor, back away and wait for HazMat protection.
7. If you notice an unusual odor that seems to have disappeared, seek immediate fresh air — as the sense of smell is quickly fatigued when exposed to Hydrogen sulfide.

The U.S. Military’s position on H2S: “NEVER attempt a rescue in an area that may contain Hydrogen sulfide without using appropriate respiratory protection and without being trained to perform such a rescue.”

The police department at the University of Florida has dismissed the commanding officer who was involved in an on-campus shooting. Here’s what happened:

Campus police responded to screams coming from student Kofi Adu-Brempong’s on-campus apartment. This wasn’t the first time the student displayed mental-health issues.

Officers on the scene reported that Adu-Brempong confronted them with a metal table leg in a threatening manner.

That’s when officer Lt. Stacy Ettel fired his weapon, shooting the student in the hand and face.

Ettel was terminated after an internal affairs investigation found he violated three policies during the incident that led to the shooting.

According to reports, Ettel violated department policy by:

1. Using the Critical Incident Response Team (which is designed to deal with active shooters on campus) to confront a mentally ill student who primarily posed a danger to himself.
2. Failing to respond to the incident with team members who are trained to handle situations with mentally ill students.
3. Failing to notify the assistant director of patrol and report to the police chief about the situation.

The injured student will require several surgeries in order to recover from serious facial injuries.

Ettel will continue to be paid for six months. He has not commented on the termination.

Was this termination justified? Share your take in the comments box below.

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

Pass this along to your facilities and athletics departments: Stadium light poles manufactured by Whitco Co. can fracture, crack or fall over, according to a recall alert from The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Light poles installed between 2000 and 2006 have fallen in nine incidents, causing major damage to stadiums and gymnasiums. An additional 50 that were inspected showed cracks or fractures at the base of the poles. So far, there have been no injuries to students or spectators.

CPSC’s recommendation: Get light poles and surrounding areas inspected by a qualified professional to reduce the risk of poles falling over and crushing a patron or bystander. If cracks, fractures or other signs of wear are found, poles should be repaired or replaced.

Check out the full alert here, and share your thoughts in the comments section.

U.S. colleges aren’t doing enough to reduce alcohol consumption among students, says a new study from the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

The report analyzed responses from 351 college administrators who were asked if they follow recommendations from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s college drinking task force.

Among the responses:

• More than 22% of administrators didn’t know about the recommendations
• Only a third of college communities performed compliance checks for illegal alcohol sales
• 15% mandated server training
• 7% restricted the number of outlets selling alcohol, and
• Only 2% raised alcohol prices.

But that’s not to say schools aren’t doing anything right: 98% of colleges provided education on excessive drinking and two-thirds of schools provided interventions for high-risk and problem drinkers.

How is your school putting the breaks on student drinking? Let us know in the comments section.

All schools now are required to test their emergency response systems annually because of a new provision in the Clery Act. The new amendment went into effect this past July, requiring — among other things — campus police departments to create and test emergency response plans.

Here’s how the 11-minute drill played out, according to a report in USA Today:

• A gunman was firing on campus.
• There was a simulated detonated bomb in an auditorium.
• A group of 50 students, faculty and staff at Hamilton played the victims.
• The college was faced with handling a broken public address system.
• The school also had to arrange hospital transport for several students as well as come up with a plan to deal with parents.

State policeman Capt. Francis Coots told USA Today: “We tend to think it’s not going to happen in our backyard. But the chance of a disgruntled employee or disgruntled student going in there with a gun is a real possibility.”

Is your school ready should the unthinkable happen? Let us know in the comments section below.

A memo from the chancellor pledging to curb underage and binge drinking with heavier enforcement, increased Friday classes and police crackdowns on house parties has outraged University of Wisconsin students.

Forms of student “protest” have included:

• An angry Facebook group attracting over 1,460 members
• Plaintive e-mails to national newspapers, and, of course
• An increase in binges explicitly aimed at defying the chancellor’s strong-arm tactics.

While the chancellor expects the backlash to blow over, it isn’t helping the school change its image as a heavy-drinking college in a heavy-drinking state. It’s a reputation the school is hoping to shed as it transitions into a polytechnic institute with an emphasis on courting high-quality employers.

How have students responded to your school’s alcohol-control efforts? Let us know in the comments section.

The Kansas House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 2685, which would allow anyone 21 or older to carry concealed weapons on the state’s higher education campuses.

The bill stipulates one exception: Weapons would not be allowed in buildings with adequate security measures, such as metal detectors, installed inside.

In spite of the stipulation, many school administrators aren’t happy. Here are responses to the bill:

1. From the Kansas Board of Regents: “It is our firm belief that allowing weapons on campus would significantly increase the risk of violence and harm to students, faculty and others rather than making anyone safer.”
2. From the University of Kansas: “The concealed carry bill as passed would undermine campus safety and security efforts now in place. In fact, the number of reported crimes on campus, overwhelmingly non-violent, is down 34% in the last decade … To keep weapons off campus, the university would have to install metal detectors at virtually every building entrance. Such security measures would be cost prohibitive and would not absolutely guarantee safety.”

The bill now moves forward to the Kansas Senate for a vote. We’ll keep you posted.

Good legislation or an accident waiting to happen? Chime in below.

A ‘prank’ that could’ve easily turned into a tragedy.

According to reports, a fraternity member allegedly set fire to a friend who was wrapped in toilet paper.  And University of Kentucky fire marshal Greg Williamson wants the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house shut down.

UK Student Sean P. Dunn, 19, of Hebron, has been charged with:

• first-degree arson
• first-degree wanton endangerment, and
• tampering with physical evidence.

Dunn’s bail was set at $5,200.

The unidentified victim, also a member of the fraternity, was swathed in toilet paper when Dunn allegedly struck a match and set the blaze. He did not suffer serious injuries.

• doorways were covered with blankets
• residents had rigged “tent structures on beds,” which could hinder the building’s sprinkler system, and
• candles were found.

As a result of this incident and previous problems, the national chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has suspended the UK chapter.

What should schools do to prevent these types of pranks? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

In 2006,  23-year-old frat pledge Bradley Swearingen was at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house at the University of North Texas.

The linoleum floor was covered with soapy water, and Swearingen slid into a door frame, fracturing three vertibrae in his back.

His injury required surgery. After the initial procedure, Swearingen developed a staph infection — and required two more operations.

Swearingen wound up spending about a month in the hospital and missed nearly two semesters of school. He suffered permanent damage — a loss of range of motion in his neck, and he can’t play contact sports anymore.

He sued the fraternity and its officers, claiming his injuries were caused by hazing.

The fraternity settled, but its officers fought the charges in court. They claimed that frat members weren’t hazing — they were just having fun. They pointed out two key factors:

• active members — not just pledges — participated in the activity, and
• no one was forced to participate.

The jury rejected Swearingen’s claim and found no damages.

Did the jury make the right call? Tell us what you think in the comments section.

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy announced a new policy: Students can’t wear head coverings that block their faces unless they have a medical reason to do so.

In October, a Muslim alumnus of the college – who is also the son of a professor there – was charged with planning to shoot mall shoppers and kill Americans in Iraq. The college insisted the new ban had nothing to do with the arrest. Instead, it said the ban was put into place following an annual review of public safety procedures.

The school was quickly contacted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which said an exemption was needed to accommodate Muslims who wear face veils for religious reasons.

The school’s response: You’re right. It recently added a religious exception to the ban.

Do you think schools should be allowed to require students to show their faces at all times? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Sounds pretty cut-and-dried, but it isn’t that simple:

East Central University student Joshua Jackson is a 35-year-old quadriplegic who cannot move from his bed to his wheelchair without assistance. Jackson has an aide who helps him in the morning. But he is alone overnight.

University officials say they are concerned because Jackson is breaking a residence hall rule that jeopardizes his safety — and the safety of other students.

The residence hall rule in question: Residents must be able to evacuate their dorm rooms on their own at night — in the event of an emergency.

As a result, school officials have ordered Jackson to hire an assistant to stay with him overnight — and if he doesn’t, he will have to move out of the dormitory.

Jackson argues that he cannot afford to pay an $11,000 aide’s salary out-of-pocket. Post-secondary schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities, but with increasing budget cuts, the school says it cannot pay the salary either.

Jackson, along with other students with disabilities, is working with school officials to find an accommodation that works for all parties involved. But the end of the semester — and the Dec. 12th deadline — is fast approaching.

How should this dilemma be resolved? Where’s the line between safety and discrimination? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

HEOA’s new regulations require college and university officials to:

• maintain an accurate fire log
• report fire incident stats to the U.S. DOE
• establish a ‘missing student’ notification policy
• develop confidential reporting methods for on-campus students
• circulate an annual report for campus fire safety, and
• include a statement of emergency response and evacuation plans in the annual report.

While colleges are required to publish crisis plans, school officials should take caution that the wording doesn’t spell out operational procedures, advises Daniel Carter, Security on Campus’ director of public policy. He maintains that too many details “would threaten safety.”

The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) has released a free tracking tool that fulfills educational institutions fire log requirements, under the new regulations.

How is your school planning to comply with the new regulations? Let us know in the comments section below.

There’s already been more crime than college officials could have anticipated this year, including:

• the recent, high-profile murder of Yale graduate student Annie Le
• four reports of sexual assault at Penn State — in the first two weeks of classes, and
• a doubling in underage drinking arrests in the past year at Arizona State University.

Check out the top 10 campuses with the highest crime rates, according to The Daily Beast rankings:

1. Emerson College (MA)
2. St. Xavier University (IL)
3. University of Maryland, Baltimore
4. Tufts University (MA)
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
7. Grambling State University (LA)
8. South Carolina State
9. Bowie State University (MD)
10. North Carolina Central

The Daily Beast compiled its list after universities across the country submitted their incidents of crime, as required by the Clery Act.

Keep in mind, schools are required to report incidents that occurred on — and around — campuses, such as incidents occurring on nearby public subways.

Officials from some schools on the list say their campuses are safe, but they have to include local crime.

For the Daily Beast’s full report — and  comments from school officials — click here.

Do you think the Daily Beast’s list is a fair measure of campus safety? Let us know in the comments section below.

The University of Akron kicked up its demands recently. In addition to the typical pre-employment rituals, the school now requires all new employees to be willing to submit a DNA sample.

In spite of criticism, school officials insist the school has not yet collected any DNA samples. It is just “reserving the right to do so,” according to Akron spokesperson Laura Martinez Massie.

Akron wants “a safe environment for all of its students and employees,” Massie continued, explaining that DNA identification is the criminal identification tool of the future. In the event of a crisis, Akron wants to be able to use “the new technology if we found it necessary.”

There’s a huge red flag waving in the near future: The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) goes into effect Nov. 21, 2009. This new legislation may open a can of worms for pre-employment DNA demands.

Is requiring an applicant to agree to provide a DNA sample an acceptable pre-employment demand? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

In other words, students competed in brutal physical altercations with stringent, organized rules — just like the characters in the movie.

The recent melee occurred on a commercial street that borderes the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus.

According to officers, some of the students fled as law enforcement arrived on the scene. Most students continued to fight viciously, including holding their opponents down while other fighters choked them.

After officers broke up the fight, students claimed they were just playing a game called “Fusion,” and they “were required to do combat with each other,” according to the rules of the game.

Officers arrested all 17 college students and charged them with disorderly conduct.

In an unrelated incident: 31 Tennessee high school students were arrested for similar “fight club” brawls. They face charges of:

• aggravated assault
• participating in prize fighting, and
• disturbance of peace.

Were the college students let off too easily? Should they have received harsher punishments similar to the Tennessee high school teens? Let us know in the comments section below.

Showerheads are dark, warm and wet – the perfect host for breeding bacteria.

When bacteria are trapped in showerheads, a substance called biofilm accumulates,  according to a new study conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

But exactly what is biofilm? And more importantly, what steps can school officials take to protect student athletes?

Biofilm is the coat of slime made up of potentially disease-causing bacteria, such as mycobacterium avium and L. pneumophila.

Levels of these bacteria are more than 100 times higher in shower water (due to biofilm build up) than in pre-shower water, according to recent research by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

And when showerhead faucets are turned on, the biofilm is sprayed onto bodies.

The good news: Most bacteria will not hurt us. Students who have weakened immune systems are most susceptible to lung infections caused by biofilm.

The research concluded that cleanliness is the most important step to reducing biofilm health risks. Two inexpensive ways:

• clean showerheads regularly with steel brushes and cleaning solvents, and
• replace showerheads at least once a year.

Do you find this news surprising? Let us know in the comments section below.

For the most part, the response went according to plan, say school officials.  Nevertheless, they’re searching for ways to make students feel more secure.

Here are three areas of concern that were raised after the shooting  — and the steps  school officials and local law enforcement plan to take to tighten campus security:

1. Notifying students. Most students received this text message alert: Active shooter at Skyline. Take safe cover immediately. Classes closed for the rest of the day. But some students reported concerns about delayed text notification. The fix: A public-address (PA) system is installed in most of the newer campus buildings, and school officials are considering the cost-effectiveness of expanding the PA system to the older buildings.
2. Communicating “details” to law enforcement. Responders reported that it would’ve been helpful to know who was in charge of various campus buildings. This information would have allowed for faster student evacuations. The fix: The local police department is considering a lockdown drill schedule.  Responders say they can never have too much training to prepare for such incidents.
3. Arranging for transportation. Many students and staff were stranded after the shooting, because vehicles were sequestered in the crime scene. The fix: School officials will look at options for potential transportation challenges during emergencies.

But there’s no need to worry: September is recognized as National Campus Fire Safety Month, and the school’s unconventional bonfire was a planned event.

School officials built the 8-by-12 structure — and then set it on fire to show students how quickly dorms can burn to the ground.

Here are the nationwide dorm-fire stats from 2003 to 2006, provided by university officials:

• Each year, fire departments responded to an average of 3,570 fires in dorm rooms, fraternity and sorority houses.
• These fires caused an average of seven deaths and 54 injuries annually.
• Property damage averaged $29.4 million every year.
• 75% of the fires were cooking-related.
• Most likely time for fires: between 5 and 11 p.m. and on weekends.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety offers free resources for students and school officials here. What does your school do to promote fire safety? Let us know in the comments section below.

Reason: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall warning on towers made by Whitco Co. LP.

Nine poles have already collapsed, causing extensive damage, such as:

• crashing through buildings, and
• crushing sections of bleachers.

Inspectors found cracks and fractures between the bases and poles of at least 50 additional light towers. The faulty towers pose serious safety risks, as each is nearly 135 feet tall and weighs nearly four tons.

The CPSC has not yet received any injury reports caused by falling poles.

Whitco is out of business, according to the CPSC. The agency is urging all schools that have these poles installed to schedule an inspection right away.

The CPSC also suggests routine inspection of all poles — regardless of the manufacturer.

For more information, e-mail info@cpsc.gov or call the agency’s hotline (800) 638-2772.

The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Security Manager John Newton outlined three common mistakes in using emergency notification systems at the School Safety Advocacy Council’s annual conference in Orlando. He also offered solutions that UGA implemented to make their alert system more effective.

Problem #1: Overusing the system.  Students may ignore the system if it’s used too often for non-emergency situations. A true safety warning going unheeded could turn into a tragedy. Quick fix: Use another channel to distribute non-threatening messages, such as group e-mails or PA systems.

Problem #2: Inappropriate message lengths. Outgoing voice mail messages vary in length – especially with cell phones that list options to page the person. If the alert is too short, the voice mail greeting will outlast it, and the intended recipient will never receive the emergency notification. Quick fix: The ideal message should be about 30 seconds.

Problem #3: Different phones have different text message character limits. If some of the alert gets cut off at the end, it may send recipients into a panic. The school may be bombarded with calls from frantic students and parents. Quick fix: Stick to the average limit — 160 characters per text — and direct recipients to further information via another channel, such as the Web site or local TV and radio stations.

How does your school keep its emergency notification system in top-notch shape? Share your tips in the comments section below.

At least 1,200 colleges throughout the country now offer a self-defense curriculum: the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems program.

The program has been around for 20 years, teaching students basic moves – wrist grabs, for example – as well as how to make the right choices about where a student might be going, and who they’re going with.

Not all self-defense courses are for credit – some are simply for students who want to feel safer.

The big advantage of self-defense classes is making students more aware of their surroundings, according to experts.

And not surprisingly, these classes are very popular with women (although also men take them), and at schools located in big cities.

At Temple University in Philadelphia, Michelle Harmon teaches self-defense as part of the RAD program. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Harmon said she tells her students: It’s one thing to be confident, but students have to have the skills to back up the confidence – otherwise, it’s just an attitude.

In the comments section below, let us know if your school offers self-defense classes – and if you do, how successful are they?

Marching band members have become part of a growing number of college students who’ve experienced hazing — and the courts now are handing out punishments to seven students from Southern University (SU) in Louisiana.

The background:

Late last fall, seven members of the SU Marching Band were arrested and charged with beating three fellow band members.

According to police reports, the victims were blindfolded, told to remove their shirts, splashed with water, hit with band members’ open hands — and then told to bend over at the waist while they were struck repeatedly with a large wooden board.

The incident was part of the younger students’ initiation into the French horn fraternity, Mellow Phi Fellow.

As a result of the beating, two of the victims were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries (they faced organ failure). They were eventually released. The third victim withdrew from the initiation after he was struck more than 50 times with the board.

The update:

Lagarian Bridgewater, one of the seven charged in the hazing, has entered a plea of no contest. The 22-year-old is expected to be put on probation when he’s sentenced on Sept. 22.

In the meantime, Bridgewater’s been given the go-ahead on fulfilling some of the conditions of his probation by:

• performing 100 hours of community service
• writing a 500-word essay on why hazing is dangerous, and
• writing a 500-word report about someone who died because of hazing.

The six other defendants also are expected to plead no contest, and it’s anticipated they’ll also be put on probation.

The National Study of Student Hazing found that 55% of college students who belong to clubs, teams and organizations experience hazing, according to its comprehensive 2008 report. (Click here to see the full report.)

In the case of Southern University, does the punishment fit the crime? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Not even one-fourth of colleges regularly take a look at how they’d respond to criminal acts, environmental threats and financial wrongdoing, according to a survey from United Educators and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. (Click here to see survey results.)

When do they plan for these situations?

After they’ve experienced one, says the report — which surveyed more than 600 college administrators.

Once a school deals with a crime on campus, for example, it starts putting plans in place for dealing with a similar situation in the future.

How prepared is your school? Let us know in the comments section below.