East Michigan News

With the start of the fall semester, the Central Michigan University Police Department has issued several campus safety updates and reminders regarding building access, emergency alerts, and training opportunities.

CMU has expanded electronic access controls to doors in 18 academic and administrative buildings. Additional buildings will receive these controls throughout the coming year. Most buildings will remain open during designated hours; however, electronic access controls provide an added layer of security and allow CMUPD to activate “secure mode” remotely from CMU Police dispatch.

The university encourages all faculty, staff, and students to have their CentralCard or Central Mobile ID accessible. Even if controls are not yet installed in a particular building, IDs may be needed for access to other areas on campus. Starting this fall, all residence hall exterior doors require card access only. Main entrances will be accessible to all students, faculty, and staff during designated hours for attending classes, dining, support services, etc.

All CentralCards issued after 2011 are compatible with access controls as is the Central Mobile ID. Instructions for provisioning a CMU ID for use on mobile devices can be found on the CentralCard Office website.

All CMU faculty, staff, and students are automatically enrolled in CentralAlert, CMU’s emergency notification system. Notifications are sent when there is confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to health or safety on campus. Contact information within the CentralAlert system can be updated to modify which mobile phone numbers, voice lines, and email addresses receive alerts.

For off-campus emergencies within Isabella County, the county uses the free Smart911 app. More details are available on the Isabella County website.

To enhance active violence preparedness at CMU, it is recommended that all students, faculty, and staff view the Run Hide Fight video provided by CMUPD. The department also offers free training and programming upon request.