North Park Launches New Security Initiatives for Coming Year
LifeLine Response App and Viking Shuttle offer students more ways to stay safe in and around campus
CHICAGO (August 18, 2014) — North Park University is committed to creating a safe and stable environment for students, faculty, and staff while on they are on campus, and to offering tools and knowledge that will help them live and travel securely throughout Chicago. This academic year, the Office of Campus Safety and Security and the Division of Student Engagement are launching two security initiatives to provide new technology and more comprehensive security coverage.
The LifeLine Response EDU mobile app for both iPhone and Android smartphones provides students with cutting-edge technology that allows them to respond to an emergency situation with the touch of a button. With features like emergency responder notifications, real-time GPS service, and alerts that can be sent to family and friends, students can travel more securely around campus and the city.
“Students at North Park are often young, mobile, and not always familiar with their surroundings,” says Dan Gooris, director of campus security at North Park University. “We want to give them the tools they need to be safe on campus and while they take advantage of the city of Chicago.” The app is also available to University faculty and staff.
While the LifeLine app is a tool for personal safety, the University will continue using its emergency alert system for campus-wide notifications. Students, faculty, and staff who opt-in will receive time-sensitive emergency information via channels including text message, email, and voicemail.
Another new addition this year is the creation of the Viking Shuttle, a free transportation system that operates on a continual route to important locations in and around campus. Between the hours of 7:00 pm and 2:00 am, students, faculty, and staff can ride the shuttle to their dorms, other campus buildings, and the Kimball Brown Line "L" station. Security professionals will operate the shuttle, providing additional coverage around the campus perimeter.
When the shuttle is not in service, students can still take advantage of the North Park Security Escort Service. North Park security staff provides students with limited mobility or safety concerns with vehicle or walking escorts on-demand from classes, the train line, and other locations.
“Since we consider Chicago to be one of our classrooms, we want students to feel safe and secure as they explore the city and its various opportunities,” says Elizabeth Snezek, dean of students. “The safety and well-being of our students is of the highest priority to the Division of Student Engagement. We believe that students must feel comfortable and secure in their environment in order to be successful in their academic pursuits and to develop the tools to meet their goals.”
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Next Steps
Learn more about the Office of Campus Safety and Security at North Park University.