Safety First

Expressive Activity on Campus

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The arrival of spring on campus signals the end of winter. Notably, native Missouri flowers planted by Grounds begin to bloom.  Similarly, students enjoy the newly installed hammock stands. Finally, the arrival of spring leads to an increase of expressive activity speakers on campus. Expressive activity speakers are one way that an issue can be openly discussed and explored on campus. Additionally, freedom to exchange views is essential to the mission of the University.

Location and Safety Considerations

Expressive activity may take place at any outdoor area on campus. However, expressive activity may not endanger the safety of others, interrupt University operations, destroy property, disrupt traffic, or violate University policy. In order to ensure safety, the University prohibits masks, signs larger than 24” by 36”, signs supported by sticks, and other items determined by the University to be a safety hazard. A full list of items may be found at https://www.missouristate.edu/policy/Op1_01_1_RulesforSpeakers.htm .

Noise Level and Content

Noise levels may not interfere with activity on campus. Additionally, expression that is obscene, defamatory, or threats of violence are not permitted. Similarly, sound amplification equipment is limited to the Bear Paw. When Campus Safety becomes aware of an expressive activity on campus, they may send staff to the scene to monitor the situation. The Campus Safety staff are aware of University policy and monitor the activity to ensure compliance. If you believe that a violation has occurred, report the incident to Campus Safety. Campus Safety may be reached at 417-836-5509.

Open Idea Exchange

The University recognizes that individuals may be opposed to and/or offended by certain expressive activities. While disagreement with different opinions is acceptable, creating an environment where issues can openly be discussed is important. Likewise, individuals who listen to an expressive activity bear the responsibility of recognizing and honoring the right of free speech. The Dean of Students office is available to discuss concerns about expressive activity.

The Expressive Activity Policy is available at https://www.missouristate.edu/policy/g5_02_expressiveactivity.htm.

Spare Tire Thefts

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Three members of the campus community reported their rear mounted spare tire removed while on campus this week. The thefts occurred in parking lots between Bear Boulevard and Walnut Street and between National Avenue and John Q. Hammons Parkway. The Springfield Police Department is investigating the incidents.

Vehicle of Interest

If you have any information about a 1998-2005 Subaru Forester similar to the one below, please notify the MSU Police Substation at 836-5509.

Photo 1 of Subaru Forester

Historically, we see an increase in motor vehicle break-ins in late March and early April. To address this, Campus Safety and the Springfield Police Department have increased patrols of parking lots to deter break-ins. Dispatch services has added dispatchers to increase the monitoring of surveillance cameras on campus.

Tips

  • If you own a vehicle with a rear mounted spare tire, secure it using locking lug nuts or a security cable.
  • Remove your keys from your vehicle.
  • Remove valuables from your vehicle.
  • Always lock your vehicle.
  • Immediately report suspicious individuals in the parking lots to Campus Safety at 417-836-5509.

Statewide Tornado Drill – March 5th at 10:00 a.m.

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On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Missouri will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. Missouri State participates in this annual drill. It provides a good test and review of our tornado procedures. During this drill, all faculty, staff and students are asked to react in accordance with the University’s Emergency Action Plan Severe Weather and Tornado Procedures. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these procedures before the drill. For a complete list of shelter locations, go to the Building Evacuation and Shelter Locations Reference Chart.

Tornado Facts

  • Wind speeds can reach in excess of 300 mph.
  • Paths of destruction can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.
  • Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, but most frequently occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Tornadoes in Missouri peak March through June, but can occur at any time of year.
  • Missouri has averaged 46.7 tornadoes per year.
  • Missouri is in the top 10 states that experience tornadoes.
  • The U.S. averages 71 deaths per year from tornadoes.

Be Smart. Stay Safe.

Aggravated Assault – Missouri State Alert

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On Tuesday, January 22, just before 5:00 p.m. two individuals were breaking into a vehicle in Bear Park South. Our dispatch center sent out a Missouri State Alert to make the campus aware of the incident. The notification allows the campus to use appropriate safety precautions. However, during the process of getting the message out, we used the abbreviation for Bear Park South (BPS). Unfortunately, this created confusion. We recognize this was problematic and will make sure we do not do that in the future.

The incident does provide an opportunity to make sure our personal settings are correct. Each individual controls their means of contact within Missouri State Alert. The system is set up so each individual automatically receives the email. If they have provided a phone number, they decide which number(s) will received the voice communication. If they indicate they want to receive it by text, they can include the phone number to receive it as well. They can update their preferences on our website. I encourage everyone to take two minutes to make sure they are receiving the notification the way they prefer.

For me, I receive it via email, voice on my cell and office phone, and via text to my cell phone. This ensures I get it wherever I am at during an emergency.

Statewide Tornado Drill – March 5 at 10 a.m.

by

On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Missouri will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. Missouri State participates in this annual drill. It provides a good test and review of our tornado procedures. During this drill, all faculty, staff and students are asked to react in accordance with the University’s Emergency Action Plan Severe Weather and Tornado Procedures. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these procedures before the drill. For a complete list of shelter locations, go to the Building Evacuation and Shelter Locations Reference Chart.

Tornado Facts

  • Wind speeds can reach in excess of 300 mph.
  • Paths of destruction can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.
  • Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, but most frequently occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Tornadoes in Missouri peak March through June, but can occur at any time of year.
  • Missouri has averaged 46.7 tornadoes per year.
  • Missouri is in the top 10 states that experience tornadoes.
  • The U.S. averages 71 deaths per year from tornadoes.

Be Smart. Stay Safe.