Missouri State University is rolling out an important training initiative aimed at enhancing campus safety and preparedness. All faculty and staff members are being assigned a course within the MyLearning Connection system titled “Preparing for Emergencies.” This comprehensive, three-part course is designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to various emergency situations that may arise on campus.

Course Overview

The “Preparing for Emergencies” course is structured into three key sections:

1. Missouri State’s Emergency Procedures: This section outlines the university’s protocols for handling emergencies. It provides a detailed overview of the steps taken by the institution to ensure the safety and well-being of its community during critical incidents.
2. Employee Actions During Emergencies: In this part of the course, employees will learn about the specific actions they should take if an emergency occurs. The goal is to empower faculty and staff to respond quickly and effectively, helping to mitigate risks and protect themselves and others.
3. University’s Response and Additional Training: The final section delves into the university’s broader response strategies during emergencies and highlights additional training opportunities available to employees. Given the sensitive nature of this section, particularly its focus on handling active shooter situations, completion is optional.

Course Details and Deadlines

Each section of the course is designed to be concise yet informative, with an estimated completion time of about 20 minutes per section. Sections one and two include several “check on learning” questions to ensure that participants fully grasp the material presented.

While the first two sections are mandatory, the third section—due to its sensitive content regarding active shooter scenarios—remains optional. However, employees are strongly encouraged to review all the material to be as prepared as possible.

The deadline for completing parts one and two is September 30th, 2024. To ensure compliance, supervisors will receive monthly updates listing employees who have not yet completed the required training.

Ongoing Commitment to Safety

The university is committed to continuously improving this training, and plans are in place to develop professional videos for future iterations.

If you have any feedback on the course content or suggestions for improvement, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts with EMergency Preparedness Manager Jimmy Stewart. He can be contacted at jrs578e@missouristate.edu. Your input will help shape a safer and more secure campus environment for everyone.