In light of the tragedies last week at Virginia Tech, AU officials, like those at most other colleges around the country, have begun reviewing the school's emergency response policies. Students are generally not aware of the current policy even though it's available online and all resident assistants are (at least in theory) well-versed in the procedures.
A new plan to implement a text-messaging system that would alert students to any emergencies is a good idea, but it shouldn't be the only reform. Not all students have cell phones with text messaging capabilities and many don't check their phones during class. A combination of text messages, e-mail alerts and notification through traditional media, word of mouth and fliers would be the best way to alert students to crisis situations.
The school should also do its best to inform students about the new policy so that students can make their own emergency plans. Everyone should help protect the safety of themselves and the campus.
