HOUGHTON — After last week’s shooting at Michigan State University that killed three people, Michigan Technological University is creating a task force to look for ways to upgrade security at the university.
University counsel Sarah Schulte will head the task force, which will review the university’s security protocols and recommend potential improvements, President Richard Koubek said at Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting. Its report is expected to be ready in May.
“There are no words that adequately express the profound sense of sadness we feel and share with our Spartan colleagues,” he said. “The violence that occurred on Michigan State’s campus last week serves as a stark reminder of the realities of safety on college campuses and begs the question, ‘Can we do more?’”
In its announcement of the task force, the university listed other steps it has taken to prepare.
The university began active shooter training in 2017. More than 2,000 employees have received training since it was added to new employees’ orientation the following year.
Local law enforcement departments train at locations around the Keweenaw, including Tech and K-12 schools, to familiarize themselves with the site.
Tech’s public safety coordinates with agencies from the local to federal levels about potential threats, and also undergoes national and state emergency training.
Tech uses a mass notification system to provide rapid and timely information of critical incidents occurring and instructions to students and employees on how to protect themselves. Students also hear from a public safety officer during orientation on what to do during an incident.
In the case of an emergency, Tech will also rapidly set up an operations center, similar to the ones used for Winter Carnival and hockey games.
University Senate President Mike Mullins applauded the creation of the task force. The senate has been in dialogue with the student governments and administration for how to prepare if a shooting incident happens at Tech, he said.
“Campuses should be safe, welcoming and respectful to all,” he said. “We must come together to provide support and care for those impacted by violence, and do everything that we can to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Also Friday, Tech’s board approved new room and board rates for Douglass Houghton Hall, McNair Hall, Wadsworth Hall, Hillside Place and rental rates for Daniell Heights apartments and University houses for fiscal year 2024.
A Gold meal plan and double or quad room at Douglas Houghton Hall will cost $6,464 for fall 2023, up 4.1% from the previous fall.
Originally set later in the school year, the new rates were moved up to the February meeting after students requested more time to plan accordingly, said Trustee Andrea Dickson.
The updated rates can be seen at mtu.edu/housing/applications-policies/rates.
The board also approved funds for general operating purposes for a revolving line of credit for up to $20 million.
During the Graduate Student Government report, President Ranit Karmakar also updated the board on the progress of the new shuttles from Hancock. The pilot program was launched Jan. 31 for staff, faculty and graduate and undergraduate students.
In the first two weeks of the program, seven runs transported 166 riders.
