ORU Goes Hi-Tech To Protect Students

Wednesday, August 22nd 2007, 8:39 pm

By: News On 6

Classes began at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa last week, and administrators say their campus is safer than ever. In the wake of April's tragedy at Virginia Tech, the school spent the summer making improvements to its security. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports the new technology takes advantage of hi-tech devices like cell phones to get information out as quickly as possible.

"We would all like to think that these kinds of things don't happen, but we don't take that position because that's not reality," ORU Vice Provost Dr. Jeff Ogle said.

Dr. Jeff Ogle says that immediately after the Virginia Tech massacre, he and other faculty members began brainstorming about how they could improve security on campus.

"Certainly we want to be sure that we have the procedures, the plans and the technology in place should anything like that happen, we're in a good position to respond," said Ogle.

When students stepped back on campus last week, the new technology was already in place. While registering for classes students were given the option to sign up for a new e-alert system. Here's how it works. Students provide the school with their cell phone number and e-mail. In the event of an emergency the student will immediately receive an e-mail and a text message. That same message will also be announced on an improved intercom system.

In addition to the intercom systems and the e-alerts, the university has installed new door locks, so classroom doors can now be locked from the inside. ORU has also installed a series of flat-panel televisions, and in case of an emergency they would flash much needed information for students.

Students say the new security measures are an unfortunate reality of post-Virginia Tech life on campus, but believe they're necessary

â€œIn lieu of the Virginia Tech stuff, being able to know that they can get something across to us in a quick manner," ORU senior Brandon Morgan said.

â€œI think with all the screens up and being able to subscribe to e-alert system, it will be a lot safer, hopefully, we pray nothing like that will happen here," said Oral Roberts University senior Caleb Becker.

Administrators have also instructed faculty to pay closer attention to any erratic behavior from students. ORU hopes to get those students into counseling before anything happens.

The University of Tulsa is also making changes. They hope to have their e-alert and intercom system up and running soon.

Watch the video: Oklahoma University Beefs Up Security