U of A Expands Campus Safety After Student Pushback on Emergency Response

The Associated Student Government is taking an expanded role in campus safety this year, committing to new programs and partnerships aimed at protecting students, faculty, and staff at the Fayetteville campus. The shift comes after ASG leadership met with University of Arkansas Police Department leadership, CAPS representatives, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeremy Battjes to address gaps in emergency response procedures. A key focus of the enhanced safety effort centers on the "Avoid, Deny, Defend" active threat protocols. ASG leadership is prioritizing student training and understanding of these procedures, beginning with sessions for ASG agents and other student leaders. The training represents a significant step toward ensuring that students across campus can effectively respond to emergency situations. The university has multiple reporting mechanisms in place for students seeking help. The SafeZone app allows students to request emergency assistance with their location pinpointed on a map for police response. University Police can be reached at 479-575-2222 at any time, with 911 available for immediate emergencies. The UAPD also offers training opportunities involving acts of violence and workplace violence through Environmental Health & Safety at 479-575-5448. ASG's expanded safety role reflects broader institutional commitment to creating what university officials describe as a "safe learning, working and living environment" for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The student government's leadership on emergency preparedness highlights how campus safety is increasingly becoming a shared responsibility between administration and the student body rather than a top-down institutional function alone.