Security Magazine logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • MANAGEMENT
  • PHYSICAL
  • CYBER
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • SECTORS
  • EVENTS
  • MEDIA
  • MORE
  • EMAG
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Security Newswire
  • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
  • Leadership Management
  • Enterprise Services
  • Security Education & Training
  • Logical Security
  • Security & Business Resilience
  • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
  • Access Management
  • Fire & Life Safety
  • Identity Management
  • Physical Security
  • Video Surveillance
  • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
  • Cybersecurity News
  • More
  • COLUMNS
  • Cyber Tactics
  • Leadership & Management
  • Security Talk
  • Career Intelligence
  • Leader to Leader
  • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • Annual Guarding Report
  • Most Influential People in Security
  • The Security Benchmark Report
  • The Security Leadership Issue
  • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
  • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
  • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
  • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
  • Banking/Finance/Insurance
  • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
  • Education: K-12
  • Education: University
  • Government: Federal, State and Local
  • Hospitality & Casinos
  • Hospitals & Medical Centers
  • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
  • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
  • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
  • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
  • Industry Events
  • Webinars
  • Solutions by Sector
  • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Polls
  • Photo Galleries
  • Videos
  • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
  • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
  • Call for Entries
  • Classifieds & Job Listings
  • Continuing Education
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsor Insights
  • Store
  • White Papers
  • EMAG
  • eMagazine
  • This Month's Content
  • Advertise
Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • The Security Leadership Issue
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

Taking a Proactive Campus Approach

August 1, 2007
Access control on a mixed-use campus is an essential element.


Whether you protect a college campus or a corporate facility, developing a holistic security strategy that takes a proactive stance is a solid bet.

That’s the bottom line at a university in Mississippi. The University of Southern Mississippi serves nearly 16,000 students on the main campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and at five teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Department of Residence Life at Southern Miss is committed to providing a premier physical, social and cultural environment that encourages and supports the holistic development of the residential student.

Campus Security Operation Mission

Housing nearly 3,500 students in 15 residence halls, Residence Life prides itself on the safety and cleanliness of its facilities. Hall staff dedicates time toward programs that promote the health, wellness and academic development of Southern Miss residents while assisting students in building relationships that support successful residential communities, building friendships for a lifetime and teaching life skills for citizenship within an ever-changing environment.

As a result of a changing environment, more attention is directed toward the safety and security of all campus users. Progressive efforts within this realm begin with visionary communication and research at all levels. While some feel campus safety is the responsibility of a university police department, the success of any campus safety program hinges upon the communication of departmental and student needs to the campus safety department. Equally, any research regarding available technological alternatives is imperative for addressing current and future security issues.

Understanding that a college campus is a microcosm of society, the University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Residence Life realize the value parents, students and employees place on campus safety. Southern Miss is fortunate to have leadership within the University Police Department (UPD) that integrates proactive approaches to making all who walk the campus safe. The campus police chief, dean of students and director of residence life meet regularly to discuss issues and concerns. The Residence Hall Association periodically walks the campus at night and provides feedback on areas that need more lighting or appear unsafe. UPD responds promptly with remedies.

In an effort to provide students with a more responsive department, Residence Life and Campus Safety partnered to provide an Ionit video surveillance system. This covert system, which has been installed in several residence halls, can be managed or viewed not only at UPD, but also at the hall level or anywhere on campus through the use of an IP address. This system, combined with a personal access control system, provides a superb technological team for managing building environmental and access issues.

While some may question the value of video surveillance, video has been a real asset for Southern Miss. Recently, it had a student who entered the building by “tailgating” behind another student. The desk assistant noticed this and informed the building hall director. The hall director then tracked the individual through the building using the Ionit system on his laptop. By the time UPD had arrived, he had the room number the individual entered and UPD escorted the young man from the campus. That’s just one example of how the system works.

Evaluating Technology and Telecommunications

Typically during the budget preparation period Campus Safety and Residence Life meet and plan future purchases that add to its ability to increase campus safety. Due to the cost associated with implementing these types of security features security puts together a financial plan that allows it to phase in the purchase of access control and video surveillance systems. Staff reviews historical data on incidents in different halls and decides what residence hall(s) will be targeted for these types of purchases. Once those have been chosen, staff meets with the technology department for advice and support for implementation. So in a sense, the university has created a budgeted line item dedicated to security improvements at the residence hall level.

Access control is important, as is educating students about a secure environment, according to Dr. Christopher Crenshaw.

Evolution of Access Controls in University Communities

A goal is to provide covert video surveillance in key areas of all halls. In addition, card access will be not only at the building entrance, but also at the student room entrance in all of the halls. As security plans new construction, access control and video surveillance are standard features. This fall, it will open a gated community called The Village. The project includes video surveillance at the gate entrances, card access at the building entrance, hall entrance and room entrance.

While these features are helpful and can be deterrents, the biggest asset to student safety will always be the students themselves. Educating students that a secure environment is not always a convenient one is an ongoing process. Students have to understand the risk involved with allowing others to “tailgate” into a building for example. At Southern Miss there are no coed residence halls, so knowing visitation policies and recognizing when someone should not be in a hall is important. All institutions have to continue to educate students that they are security’s eyes and ears, a first line of defense to providing a safe living environment. Students, faculty and staff working together with advanced technology and good communication can go a long way toward impacting campus safety.

Advice for Other Universities

The level of safety and security on college campuses varies from institution to institution. While all are at different stages, all are also trying to improve where they are. Decisions on what to implement, where to implement and when to implement are usually driven by three variables. One is campus environment and mission. Another is upper level administration philosophy and of course the last is available resources. Whether it is video surveillance, biometrics, proximity readers or pin-coded card access, all require investigation and research as to what meets the needs of the specific situation. Fortunately, there are options.

While not one campus can guarantee student safety, all desire to minimize risk and improve response to events. Through collaboration, technology, good planning and persistent education of campus constituents, colleges and universities can enhance the safety of a living-learning environment.

About the Source

Security Magazine thanks Dr. Christopher Crenshaw, director of Residence Life, at the University of Southern Mississippi for his insight on campus safety.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Security Enterprise Services
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Cyber Tactics Column
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Logical Security
    By: Charles Denyer
close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already Registered? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

Security’s Top 5 – 2024 Year in Review

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

The Money Laundering Machine: Inside the global crime epidemic - Episode 24

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

Middle East Escalation, Humanitarian Law and Disinformation – Episode 25

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

  • Duty of Care
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Integrating Technology and Physical Security to Advance Duty of Care

Popular Stories

White post office truck

Department of Labor Sues USPS Over Texas Whistleblower Termination

Internal computer parts

Critical Software Vulnerabilities Rose 37% in 2024

Coding

AI Emerges as the Top Concern for Security Leaders

Person working on laptop

Governance in the Age of Citizen Developers and AI

patient at healthcare reception desk

Almost Half of Healthcare Breaches Involved Microsoft 365

2025 Security Benchmark banner

Events

June 24, 2025

Inside a Modern GSOC: How Anthropic Benchmarks Risk Detection Tools for Speed and Accuracy

For today's security teams, making informed decisions in the first moments of a crisis is critical.

September 29, 2025

Global Security Exchange (GSX)

 

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Workplace Violence: From Orlando Office to Taking a Proactive Approach

    See More
  • cyber freepik

    Taking a DIY approach to cybersecurity is a dangerous proposition

    See More
  • auditing-freepik1170x658v4.jpg

    Proactive auditing — a key component to an offensive cybersecurity approach

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9781498767118.jpg

    Intelligent Video Surveillance Systems: An Algorithmic Approach

  • school security.jpg

    School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program

  • physical security.webp

    Physical Security Assessment Handbook An Insider’s Guide to Securing a Business

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • The Security Leadership Issue
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!