On Oct. 4th, 2024, around 8 p.m. there was a shooting by Geisinger Hospital and Unimart in Bloomsburg, causing concern and confusion among students. There were no deaths or injuries, but the gunman has yet to be caught by the police. Earlier that week, students received a CU student alert through email informing them that the Lockhaven campus was experiencing a power outage. Yet no email was sent out about the shooting in town later that week. Bloomsburg is a small town, and many Bloomsburg University students live in and around the town. Even students who live on campus in dorms are relatively close to where the shooting occurred. 

This raised an important question among students as to why a power outage from a school an hour away was prioritized over a nearby shooting. Before coming to Bloomsburg I lived in the suburbs right outside of Philadelphia. Anytime there was a shooting or threats our schools would immediately go on lockdown attempting to shield the students from harm’s way. 

Unfortunately, the sad reality of this day and age is that there should be safety procedures being done not only in high schools but universities as well. No matter the emergency students should be alerted of what’s going on off and on campus. In the year and a half that I have been at this school the only time I have seen any type of safety procedure was an alarm ringing out throughout campus. While this is a good system to have, there should be more clear communication from faculty to students about these types of emergencies. 

I understand that the school may not want to scare students if an emergency off campus happens, but the students living off campus are also a part of Commonwealth University. They deserve the same amount of protection and communication as students living on campus. 

Research shows that timely communication during emergencies can significantly reduce anxiety and confusion among students. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 75% of students reported feeling safer when their institution provided immediate updates during crises.

Each semester the university should have detailed plans for students in case of any type of emergency. While there have been some emails in the past sent out about safety protocols there should be consistent reminders each semester for any new student. There is also information posted on the university website but the average student is not aware of this. Bloomsburg must ensure the safety of its students by consistently communicating with their students.  Conducting annual safety drills and information sessions will strengthen the trust between students and faculty when it comes to emergencies.