Campus Break-In Activates Emergency Network for First Time
Nick Sasso
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
At about 1:00 a.m. on December 9, just before winter break, Colgate students received a text message generated by the e2Campus emergency notification system. The alert resulted from a larceny attempt in an unlocked Russell House room in which two students were asleep. The event further prompted notifications across campus to ensure the attention of the community. In the aftermath, two Colgate football players were arrested in connection to the event.
National sports media quickly picked up the story. "Star Colgate running back Jordan Scott and a teammate were charged with entering a dorm room and rifling through a desk drawer," the Associated Press reported. "Scott and wide receiver David Morgan were charged Sunday [December 8] with second-degree burglary and pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Monday [December 9]. The 20-year-old juniors were released after posting bail and the case was adjourned until Jan. 7."
Colgate administrators reacted to the incident with caution, discussing whether or not to activate e2Campus.
"Based on the information I had, it was clear that there had been what the police refer to as a 'home invasion,' but the other facts of the case weren't clear at that point," Vice President and Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson said.
"I made the decision actually in consultation with Gary Bean, the Campus Safety Director, to alert students in the campus community via the e2Campus system."
This was the first case in which the e2Campus notification system was implemented since its purchase by the University. Set up to rapidly alert students of any situations on campus, the message system is part of Colgate's emergency response plan.
"I think we should all take a moment here and let this be an educational opportunity," Dean Johnson said. "Hamilton is a safe place … but we shouldn't become overconfident in that safety, and it's easy to do that because even some of the residents of Hamilton leave their doors unlocked. But what I'd say to students is lock your doors."
National sports media quickly picked up the story. "Star Colgate running back Jordan Scott and a teammate were charged with entering a dorm room and rifling through a desk drawer," the Associated Press reported. "Scott and wide receiver David Morgan were charged Sunday [December 8] with second-degree burglary and pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Monday [December 9]. The 20-year-old juniors were released after posting bail and the case was adjourned until Jan. 7."
Colgate administrators reacted to the incident with caution, discussing whether or not to activate e2Campus.
"Based on the information I had, it was clear that there had been what the police refer to as a 'home invasion,' but the other facts of the case weren't clear at that point," Vice President and Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson said.
"I made the decision actually in consultation with Gary Bean, the Campus Safety Director, to alert students in the campus community via the e2Campus system."
This was the first case in which the e2Campus notification system was implemented since its purchase by the University. Set up to rapidly alert students of any situations on campus, the message system is part of Colgate's emergency response plan.
"I think we should all take a moment here and let this be an educational opportunity," Dean Johnson said. "Hamilton is a safe place … but we shouldn't become overconfident in that safety, and it's easy to do that because even some of the residents of Hamilton leave their doors unlocked. But what I'd say to students is lock your doors."
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