February 11, 2009
Human Resources to Introduce New Safety Training to Campus
DVD viewing to be accompanied by Q&A, discussion
Following a pilot program that was initiated last semester, the Office of Human Resources is rolling out a training program to prepare faculty and staff to respond in the instance of violence on campus, particularly an active shooter situation. A similar program will be launched in the fall for students.
Shots Fired: When Lightning Strikes is an instructional DVD and training program created by the Center for Personal Protection and Safety. The video and discussion is designed for faculty, staff and students to learn to take direct responsibility for their personal safety and security. Although there has been a dramatic increase in preventive measures, prevention systems can never be perfect. Research shows that the instinctive responses to gunfire are shock and fear. Through training, individuals can overcome these emotions and learn attitudes that can aid survival. Training workshops will be arranged by departments and/or buildings and will last one hour.
Workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Deborah Nunn Baruzzini, director of organizational development in the Office of Human Resources, and Dr. Jason Rogers, vice president for administration and university counsel. In addition, Belmont’s Campus Security and Office of Communications personnel will be on hand to answer questions and participate in discussion. Rogers said, “Communication and teamwork are vital in any crisis. This workshop allows coworkers to focus on the challenges posed by an active shooter situation and to discuss how they might respond to such a crisis to aid survival.”
Patsy Peach, administrative assistant in Social Work, participated in last fall’s pilot program. “The Shots Fired training video was very eye opening for me,” Peach said. “It made me aware of how important it is to be prepared and ready to react in case shots happen on our campus. I learned several things to do that I had never thought of before. I also learned that my gut reactions to that type of situation would be exactly what I should not do, and this was just as important to learn.”
To schedule a training workshop, contact Deborah Nunn Baruzzini at baruzzinid@mail.belmont.edu or x6172.
About the Center for Personal Protection and Safety:
The Center for Personal Protection and Safety is composed of former U.S. Department of Defense and FBI officials, responsible for much of the US Government’s current teaching and training on crisis negotiations, workplace violence, abduction prevention, and hostage survival situations. It is the parent organization of the Safe Travel Institute (http://www.safe-travels.com/) and National Hostage Survival Training Center. Program developers, Randy Spivey, Jim Sporleder, Eugene Rugala and Steve Romano, are recognized leaders in personal safety issues, are in demand as speakers, and appear regularly in media outlets including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Live, New York Times, USA Today and Forbes Magazine.
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Named one of the top two “Schools to Watch” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is a fast-growing community of more than 5,400 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 20 master’s programs and three doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
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