By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator

Chief of Xavier University’s Police Department (XUPD) and Director of Public Safety Aaron Jones visited the Student Government Association (SGA) on Monday to discuss with senators the best way XU Alert Me can be used. 

Jones explained that there are three levels of alerts the department sends. The high-level alert includes a text, email and phone call in the case of an active threat to campus. The medium level describes police activity in the area through text and email and a low-level alert sends information about a nearby incident after it’s been resolved. 

Jones says the department keeps different things in mind when deciding which alert is needed. Things like threat to campus and student involvement in the incident can affect the decision. 

Other schools’ police departments have reported that too many notifications can cause students to turn off the alert system out of annoyance, something Xavier is hoping to avoid. When alert systems are not used enough, social media platforms and student communication take over, which is a major cause of misinformation. 

XUPD is working to revive a website that details recent events in our area with all the information students may need. This would be an alternative to sending messages about every incident. The website would be updated in the event of an incident. Students are also encouraged to update their addresses with Xavier University so that the police department can have an idea of where off-campus students live and which incidents might be relevant for them to be informed of. 

“I want to make sure we are getting out information to you so that you know the facts and the details at the appropriate time,” Jones said. “I want to err on the side of putting information out.”

In regard to the Kia and Hyundai break in problem, Jones explains that the models susceptible to the break ins are aging out and this problem will slowly resolve itself. Students with these vehicles in the affected years can receive a wheel lock from XUPD. Jones also urges students to be aware of what is visible in your car like laptops and electronics that might tempt a potential thief. 

In other news: 

• Spirit week begins Friday with a banner painting contest in Ryan’s Landing and ends with the Fall Formal on Friday Nov. 15. 
• SGA also discussed three new clubs who are being endorsed to pass conditional status. DECA, Data Science and Net Impact clubs will be up for a vote of approval next Monday.
• University Eats now accepts dining dollars and they are offering a weekday lunch special that includes two slices of pizza and a non-alcoholic drink for $9.99 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• Fall semester books need to be returned by Friday Dec. 12. 
• This week is First-Generation student week.