Union University hosted an active shooter awareness training on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 12:45 p.m. in the chapel during the university’s Fall 2019 Assessment Day.
Each fall, Union University sets aside a day for traditional undergraduate students to participate in various institutional assessments that aid the university in evaluating effectiveness, satisfaction, and fulfillment of its missional and accreditation standards.
“We want to be students of our students,” said Bryan Carrier, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students. “We want to know what their experiences are, both the positive and the negative.”
Union recently changed how they perform assessments, switching from administrating several surveys over the course of the semester to dedicating an entire day for these assessments to take place. This both allows the university to hear more student voices and makes it easier for students to complete the assessments.
Students received emails informing them where their assessments would take place on campus. Some of these assessments included surveys on dining services, university marketing, an alcohol e-checkup and a student satisfaction inventory. Assessments like these help provide accreditation to the university.
Union’s accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, is responsible for ensuring Union is providing the education and services they promise.
In the afternoon, Union partnered with the Jackson police department to provide awareness training in the case of an active shooting.
Faculty introduced information about a new mobile app called Rave Guardian that includes features such as an emergency contact directory and safety timer.
“I think it’s nice of the school to get answers about everything that’s happening on campus and to figure out where they need to improve,” said sophomore math education major Cameron Burgin.
Union also offered free doughnuts to students, and Dining Services provided a popcorn stand outside of the student union building.