After three people were tragically killed and five others were wounded in a February shooting at Michigan State University, conversations started swirling about how to best protect an open campus. While there are leading practices for improving safety on an open campus, each campus has its own unique challenges and therefore its own unique solutions.

Vanguard University, located in Costa Mesa, Calif., is an example of an open campus with security solutions tailored to its specific environment. 

In this interview, Kenton Ferrin, Vanguard's director of campus safety and a 2023 Campus Safety Director of the Year finalist, speaks to ways his campus has made security changes after evaluating its top risks, as well as:

• How his team developed safe rooms throughout campus where students or employees can quickly secure themselves during an emergency (5:55)
• The advantage of hiring retired police officers and tips for campuses considering doing so (11:50)
• Unique ways the campus safety team has been able to connect with the student population (15:25)

CAMPUS SAFETY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campussafetymagazine
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CampusSafetyMag
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/campussafetymag
• LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1836305/
• YouTube:  @campussafetymagazine  

CAMPUS SAFETY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/CampusSafetyMagazine
• X: https://x.com/CampusSafetyMag
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CampusSafetyMag
• LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1836305
• YouTube: @Campussafetymagazine