SUNY Oswego has developed new protocols aimed at bolstering the safety and security of its campus community while reducing the number of calls to the town and city fire departments. Developed through an extensive campus-wide action plan and in collaboration with local fire response partners, these measures will take effect on Aug. 1.
“I am very pleased that all parties were able to come together in a spirit of collegiality to find a solution that will keep our campus community and our neighbors safe,” said SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu. After an initial meeting with town officials and firefighters on Jan. 23, 2024, President Nwosu committed to work toward a solution that would safely reduce the number of calls to the fire departments from the campus. “We worked through some very tough issues, guided by mutual respect and a commitment to doing right by everyone,” he said.
In the intervening period, senior staff consulted with other SUNY campuses, as well as the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Johnson Controls, Inc., the university’s fire safety consultant. These consultations resulted in the development of an action plan that have been reviewed and discussed with representatives from the town and city fire departments.
The action plan pertains to three areas: internal response to fire alarms; student education, awareness, and enforcement; and establishment of a campus fire safety task force.
Initial response to alarms
To enhance internal response efficiency, University Police will now take a more active role in response to a single fire alarm activation on campus. In instances where multiple alarms are activated, fire response partners will respond via 911 dispatch. In all cases, student residence halls will be evacuated until an all clear is issued. To ensure the effectiveness of these protocols, testing and training of our systems and employees is being conducted from now until mid-July.
Student education, awareness and enforcement
SUNY Oswego is also implementing new regulations for the enforcement of fire safety violations. The Office of Student Conduct will oversee strict enforcement with escalating sanctions for repeat offenses, including deferred suspension for tampering with safety equipment or failing to evacuate during alarms. Regular and unannounced inspections will be conducted collaboratively by Residence Life, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Additionally, enhanced training and education is being provided to new students and returning students through a variety of modalities, including on-line and in-person.
Establishment of Campus Fire Safety Task Force
To oversee the implementation and ongoing review of these fire safety measures, President Nwosu has established a dedicated Campus Fire Safety Task Force. This task force, co-chaired by senior leaders from Residential Life, Facilities Services and University Police, will focus on student education, staff training, and risk reduction in residence halls.
President Nwosu expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the development of the new measures. “I would like to thank Victoria Furlong, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Scott Swayze, University police chief; and Kathleen Kerr, Vice President for Student Affairs; and their teams for their leadership in this vital initiative. I also would like to thank representatives from the city and town fire departments who met with us to refine our protocols. I also owe a debt of thanks to Town Supervisor Dan Gurney and our SUNY system Senior Counsel Peter Harrington for their guidance.”
President Nwosu noted that SUNY Oswego’s commitment is to maintain a safe living and learning environment for everyone on campus. In this regard, the university will continue to engage with the fire departments on a regular basis as it starts implementation of the new protocols. He also asked the campus community to cooperate and adhere to these new protocols, which take effect Aug. 1.