2024-2025 Student Handbook

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS POLICY

Be ready to take action in the event of an emergency at Suffolk University. The Office of Emergency Management has established specific procedures for various emergency situations. For detailed information, visit the Office of Emergency Management and Hazard Specific Guide websites.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

All Suffolk University students are required to submit (or confirm) current emergency contact information each semester, and when such information changes, in Workday Student. This will ensure that the University has current and accurate information in the unfortunate event of a student or campus emergency. Contact information provided will be recorded in Rave, the University’s emergency notification system. In the event of an emergency on campus, or a school closing due to weather or other event, you will be notified via one or all of the following ways, depending on the event and the information you have provided: home phone, cell phone, text message, and email.

It is the students’ responsibility to maintain accurate and up -to-date contact information with the University.

SHELTER IN PLACE

Shelter in Place is a protective action to stay inside a building to avoid external hazards such as severe weather or a hazardous material release. When a Shelter in Place order is implemented, students will be appropriately advised via the emergency notification system or other appropriate means.

General Steps to Shelter in Place:

1. Stay where you are or go into the nearest room with a door. 2. Close the doors and lock them, if possible. 3. Close the windows and blinds or curtains. 4. Silence all audio equipment and cell phones. 5. Wait for the "all-clear" message from authorities.

ACTIVE THREAT

In the event of an active shooter or active threat, quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. People are likely to follow the lead of those who take control during such situations.

How to Respond When an Active Threat is in Your Vicinity:

Run: if there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:

1. Have an escape plan and plan in mind. 2. Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow.

3. Leave your belongings behind. 4. Help others escape, if possible. 5. Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be. 6. Keep your hands visible.

7. Follow the instructions of police officers. 8. Do not attempt to move wounded people. 9. Call 911 when you are safe.

Hide: if evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active assailant is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:

1. Be out of the active assailant’s view. 2. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e. an office with a closed and locked door) 3. Not trap you of restrict your options for movement.

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