RU Ready?

Protecting Metropolitan State University students, employees, guests and property is a shared responsibility of the entire university community. We can prepare ourselves for emergencies by taking simple steps such as:

• reading and reviewing the information below
• becoming informed about emergency plans and procedures
• getting involved in campus preparation
• Emergency Information Sheet 
• Emergency Procedures

These proactive tips create a culture of preparedness and can help save lives and property.

The following information can help you during emergencies or other situations that could occur when you are on campus.  These plans do not cover all possible emergencies and the community should exercise a heightened sense of awareness.  Contact campus Safety Officers or the police with any safety issues.

Emergency Mass Notification System - Star Alert

Metropolitan State University operates an emergency mass notification system called Star Alert.  This system delivers messages to students, staff, faculty and community faculty by phone, text and/or email if an emergency or incident arises which may threaten safety or impact normal campus operations.  Registered students, staff, faculty and community faculty automatically have work or other emergency numbers and e-mails added to the Star Alert system. 

Each person can view their contact information and if interested make changes to their phone numbers and email addresses, and choose what methods Star Alert will use to contact you.  Through the Star Alert Portal, you can also activate being contacted by text (SMS) messaging.  If you are not interested in adding numbers or making changes, you do not have to do anything.

• Star Alert Portal
• Star Alert Instructional Document

Note: As a first time user making changes, you will need to first click on the “Sign Me Up!” link and enter your First Name, Last Name, your Metropolitan State University email address, and a new password.  You will also be asked to enter an identification code.  This code is your Minnesota State issued StarID username.  Once you are registered, you will be able to log in, view, and modify your contact record.  Please note that some fields cannot be changed.

Important links:

• Bomb Threats (pdf) 
  Immediately notify the Safety Office with information received from the caller, email, or letter and remain calm.  Do not evacuate the building until directed by campus or other emergency officials.
• Campus Security Report
  Information pertaining to Campus Security Reports, The Daily Crime Log, Procedures on Time Warning and Emergency Notifications, University Procedures on Evacuations and Crime Statistics.
• Class Cancellation and Closing Procedures (pdf)
  In the event of adverse weather conditions, this policy outlines the university closing procedure.
• Classroom Emergency Safety
  Dealing with hostile or angry people.
• Emergency Evacuation Procedures - Severe Weather, Fire and Chemical (pdf)
  These procedures outline the evacuation plans for several emergency situations. 
  • Tornado Warnings: on all campuses, a Public Address announcement will direct everyone to interior hallways on the lowest floors until an all clear is given.
  • Fire Emergency:  immediately pull the closest Fire Pull Station in your area, inform others and evacuate the buildings.
  • Chemical Emergency
• Emergency Information Sheet (pdf) - A quick one page reference guide to university related safety and security interests which includes Fire, Tornado Warning, Medical Emergency, Power Failure, Hazardous Spill, Bomb Threat Suspicious Package, Campus Lockdown, and Student Code of Conduct.
• Emergency Preparedness (pdf)
• Emergency Public & Address Notifications System (pdf)
  Public Address systems have been installed at all campuses so information and instructions relevant to notifying the university before, during and after incidents can be announced.  See sample notifications link below.
• Lock Down and Active Shooter (pdf) 
  If you are able to safely leave the building, do so immediately.  If you are not able to leave, lock or barricade your door, call 9-911 on campus phones or 911 on cell phones and report your location and other information relevant to the incident.  Remain in the secured area until directed otherwise by emergency officials.
  
  • Shots Fired - When Lightning Strikes (20 minute video on campus lockdown and active shooters) - Provides the individual employee, staff member and/or associate with critical guidance on how to recognize and survive an active shooter situation.
    • Text transcript for video
• Metropolitan State University Minneapolis Campus (Web Site)
  Plans and preparation information for the Metropolitan State community on our Minneapolis Campus are coordinated by the Public Safety Office at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and can be found below.
• Pandemic Planning and Information
  This page provides information and additional links about pandemics pertaining to the Ebola virus, Influenza A Virus H1N1 flu and other pandemics. This site offers practical, common sense measures to reduce your risk.
• What to do in the unlikely event you become trapped in an elevator
  The following information offers valuable tips in the event you are trapped in an elevator and outlines the process to contact someone who can offer support.
  
  • Procedure/Action to Take:
    Open the small telephone panel door near the floor selection buttons. DO NOT push the emergency Stop Button. Push the call button or pick up the phone and wait for the phone to auto-dial. State that you are stuck in an elevator. Give the campus location, building and elevator number which is noted on the door of the telephone panel. Indicate the nearest floor location, if you can determine it. Remain calm and wait for help to arrive.
  • To prevent injury to yourself and others:
    DO NOT try to pry open the doors. This could prolong the emergency by damaging the equipment. DO NOT try to climb out or jump to the floors above or below if the elevator stops between floors with the doors open. Personnel will be in communication with you by phone and from outside the elevator.

Medical Emergencies

Call 9-911 on campus phones or 911 on cell phones and report the emergency to the dispatch operator.  Include the nature of the medical emergency, location information including building, floor and room.  Then inform the campus Safety Officer, so he/she can direct someone to meet the ambulance and respond to the medical emergency.

Thomas R. Maida, MPA
Director of Public Safety
Office:  (651) 793-1725
Fax:  (651) 793-1718
thomas.maida@metrostate.edu

Security & Safety Numbers

If you need to contact a Safety Officer:

Saint Paul Safety Officer
Main Campus Cell: 651-775-0444
Security Desk: 651-793-1717
Library Cell: 651-775-0715
Ramp Cell: 651-368-4297
Ramp Desk: 651-793-1730
Student Center Cell: 651-775-6724

Minneapolis Safety Officer
Main Campus Cell: 612-659-6910
Emergency: 612-659-6900
Minneapolis Community & Technical College Safety Web site

Midway Safety Officer
Main Center Cell: 651-775-6122

Brooklyn Park (LECJEC)
Main Campus Cell: 763-354-4168

After Hours Answering Service 
651-793-1700

Contacting a Safety Officer at another institution
Safety Information - Other Locations