Campus Safety

Message from the Director of Public Safety

I am new to campus, having joined Lake Superior State University last summer as the Director of Public Safety. I can tell you that I am impressed with the campus and especially with the people who work and teach here. Everyone is dedicated to making sure that each and every student has an outstanding experience, in and out of the classroom.

As a parent of a college-age student, I know her safety is one of those things always in the back of my mind. As Director of Public Safety at LSSU, I can attest to the high level of personal service and our commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Our department is different than those at most of our sister institutions. We are a part of the Student Life unit, and as such, we are involved with our Student and Residential Life personnel in providing awareness and prevention programs in areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and personal safety.

We have four full time safety officers on duty. These professionals have completed a Basic Police Training course as required by Michigan law or have completed equivalent training as approved by Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Public Safety Officers maintain certification in CPR, basic first aid, and non violent crisis intervention. This staff provides 24/7 coverage of our tightly knit campus community. The staff is assisted by students from our Criminal Justice program. The Auxiliary Officer Corps, along with our Public Safety Staff Officers, respond to requests for service such as campus escorts during evening hours, day and night time campus patrols, enforcement of parking regulations, responding to requests for medical assistance and event security.

Our goal is to contribute toward the quality of university life by fostering a safe and secure environment. The department endeavors to help create an atmosphere where diverse, social, cultural, and academic values develop and prosper. LSSU has a close working relationship with local, county, and state policy agencies, as well as with local and county emergency services. In twin communities of over 100,000 (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario), local agencies are literally just a few blocks from campus in the event of an emergency.

I hope that as your student makes a decision about where to pursue their educational dreams, they will take a look at Lake Superior State University. As a parent, you should know that LSSU’s educational opportunities are first rate. The people here are dedicated to every student and that we are truly unique among the state’s colleges and universities.

If you have any questions about public safety or anything else at LSSU, please e-mail me at bwhitman@lssu.edu or call 906-635-2721. Or course, you can always contact the Admissions team with your questions or for additional information by calling 906-635-2231.

Sincerely,

Bill Whitman
Director of Public Safety