In response to violent acts on college campuses over the past few years, Columbia’s Teachers College has introduced a new alert system meant to notify students in case of a security crisis.

 

The program, TCAlert Emergency Notification System, unveiled March 20, uses text messaging, voicemail, and e-mail to reach many students simultaneously in case of a security breech. Students, faculty, and administration can sign up to receive alerts through a link located on the Teachers College Web site.

 

Many TC students, like Whitney Mercer, said the new system is a comfort. “It’s always smart to have precautionary measures in place,” Mercer said. Her boyfriend attends Virginia Tech and was present during the shootings. She added that she has often thought about the possibility of something similar happening at Columbia.

 

This article appeared in the March 26, 2008 edition of the Columbia Spectator.