University conducts annual emergency exercises

June 18, 2025

University conducts annual emergency exercises

SIU Carbondale conducted its annual “active threat” training this month to assess and improve how various teams work together to respond to an emergency.

Members of the Emergency Operations Center, first responders, the executive committee (cabinet) and others worked with a facilitator on a compressed timeline on a simulated scenario, which in this case was an active shooter and homemade bombs. The group established priorities, coordinated with leadership, conducted EOC activities, crafted crisis communications and strategized on the long-term response.

The EOC, which comprises professionals from many departments, coordinates with first responders and university leaders to restore safety to the area and to restore university operations, sets up a reunification center for students and families, provides care for physical injuries and emotional distress, communicates with the campus community, sets a site for reporters and press conferences, and more.

“We have plans in place in case an emergency occurs,” said Ben Newman, director of public safety and chief of police. “We conduct these exercises every year to ensure our plans are optimized and to learn what we do well and what can be improved.”