YSU receives state grant for campus safety

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) in coordination with the Chancellor of Higher Education’s Campus Safety Grant Program has awarded Youngstown State University $118,528 grant for security improvements that assist the institution in improving the overall physical security and safety of campus buildings.

Through consultation with YSU Facilities, and a vulnerability study conducted by YSU Police, it was been determined that funding through the grant will be used to continue the replacement of classroom laboratory locks throughout all academic buildings on campus.

By the end of 2019, the project to modify all classroom and laboratory door locks to a “Storeroom function Lock" had completed Phase 1 which encompassed all classrooms across campus. The money received through the Campus Safety Grant Program will be used to complete Phase 2 which was identified as modifying all laboratories on campus utilized as class space. This process entails modifying the current locking mechanisms to a lock which requires a key to enter the room. Once the key is removed from the lock, the door is locked again. This enables individuals who are utilizing the room in the event of an emergency the ability to lock the room down by simply shutting the door.

YSU is one of 27 institutions of higher education that will receive a total of $5 million in grants from the state. To be eligible for grant funding, schools conducted a security and vulnerability assessment to identify potential areas for improvement. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to improved lighting in parking lots, security cameras at building entrances and secure doors.