University Safety Committee

The administrative responsibility for safety and security of the University resides with the Vice President for Administration and Finance who serves as the University Safety Officer. The role of the University Safety Committee is to assist the University Safety Officer in the review and improvement of safety policy and practices for the University. The role and membership of the committee has been expanded to provide additional functions such as risk management and environmental compliance.

Members of the University Safety Committee perform annual safety walkthroughs of areas with potential process or material risk such as the science, engineering, and technology labs; art and drama studios; student health center; and athletic facilities including swimming pools. An outdoor evening review of campus is also performed to verify proper lighting on campus.

Members of the University Safety Committee are as follows:

Vice President for Administration and Finance

Dean of Students

Facilities Administrator

EHS Director

Associate Director of Human Resources

University Police Chief

Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dean of Science Engineering and Technology

Faculty Representative from Chemistry

Faculty Representative from Engineering

Representative from Faculty Senate

Representative from Student Health Center

Representative from Departments of Art and/or Drama

Representative from Student Bar Association

Student representative from Student Government Association

The University Safety Committee meets at least twice a year to identify safety concerns, assess effectivity of current EHS programs, and recommend additional support to improve safety across the University campus.

The Physical Plant Department also has an active Safety Committee that meets monthly to discuss safety concerns, review injuries incurred by Physical Plant staff, and initiate work orders as necessary to address facility safety issues. The PP Safety Committee membership includes the Associate Director of Human Resources and one representative from each division (Skilled Crafts, Grounds, and Housekeeping) on a 6-month rotating schedule to allow for greater participation.

THe EHS Director serves as Committee Chair and conduit for communication between the University and the Phsycial Plant Safety Committees.