Howard Community College Recognized for Campus Safety Initiative

Columbia, MD – For its comprehensive safe campus initiative, Howard Community College has been named as a finalist for the 2016 American Association of Community Colleges Safety Planning and Leadership Award of Excellence.

This award recognizes exemplary practices and innovation in campus safety and emergency response strategies, programs and procedures. Howard Community College practices a fully integrated approach to campus safety, called the Safe Campus Initiative. Several committees work collaboratively to focus on the health, safety, and well-being of faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors. These groups develop and manage emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans for the college; address incidents of disruptive behavior inside or outside the classroom; proactively identify students who need behavioral intervention or employees who need assistance; notify the college community of emergency situations and weather-related incidents; and provide education and prevention measures.

“Maintaining a safe learning and working environment is one of the highest priorities for today’s higher education institutions,” said Dr. Kate Hetherington, president of Howard Community College. “I am honored that the American Association of Community Colleges has recognized the faculty, staff, and students of Howard Community College for the work they do every day to make the institution a safe campus.”

Howard Community College is one of four finalists for the award. The winner will be announced on April 11 during a gala dinner at the association’s annual convention held in Chicago.