Campus Security

Security at SMC

Safety is a top priority at SMC, so much so that students ranked their satisfaction with our safety and security better than students at 98% of other community colleges according to a national community college benchmarking survey.

SMC has a number of security measures in place to give students, staff and parents the peace of mind knowing that campus is safe and ready to handle emergency situations.

Security Measures

• Security Staff

  SMC’s full-time security team is comprised of experienced law enforcement professionals dedicated to keeping campus safe. A security professional is always on campus to respond to emergency situations.

• Campus Patrols

  Both campuses are patrolled by campus security and local law enforcement. SMC also contracts with private security, the Dowagiac Department of Public Safety, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies to provide 24-hour protection and response for the college.

• Cameras and Lighting

  Both campuses are monitored by a network of security cameras, both indoors and out. 

  Campuses are well-lit with specialized lighting in key areas.

• Building Lock-down

  Buildings have an electronic locking system so that buildings can be locked down immediately in emergency situations.

• Keycard Entry to SAC and Housing

  Housing parking lots, buildings, suites, and bedrooms are accessible only by secure keycard entry.

  The Student Activity Center is also accessible only with an SMC ID.

• Preparedness

  Severe Weather

  Both of SMC’s campuses have been certified StormReady by the National Weather Service. This means SMC has outstanding weather monitoring and reporting systems in place, including 24/7 monitoring of National Weather Service alerts.

  Emergency Situations

  Students and staff receive training throughout the year on various hazardous situations, including active shooter training and severe weather and evacuation procedures. Each building has designated first responders for medical response and evacuation situations. Emergency procedures and contact information is posted in every room.

• Emergency Notifications

  The college uses outdoor sirens and the RAVE notification system to alert students and employees of emergency situations and campus closings. The RAVE system sends notifications via phone calls, text messages, emails, and on-campus computer monitors.  

• Reporting

  Students, staff and community members who observe concerning behaviors and incidents are able to report such situations anonymously through the Cause for Concern reporting system. Security can also be contacted directly using the contact information on this page. 

  Southwestern Michigan College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to the person listed below. For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights website for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

  For inquiries related to Title IX please contact the Director of Security and Conduct (for students) or the Director of Human Resources (for employees). For inquiries related to the Equal Opportunity Policy and/or Title VI, Section 504 or the ADA please contact the Dean of Student Development.

  Director of Security and Conduct
  David C. Briegel Building, Room 2104
  58900 Cherry Grove Rd.
  Dowagiac, MI 49047
  269-782-1321
  lparrish@swmich.edu

  Director of Human Resources
  David C. Briegel Building, Room 2106
  58900 Cherry Grove Rd.
  Dowagiac, MI 49047
  269-783-2110
  hr@swmich.edu

  Dean of Student Development
  David C. Briegel Building, Room 1104A
  58900 Cherry Grove Rd.
  Dowagiac, MI 49047
  269-783-2185
  civilrights@swmich.edu
  
  

• Additional Security Features for Housing

  Housing is further secured with a residential assistant on each floor, a residence hall manager in each building available 24/7, and a front desk in each building where visitors must check in.

• Policies, Procedures, and Resources

  SMC has extensive policies and procedures in place to make sure safety-related situations are handled with the utmost care and in accordance with the law. For more on Security policies and procedures, click here.

  SMC also maintains a comprehensive list of health and wellness resources for students and staff. See the resources here.