Online in October

Five web exclusives are available on University Business' website this month.

- "Preventing Targeted Violence in Our Academic Institutions"
From the campus shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University to the student attack at a UCLA chemistry lab, targeted violence is a growing concern in higher education. However, administrators might not be aware of numerous resources that can aid in minimizing the risks of these events. Co-authors Arnette Heintze and Matthew Doherty of Hillard Heintze, a security advising firm, argue that the bulk of officials are missing the mark because most of them are focused on making certain the right measures are taken after a crisis has occurred. Instead, Heintze and Doherty write that they need to shift from a strategy based purely on response to one based much more strongly on prevention. They also offer their insight and factual data on this matter.

- "10 Tips for a Meaningful Campus Tour"
There's more to the campus tour that meets the eye, particular with a student's first impression. Mother/daughter writers Pamela and Margaret Rew offer 10 helpful tips administrators perhaps should consider to enhance this common admissions practice. (The Behind the News section in UB's current issue features a brief on this topic.) Margaret draws from her experience as a student and campus tour leader at Tufts University (Mass.) Pamela, a partner at KSS Architects, has designed academic buildings and master plans for a number of higher ed institutions.

- "More Than an Access Program: The Emerald Eagle Scholars at the University of North Texas"
Gretchen M. Bataille, president of the University of North Texas, writes about the students who have been helped by Emerald Eagle Scholars, with more than 1,200 students being able to receive an education at her institution. The program is aimed at students whose families earn $40,000 or less and most of which are often the first in their families to attend college. Instead of merely focusing on costs, Bataille explains the program was founded on three philosophical pillars—financial support, academic success, and engagement—so the participants "have the full breadth of education to succeed."

- "Laying a Secure Foundation for Student Privacy and Assessment"
The IT department not only has to protect the institution's networks from viruses and other malicious code, but also ensure that students don’t access illegal content or have their privacy jeopardized. This is a pretty tall order for groups often tight on money and staffing. Monique Lucey, senior manager, Solutions Marketing, for 3Com, offers advice from higher ed IT personnel on laying the groundwork for a safe and secure higher education enterprise.

- "Digitally Connected Learning Environments to Enhance Communication and Collaboration"
To support the variety of today’s various learning styles in digitally connected settings, community college buildings must have a robust technology backbone for channeling data to multiple locations—and in more ways than what was required in the past. Jim Luckey, director of design at SHW Group, provides examples on how three schools found architectural solutions that are doing just that.