Realignment of Campus Security to Student Life Division

Shifts in leadership recently provided an avenue for new collaboration and professional growth for Elizabethtown College’s Campus Security. Leo Sokoloski was hired as the new director of campus security on July 1, following the retirement of previous director, Jack Longenecker. President Carl J. Strikwerda viewed the change in leadership, as well as the enforcement of Title IX and the Cleary Act, as an opportunity to reorganize security operations.

“The president saw an opportunity to realign the different divisions of the College and place a greater emphasis on a student-centered approach,” said Marianne Calenda, Dean of Students.

Strikwerda investigated the operations of other schools and noted that often campus security functioned under administration and campus life. “It’s not uncommon,” Calenda said. Prior to July 1, 2013, Campus Security reported to the vice president of administration; now the office operates under the Division of Student Life. Calenda oversees this office and its various student-related divisions. All changes are being conducted internally to better serve students; services will remain unchanged.

In the past, on-call members from Residence Life worked closely with Campus Security. These individuals included Calenda; Alison Bridgeman, associate Dean of Students/director of Residence Life/Title IX deputy; and Residence Life area coordinators. Residence Life also is a division of Student Life; by positioning these members all under the same direction enhances the team approach and overall close relationship. “It’s more affective when we’re on the same team, helping each other,” Calenda said.

When a ‘rainy day’ happens we want students to know what to do,” Sokoloski said. “Therefore we need to be visible, seen and heard.”

Both Calenda and Sokoloski have found the realignment to be beneficial and productive, specifically when a group of student rights representatives have roundtable discussions. Roundtable members are Calenda; Sokoloski; Bridgeman; Katharina Matic, director of student rights and responsibilities; and Dale Boyer, assistant director of Campus Security. “By working together we bring more expertise to the table,” Calenda said. “Everyone has a different set of skills, and the open forum enables us to feel comfortable to provide feedback. By checking with each other, we improve our ability to change a situation, grow and help students.”

In addition to better addressing student needs, this reorganization of divisions also benefits the security staff members. “As a previously isolated department, this collaboration enables them to work closely with colleagues and gain professional growth,” Calenda said. Sokoloski commented that the staff expects to gradually transform over time. In the future, the office will follow an accreditation program.

“In this 21st-century, we have easily accessible education through technology,” Sokoloski said. “We want to build on officers’ education, minimizing the campus’ crime risk and increasing interaction with the students.”

Calenda also commented on professional growth opportunities. “It’s important for everyone to have an understanding of their responsibilities expectations and duties,” she said. “It promotes consistency and delivers the same experience.”

Under Sokoloski’s leadership, Campus Security hopes to establish a friendlier, more approachable connection with students. Sokoloski wants to remind students that his staff is present to serve them, their personal safety and belongings. “When a ‘rainy day’ happens we want students to know what to do,” Sokoloski said. “Therefore we need to be visible, seen and heard.”