Michigan State University (MSU) has announced two new initiatives that further enhance the university’s commitment to student safety. Following the October 29 disappearance of a teenager visiting friends on MSU's campus, the university community has taken a closer look at security on the East Lansing campus.

The first initiative introduced by MSU is the creation of the Police and Public Safety Advisory Committee. Established based on recommendations from the Task Force on Racial Equity, the committee will assist police leaders in setting a new strategic outlook for the department to meet the specific needs of the campus community. The committee will also help raise awareness of the programs, services and initiatives offered by the department.

Committee members include students, faculty and staff from a cross-section of academic departments and administrative units, as well as student and employee organizations. These individuals represent diverse perspectives and experiences that will inform their feedback to move MSU Police and Public Safety forward. The committee is co-chaired by two student representatives.

The second initiative, designed with input from students, faculty and staff, is an app that provides access to valuable safety resources in students' hands. A key feature of the SafeMSU app is the virtual friend walk. This function allows students to share their current location with a friend who can follow their progress to the destination. The friend can also contact police immediately if they feel there is a problem.

Other features include:

• One-touch emergency calls
• Access to Safe Ride from the Associated Students of Michigan State University
• Link to NightOwl from the Capital Area Transportation Authority
• Form to send tips to the police

The app will be available to those on MSU's East Lansing campus on Dec. 13, 2021.