Loyola University New Orleans named among safest campuses in the

New Orleans CityBusiness, Feb 11, 2008

Loyola University New Orleans is 37th out of 291 colleges and universities rated for safety, according to the March 2008 issue of Reader's Digest.

Loyola received an "A" for its safety record.

Last fall, Reader's Digest began surveying safety conditions on college campuses. The survey looked at a safety in various areas, from residence halls with camera security to around-the-clock security and emergency plans.

When the results were calculated, the schools were ranked in the order of their preparedness and were given either an "A," "B" or "C."

Loyola also today said it successfully tested its emergency alert system at 12:42 p.m. Jan. 31. The system was created to alert the Loyola community of an impending emergency situation.

Loyola said that unlike many other universities who have similar text alert systems, Loyola uses a voice messaging system. The voice messages can be tailored to the specific alert and can include more information than a standard text message.

In light of recent tornadoes that ravaged Union University in Jackson, Tenn., Loyola said it recognizes the importance of maintaining an effective emergency alert system.

Loyola said it is currently testing its alert system twice a year.

In the most recent test, 949 messages were delivered, 561 were answered live and 388 went to voice mail, Loyola said. The university has an alert system enrollment rate of 22 percent for students and 50 percent for faculty and staff. Louisiana State Police also receive the alerts.