Assessing online strategies aimed at enhancing campus safety

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate technological strategies (i.e. online training and university safety system) used at one southeastern four-year university to enhance campus safety. This paper investigates if an online training influenced rape myth acceptance (RMA) and if participation in the university safety system was associated with perceptions of campus safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from college students were collected via a survey that was distributed through the school’s e-mail system. The survey asked respondents about their perceptions of safety, experiences on campus, attitudes, and utilization of campus resources. In total, 1,583 students participated in the survey. Analyses were limited to 889 respondents not missing data.

Findings

RMA did not differ between those who completed the online training and those who did not complete the training. Regarding perceptions of campus safety, respondents who opted to receive emergency notifications were not significantly different from those who did not receive the notifications. Respondents who had the safety application felt safer on campus compared to those who did not have the application. Respondents who participated in the training, received notifications, and had the application felt safer on campus.

Originality/value

This study highlights the potential utility of the safety application as well as the limited effect of the online education program on RMA.

Citation

Hayes, B.E., O’Neal, E.N., Meeker, K.A., Steele, S.A., Brady, P.Q. and Bills, M.A. (2018), "Assessing online strategies aimed at enhancing campus safety", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 112-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0293