CARBONDALE – SIU Carbondale will hold an “active threat” exercise Thursday to assess and improve the university’s response to emergencies.

Each year, the university’s Emergency Operations Center conducts exercises based on a simulated scenario. Ben Newman, director of public safety and chief of police, says this year’s drill will involve more people, including university leadership, and be more visible. EOC has been planning for the exercises since the fall.

Faculty, staff and students will receive test messages about the drill. The public may notice an increased presence of armed police officers on the west side of campus. Parts of Lincoln Drive and campus pathways will be blocked temporarily to the public, like they would be to ensure safety in a real emergency.

SIU has communicated with students, faculty and staff, and families through newsletters, emails, posters and conversations. The goal is to avoid causing panic and to alert people who may find the sights of the drill disturbing. Students experiencing distress may call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 618-453-5371. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to faculty and staff.