From: Megan Koeth Date: May 6, 2025 Subject: The Division of Public Safety Newsletter
RUN.HIDE.FIGHT. Training
The Case Western Reserve University Police Department offers Run. Hide. Fight., a nationally recognized active aggressor response program. Designed to enhance campus safety, the training is available by requestto all CWRU students, faculty, and staff.
The training offers an in-depth look at active shooter and aggressor situations, teaching practical strategies for responding to armed intruder incidents. Since its launch, over 10,000 CWRU community members have participated. Sessions can be customized for your group and typically last about an hour.
Meet Cedric Barnes-Owens, a dedicated Campus Security Officer and Traffic Controller at Case Western Reserve University! Known for his energy and passion for serving the campus community, Cedric is a valued part of the team. Here’s what he shared with us in a quick Q&A!
Q: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A: Chick-fil-A
Q: What has been one of the biggest surprises to you about working at CWRU? A: What really surprised me about working at Case Western is how strong the sense of connection is across campus. Even in a place as large and busy as a university, people take the time to say hello, offer help, and build genuine relationships. It’s more than just a workplace—it feels like a community where everyone looks out for each other.
Q: You are stranded on an island, what are the three things you cannot live without? A: Music, my dogs & a journal!
National Bicycle Safety Month ๐ฒ
Biking around campus is a fun, easy way to get where you’re going, but safety should always come first. Start with a properly fitted helmet(find tips at NHTSA.gov/bicycles) and make sure your bike is equipped with front and rear reflectors, they’re key for staying visible, especially in low light.
Throw on some bright or reflective clothing, and stick to designated riding areas—when it gets crowded, like around the Quad, hop off and walk your bike. And before you hit the road, take a minute to register your bike with CWRU Public Safety. It’s quick, easy, and helps protect your ride.
Mental Health Awareness at CWRU
Mental health awareness means recognizing the value of emotional well-being and working to break the stigma that surrounds mental health struggles. It’s about creating space for honest conversations, showing compassion, and reminding each other that it’s okay to not be okay—and that support is always available.
At Case Western Reserve University, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) offers a range of resources to support you:
MyHealthConnect – For all CWRU students, faculty and staff to have accessible healthcare services, schedule appointments, manage prescriptionsand more!
TimelyCare – Immediate mental health assistance for any Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Music and Cleveland Institute of Art students.
AllOne Health– Offers thousands of self-help tools and resources, including articles, assessments, podcasts and resource locators for CWRU students.
Let’s continue to uplift and care for one another by making mental health a shared priority. Together, we can build a more understanding, supportive, and empowered community at CWRU.
Make sure you’re signed up to receive our CWRU Emergency Alerts—because your safety and awareness matter!
๐ฒ Opt-in today and get real-time updates directly to your phone:
Text "CWRUalerts" to 67283 for ongoing emergency alerts and campus safety updates.
Prefer short-term notifications? Text "CWRU30" to 67283 to receive alerts for the next 30 days only.
These alerts help you stay ahead of potential threats, severe weather, and urgent campus-wide safety notifications.
Need to opt-out later? No problem. Just text "STOP" to unsubscribe at any time. #CWRUAlerts ๐
Commencement Safety Tips ๐
Graduation day is almost here—congratulations, Spartans! As we prepare to celebrate this exciting milestone, here are a few important safety tips to help ensure the day is smooth, secure, and enjoyable for everyone:
Be aware of multiple exit routes in case of an emergency
Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving bags unattended
May can bring heat and sun exposure, so drink and water and wear appropriate clothing
Establish a designated place to regroup with your family and friends
Expect heavy traffic and limited parking
Check university guidance in advance and follow signage / instruction
A Message from Executive Director Koeth
As the academic year ends, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025. Your hard work, resilience, and determination have brought you to this exciting milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud.
As you celebrate and look ahead, please make safety a priority. Whether you're staying near campus or traveling, stay aware of your surroundings, protect your personal information and belongings, and keep in touch with trusted contacts. If traveling abroad, know the local emergency services and keep important documents secure and accessible.
For those staying on campus this summer, continue to follow safety practices. Whether you’re on or off campus, always lock your doors and windows when leaving your space. These small steps make a big difference.
Thank you all for an incredible year. On behalf of the Division of Public Safety, I wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer!
Warm regards, Megan Koeth
Executive Director of Public Safety
CWRU Welcomes Safety Town!
The Division of Public Safety is excited to host the very first Safety Town on campus this summer! This free, interactive program is specially designed for children ages 5–6, introducing them to important safety topics in a fun and engaging way. Through hands-on activities and playful learning, kids will explore how to stay safe in their daily environment, covering everything from pedestrian and bicycle safety to fire safety, stranger danger, and traffic rules.
We’re proud to share that this initiative is supported by a $1,000 Community Enhancement Grant from the Office of Government and Community Relations, helping us bring Safety Town to life and make a lasting impact in our community. You can sign your kindergarten-aged children up here.
Did You Know? ๐งช
CWRU helped prove Einstein’s theory of relativity? Albert A. Michelson and Edward Morley conducted the famous Michelson-Morley experiment here in 1887, laying the groundwork for Einstein’s work!
Meet the OARR Team
CWRU’s new Outreach, Assessment, Resources and Response (OARR) co-responder team pairs a licensed clinician with a CIT-trained police officer to respond to on-campus mental health crises with care, respect, and holistic support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 216.368.3333 and request the OARR team—available as part of a pilot program to improve access, reduce stress, and link individuals to appropriate care.
Division Whoa!
Case Western Reserve University has an impressive 181 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across campus! AEDs are portable devices used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest—they analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Having so many AEDs readily available boosts the chances of survival in emergencies and shows CWRU’s commitment to campus safety!