'We owe it to our students': President Conyers details strengthened campus security measures
Online forum provides safety guidance and explains new protocols for students and families
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Emphasizing transparency and accountability, South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers outlined strengthened campus security measures during an online update Thursday.
Conyers said the university will conduct formal internal and external after-action reviews and continue evaluating its policies, procedures and enforcement standards following the recent campus shooting.
“We will conduct the appropriate internal and external reviews,” Conyers said. “We will continue to evaluate ourselves. We will continue to hold ourselves accountable.”
He added that accountability begins with leadership and extends throughout the institution.
“I will continue to hold those who work for me accountable, and I fully expect the Board of Trustees to continue to hold me accountable,” Conyers said. “We owe that to each other. We owe it to our students — especially our students.”
The investigation into the shooting remains active and is being led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Because the case is ongoing, Conyers said the university will not release details that could compromise the investigation. Verified updates will continue through official university channels.
The virtual forum was hosted by Angel E.R. Pointer, SC State’s director of customer service. Questions were submitted in advance by members of the public and summarized to guide the discussion.
Major themes of the update included tighter campus access controls, strengthened housing enforcement, enhanced security staffing, expanded mental health support, and clear safety guidance for parents and students.
Tighter campus access and visitor controls
Effective immediately, the university is implementing structural and policy changes to ensure only authorized people are on campus.
- Visitor identification: Non-student visitors must present government-issued ID for verification. Visitor access will expire at 9 p.m. unless approved for a university-sponsored event. The 9 p.m. limitation does not apply to students.
- Housing enforcement: Increased room health and safety checks will ensure visitors depart by 9 p.m. Students may face discipline if guests remain beyond that time.
- Vehicle monitoring: License plates will be logged at primary entry points, and random vehicle searches will increase. Visitor vehicles remaining after 9 p.m. may be towed or ticketed.
- Gate operations: Students will enter through the Goff Street gate and must present a valid university ID and parking decal. Additional gates may open as needed to reduce congestion.
- Pedestrian access: Designated pedestrian entry points will be reduced and monitored, with enhanced lighting and camera coverage.
- Parent access: A structured check-in process will allow short-term access for drop-off and medical needs. ADA-compliant procedures remain in place.
Conyers said the measures will be evaluated regularly for effectiveness.
Housing inspections and conduct enforcement
The university has expanded inspection and enforcement protocols in residence halls.
- Room inspections: Scheduled and random inspections will increase and be standardized across housing units.
- Weapons and drugs: Firearms are prohibited in student housing. Violations will result in immediate interim suspension pending review through Judicial Affairs. Coordinated enforcement, including periodic K-9 use, will support compliance.
- Unauthorized occupants: Students are responsible for their guests and may face discipline for violations.
- Code review: The Student Code of Conduct is under review to ensure consistent sanctions for weapons possession, drug violations, unauthorized guests and violent conduct.
- Education: Expanded education on conduct expectations and state drug laws will be reinforced during orientation, University 101, student leader training and athletic programming.
Staffing and law enforcement coordination
- All campus police officers are academy-certified, Conyers said. A staffing review is underway to address vacancies and ensure appropriate coverage levels.
- Additional steps include retraining gate officers, increasing patrol visibility in residential areas, and strengthening coordination with local law enforcement agencies, he said.
Conyers encouraged parents to reinforce safety expectations with their students and to remain engaged in ongoing dialogue about campus policies and personal responsibility.
He urged families to advise students to:
- Prohibit unauthorized guests in residence halls.
- Understand and follow the Student Code of Conduct.
- Immediately report weapons, threats or suspicious behavior.
- Avoid unsanctioned large gatherings.
- Utilize official university communication channels and safety resources, including the Rave Guardian app. Students may register for the app at https://getrave.com using their scsu.edu email addresses and may add parents’ mobile numbers so family members can also receive emergency alerts.
- Sign up for Bulldog News through the Parent Portal on the university’s website receive official updates.
Mental health support and stabilization
- Counseling services have expanded to include extended in-person and online hours. Group processing sessions are available for affected students.
- Conyers said the university is also planning trauma-informed training for Residence Life staff, working with faculty to support appropriate academic flexibility and expanding peer support initiatives led by student leaders and the Office of Student Life.
Concluding his remarks, Conyers said the university is reviewing national best practices and examining how other institutions have responded to similar crises.
Reflecting on his experience during the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech, where 30 students were killed, Conyers said he witnessed firsthand how a university community strengthened its safety framework through careful review and reform.
“I was there in Virginia in 2007,” Conyers said. “I saw how they came out stronger. We will continue to evaluate ourselves and ensure we are doing everything possible to protect our students.”