Authored by Nick Schneider, Director – Upper Midwest, CriticalArc
On June 11, 2025, SafeZone by CriticalArc, in proud partnership with the University of Notre Dame, convened an influential national symposium on unified response strategies for major campus events and critical incidents. The event brought together over 50 public safety and emergency management leaders from 30+ institutions across the country for a full day of insights, collaboration, and actionable dialogue.
But even before the first session began, the power of connection was already in motion.
Community First: A Warm Welcome at Rohr’s
The evening before the symposium, attendees gathered at Rohr’s inside the Morris Inn for an informal networking reception. The setting was relaxed, and the conversation flowed—bridging campuses, roles, and experiences. From candid introductions to in-depth reflections on shared challenges, this gathering laid the groundwork for a day defined by openness and connection.
Opening Remarks: Uniting Purpose with Action
The symposium opened with Chief Keri Kei Shibata, Chief of Police at Notre Dame, and Mike Seamon, Vice President for University Operations, Events, and Safety. Their remarks emphasized a central mission: creating cohesive, proactive, and adaptable safety strategies across higher education institutions. The tone was clear—this wasn’t just another event. It was a launchpad for collective readiness.
Keynote Panel: Game Day Security, Reimagined
Moderated by Jonathan Kassa, Senior Executive Consultant at CriticalArc, the first panel tackled one of the most dynamic security challenges in higher ed: collegiate sports venues. Panelists included:
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Chief Keri Kei Shibata & Tracy Skibins – University of Notre Dame
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Chief Joe Monroe – University of Kentucky
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Chief Lesley Wiete – Purdue University
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Chief Mike Johnson & Assistant Chief Kary Shaffer – Texas A&M University
This powerhouse group addressed everything from crowd management and tailgate oversight to multi-agency coordination and the integration of cutting-edge tools like real-time location tracking and incident command systems. One standout message echoed: “Game day success is built before the gates open.”
From Events to Emergencies: Lessons from Liberty University
Chief Gerald Irwin and Jeff Hurtak, Director of Emergency Management & Community Engagement at Liberty University, delivered an exceptional session titled:
Game Day to Crisis Mode: Integrating Emergency Management and Law Enforcement for Operational Excellence.
Covering how Liberty manages crowds over 60,000 strong, their presentation showcased how fast operations must pivot in the face of protests, severe weather, or emergent threats. With drone surveillance, mobile command posts, and interdisciplinary planning, their approach embodied the principle that “preparedness is a team sport.”
Decoding Clery: A Future-Focused Perspective
In a standout expert session, Jim Moore offered much-needed clarity on the evolving landscape of Clery compliance: The Future of Clery: Navigating Uncertainty and Mitigating Risk.
As institutions face pending updates from the Department of Education, Jim walked attendees through compliance pitfalls, strategic adaptations, and how Clery reporting can remain a cornerstone of campus safety despite shifting regulations. His session balanced deep expertise with practical takeaways and prompted one of the liveliest Q&As of the day.
Campus Protests & Peacekeeping: A Proactive Model
Ted Fritz, Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Emergency Management at the University of Pittsburgh, presented a timely keynote:
Proactive Peacekeeping: Campus Protests & Emergency Management.
He detailed Pitt’s Campus Climate Assessment Team (CCAT) approach—bringing together cross-functional leaders to manage protest dynamics while preserving student rights. With protocols focused on de-escalation, transparency, and agility, Ted offered a blueprint for navigating today’s complex sociopolitical climate with both resolve and respect.
Interactive Workshop: Building Team Alignment
Led by Chief Joe Monroe (University of Kentucky), this workshop dove into how to align safety teams around shared goals. Through open peer dialogue, participants exchanged real-world examples of how institutions define roles, establish operational clarity, and build pre-incident trust that holds under pressure.
Final Reflections & a Walk Through Tradition
The day closed with remarks from Chief Shibata and Anne Cynamon, Vice President at SafeZone by CriticalArc. Both reinforced the event’s core message: true readiness requires shared learning, trust, and continuous collaboration.
Attendees then enjoyed a guided tour of Notre Dame’s iconic campus—from the Golden Dome to Notre Dame Stadium—a fitting close to a day dedicated to legacy, leadership, and the future of public safety.
Looking Ahead: The Work Continues
We are deeply grateful to Chief Shibata, Mike Seamon, and the entire University of Notre Dame team for hosting this impactful event. The momentum sparked here will ripple across campuses nationwide—fortifying the fabric of unified response and mutual support.
Want to continue the conversation on how SafeZone by CriticalArc can strengthen your institution’s safety operations?
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