ABA NEWS

Coffee & Conversation Update

We heard you!

Did you attend the Coffee and Conversations event in September with ABA Vice President Stacy Hayano?

Are you curious about the follow up to your questions and concerns?

Check the ABA Homepage in the next few weeks to see a detailed report on the progress being made regarding your feedback.

We value each one of you and your concerns.

ENS Testing

In conjunction with The Great California ShakeOut Annual Statewide Earthquake Drill, the university conducted a test of the Emergency Notification System (ENS) on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Sac State chose this date as it synchronized with CSU campuses throughout the state, specifically in southern California, that are at risk of being affected by earthquakes.

Each time a test like this is conducted, it becomes an opportunity to learn and improve. "We encountered some delays in the delivery of phone calls and text messages," said Police Chief Mark Iwasa. "Some of the delays were significant, it appears to be a problem at the phone carrier level when sending out potentially a million text messages statewide."

Since the texting took place, surveys have provided feedback, including the revelation that every university that participated experienced some sort of delay in the distribution of messages.

However, this is why tests are conducted, to find weaknesses and opportunities to improve. "We are constantly refining our expertise of our practitioners here," said Chief Iwasa. "This is important to ensure our messages can be sent out within seconds of an incident."

Sac State is planning another ENS test next year, but will do so the day before The Great California ShakeOut Annual Statewide Earthquake Drill to avoid conflicts with southern California campuses.

Summer Fun Days Boost ABA Morale

During the summer intercession, offices within Financial Services participated in their annual "summer fun days," including interactive and silly office games meant to alleviate office stress and boost employee morale.

"Sometimes we need to take a break from our day to day work and have a little bit of fun," said Nicole Rogers, interim associate bursar & collection manager

These sorts of activities help promote intra-office comradery and team building. Keep a look out for next year's events!

Coffee & Cops Event Welcomes Students Back

Campus Police hosted their fall semester Coffee & Cops event, welcoming questions and discussion from students, and the campus community. Police encouraged student participation by promising a donut if the participant asked a cop a question.

"The event is part of our ongoing goal of providing accessibility to the Police Department," said Police Chief Mark Iwasa. "In this way, we hope that we can build true relationships with students and the rest of the campus community."

Events such as these are important in allowing both the police force, and the community they serve, to come together to share experiences and perspectives. As Chief Iwasa states: "Relationships are the foundation of trust and that is probably the biggest missing piece in communities that are experiencing turmoil. We are very proud of our mission to serve the campus and improve the experience here for our students; they deserve a safe environment and we want them to feel that they can call us anytime they need help or information."

The Sac State Police Department also shared a slide show at the event, which included information about the department, as well as personal officer bios. Click here to view the presentation.