Security at NU

Northwest University is located in one of the safest communities in Washington State. However, just because the crime rate in Kirkland is very low does not mean we are not vigilant. Far from it. We have a full-time Security Director and a security staff that patrols our campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here are several other programs we’ve put in place to increase security.

Emergency Crisis Plan

We believe in being prepared before a crisis occurs and have developed a robust plan for dealing with emergency situations such as earthquakes, bomb threats, or a hazardous material spill. This includes designating clear roles and responsibilities, evacuation routes, communications plan, and how to provide food and shelter during emergency situations. The plan is available at https://www.northwestu.edu/emergency.

Live Shooter Training

In cooperation with the Kirkland Police Department, Northwest is adopting ALICE Training Institute methodology for active shooter response. This shift from our former ‘lockdown’ approach empowers students and faculty to respond to danger purposefully and based on changing circumstances.

Alert Text System

We recently initiated an alert text system that sends urgent updates to all students, faculty, and staff in the event of emergencies. We also send email, but because students are so attached to their phones, these texts are more likely to be received than any other form of communication.

Emergency Procedures Available in all Classrooms

Stop. Think. Act. is a booklet that was created by the Emergency Crisis Management Team at Northwest University. It is posted in all classrooms and common areas on campus and covers emergency procedures for a variety of crisis situations.

Coded Entry for All Dorm Rooms

All dorm rooms have coded key entries known only by those living in the room and by select members in Student Development. Additionally, we have Resident Assistants (RAs) who live on each dorm floor and are trained in safety and security.

Security Escort

Students can call our security staff to receive security escorts anywhere on campus at night. Our security staff have even assisted students whose cars have broken down off campus to get them safely back to their dorms.

AED in All Buildings

AED stand for Automated External Defibrillator and they are located in all NU buildings to resuscitate those in cardiac arrest. It was one of our AEDs (and quick-acting faculty and students) that saved the life of a student who collapsed during a soccer game.