UNC security: University leaders highlight new safety measures in place in wake of deadly shooting on-campus [Video]

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — UNC officials address feedback from students and faculty following last year’s deadly shooting on-campus.

“We don’t know if and when an emergency might present itself, but we do want to ensure that our campus community is prepared,” said Darrell Jeter, UNC Director of Emergency Management and Planning.

On August 23, 2023, campus was on lockdown for hours after reports of a shooting inside Caudill Labs, in which associate professor Dr. Zijie Yan was killed. Ultimately, authorities arrested graduate student Tailei Qi.

While an Alert Carolina message was sent immediately, members of the university community expressed confusion over the messaging.

“We identified an opportunity to provide more clarity in that initial notification that we send out,” Jeter said.

Another point of concern: a lack of follow-up information.

“We were on lockdown for like four or five hours. A little bit more response times in between would have been useful so that students don’t get as anxious,” junior Cecilia …