‘Here we go again’: VCU students normalize the excessive campus alerts

Jessica Holgado, Contributing Writer

When I first set foot on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus as a freshman, my mind was swirling with stereotypes that seemed to define Richmond: crime, danger and homelessness. Clutching my pink pepper spray and safety alarm, I walked through the city streets with a heightened sense of alertness, prepared for the worst.

But now, as a junior, I have noticed a shift in my behavior. The once ever-present tools of self-defense have been buried at the bottom of my bag. The streets that used to make me tense now feel familiar, almost like a second home.

Despite this newfound comfort, I can not help but wonder: Has the city truly changed, or have I simply become desensitized to the potential dangers that once kept me on high alert?

The buzz of VCU safety alerts on our phones has become a common occurrence. The intention behind these alerts is clear — to keep students informed and safe in the face of potential dangers. The sheer volume and regularity of these messages, however, has led to a phenomenon of normalization.

I have found myself growing numb to VCU alerts. Gunfire, police emergencies and armed robberies — these terms have become all too familiar, and my reaction has shifted from concern to an almost indifferent, “Here we go again.” 

It is a constant background noise that I have become somewhat desensitized to. There are still moments when these alerts impact me, however, especially when more detailed emails are sent out, shedding light on the incidents that occur on campus. 

A major incident occurs every so often that breaks through the veil of desensitization and forces us to confront the reality of the situation. One recent incident was a sexual assault case that shook the community. 

We were suddenly reminded that these alerts are not just impersonal messages — they represent real events that affect real people. The moment I read about it, a chilling thought crossed my mind: What other incidents are happening around campus that I am not aware of?

Although a good portion of students are aware of these incidents, it made me realize that it is not enough. Many students are normalizing these alerts and it is time to address this issue. 

It is not uncommon for students to experience a sense of neutrality towards the regular VCU alerts, but this can be concerning as it diminishes the impact they have on us. It is crucial to acknowledge, however, this response is not entirely our fault. It is a result of the sheer frequency of these alerts and the cognitive overload they create.

It is time for VCU to reevaluate its strategy behind these safety alerts. One potential solution is to incorporate different levels of alerts, indicating the severity of each situation. Students can better differentiate between routine updates and critical incidents, ensuring that each alert is appropriately recognized.

By including clear indicators or keywords in the subject line to differentiate between routine updates and critical incidents, students can quickly identify the urgency of each alert without having to open every email and text. 

For instance, instead of a generic alert message, they could say something like, “High Priority Alert. Please take immediate action and follow safety protocols.” Using a more urgent tone and emphasizing the importance of the alert allows students to quickly recognize and respond.

The recent sexual assault case was a jarring wake-up call. As students, we need to challenge our initial indifference and foster a culture of attentiveness and support. The alerts are not just a string of words on a screen, they are a reminder to stay aware and look out for one another in the face of adversity.