Last week's shooting at Northern Illinois University - when a gunman fired into a lecture hall, killing five people before turning the gun on himself - has brought the issue of campus security into the spotlight.
But as major tragedies, such as the NIU shooting and last April's massacre at Virginia Tech, are difficult to predict, universities' efforts must focus on response preparation, Penn officials and outside experts say.
Ann Franke, president of Wise Results, a company that advises colleges on legal risks, said that despite precautions and careful planning, there are "no guarantees of campus security."
Penn's emergency preparedness plan, which Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush said was originally instituted even before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, has three components: prevention, response and recovery.
Using national models and new ideas, Rush said Penn's plan is "pretty much at the cutting edge."
She added that she believes the University is well-prepared to respond to emergency situations.
"Everyone has a playbook," Rush said. In case of an emergency, all staff members know what role they should play, she added.
Alison Kiss of Security on Campus, a non-profit organization dedicated to campus safety, said she believes increased communication is the best way to protect a campus.
"The best tools are communication and dialogue" said Kiss. "People need to be aware of who they can go to."
With the UPennAlert text-messaging system and the public-address systems that work as a type of intercom in the high rises, the University has a number of options to let students and staff know about an emergency in a timely manner.
In addition to periodic emergency drills for the students, the Penn Police go through rigorous training in life-like situations, using pellet guns to simulate real bullets and preparing for active-shooter scenarios.
Armed guards who are trained to shoot, however, can pose possible legal liability issues, Franke said.
"It is a cost-benefit decision of whether to arm campus security," she said.
In the wake of the shooting, NIU is providing a number of counseling services and social outlets.
Penn also seems prepared to react to emergencies in this area. Programs like the Critical Incidents Stress Management Team and Counseling and Psychological Services offer resources that would be available to those affected.
