MSU introduces online active violence training for Spartan community

December 4, 2023

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Spartan community,

Throughout the summer and into this fall semester, Michigan State University has been hard at work enhancing many different safety and security measures on campus. We are pleased to inform you that one of those measures, our new Active Violence Incident, or AVI, Awareness training, has been finalized and is ready for Spartans to complete. This course is available and strongly recommended for all students, faculty and staff and can be accessed on MSU’s Ability Training platform.

You can access the AVI Awareness training by logging in with your MSU NetID and password. Once logged in, click the Launch button to begin the course.

The training is managed by the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety and includes a presentation explaining how to respond during an active violence situation. Throughout the training, knowledge checkpoint questions will appear on screen to evaluate participants’ understanding of the content. In addition, a video is in development, which will be included in the training at a later time. Once the video is complete, it will be added to the training platform as well as to the MSU DPPS website.

We understand that this training may be difficult for some to complete following the violence our community experienced. Keeping this in mind, community members are encouraged to complete it on their own time, at the time that works best for them.

In addition to the online training, the department still offers in-person training for students, faculty and staff. To request in-person training, please visit the Community Program Participation page.

During an active violence incident, it is important to know your options. Active violence incidents are unpredictable and there is no single correct way to respond. The more that you mentally rehearse, the more likely you are going to be able to react. This online training serves as a necessary tool to help you stay educated, informed and safe.

MSU DPPS is committed to ensuring the safety of our community. For more information on general campus safety, you can visit our Safety Tips page.

We will provide updates as our progress continues. Together, we will build a safer campus and a stronger community for every Spartan.

Sincerely,

Marlon Lynch (he/him)
Vice President and Chief Safety Officer
Michigan State University

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Media Contact:
Dana Whyte, Communications Manager and Spokesperson, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety  
517-282-3711 | WhyteD@dpps.msu.edu