Ole Miss has the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff in mind, and is continually adding tools and programs that make that goal easier.

The most recent addition at Ole Miss is the LiveSafe app, which the university community can download and use for free as a mobile communications platform for reporting nonemergency information including threats, disturbances, assaults, theft, stalking, drug and alcohol abuse and traffic and parking violations and more.

Already in use at more than 100 universities – a survivor of the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech created the app with the intent of fostering safe and secure campus environments – the tool connects the Ole Miss with appropriate universities departments that can respond to the tips.

Concurrently, Ole Miss launched its UMatter website, a connecting tool for information and reports related to “fellow Rebels” who may be in distress, facing of alcohol and drugs, bias and hate, sexual assault or other safety concerns.

“Remember, every Rebel matters,” the site says.

Under the direction of Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brandi Hephner-LaBanc, these new initiatives show that our growing university is focused on providing all students, faculty and staff a safe and sound environment to live and learn.

We are thankful for the university’s forward progress, and caring initiatives.