SC State implements enhanced security for Youth & ROTC Day on Saturday

University makes physical improvements, coordinates multi-agency effort to ensure a safe event experience

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – With South Carolina State University’s annual Youth & ROTC Day set for Saturday, Nov. 1, campus leaders have implemented an extensive series of safety and security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for students, visitors and guests.

Youth & ROTC Day features activities for young visitors and a showcase of what SC State has to offer from academics and student life to leadership development and community engagement. Thousands of youths are expected to visit the campus before and during the football game, as the Bulldogs face Morgan State at 2 p.m. in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

“We’re deeply committed to creating a campus where our students and visitors feel safe and supported at all times,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “We are grateful for the assistance of our state and local law-enforcement partners, whose presence helps us ensure that Youth & ROTC Day remains a positive experience for everyone who visits SC State.”

The university continues its proactive efforts to strengthen safety and security for all large-scale campus events, working closely with local and state law enforcement partners.

The university’s Department of Public Safety will coordinate increased security personnel across campus, including additional trained and armed officers supplementing the university’s sworn force. High-intensity coverage will be in place at key campus locations, supported by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Assisting agencies include the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), South Carolina Highway Patrol, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

Enhanced perimeter barriers and lighting

A second layer of fencing has been installed along the perimeter between Hugine Suites and Goff Street to reinforce security in that corridor. Repairs and welding also are underway along the shared boundary between SC State and Claflin University, further strengthening the campus perimeter. Portable lighting towers will provide added illumination in high-traffic areas and near residential zones.

“We’ve strengthened every layer of our safety plan from access points to lighting and patrol coverage,” said SC State Chief of Public Safety Richard Johnson. “Our goal is to make sure all guests can enjoy the day with confidence, knowing that we’re prepared and fully staffed.”

Movable barriers will be placed around Hugine Suites to control campus access and maintain clear, monitored entry points during the events. The complex will be among the areas on campus with a large law enforcement and trained security presence throughout the day, allowing for constant coverage and rapid response.

Hugine Suites also serves as the site of a new Community Safety Hub, staffed by SC State Public Safety personnel. The hub includes real-time camera monitoring and will serve as a command post throughout the weekend.

 “Placing the new Community Safety Hub inside Hugine Suites is both strategic and symbolic,” said Dr. Gerald Smalls, vice president for finance and administration. “It positions our safety team in the heart of SC State’s largest living and learning community, reinforcing our commitment to protect where our students live, study and grow.”

Campus access and event entry

Visitors in vehicles should enter through Gate 3 (Magnolia and Geathers Streets) and Gate 2 (Russell and Pinckney Streets) To promote a secure environment, all individuals must present a valid game ticket to enter the campus on Saturday. Each vehicle will require a parking pass, which will be available at Gate 2, where visitors can also purchase game tickets.

Metal detectors will be in use at all main entrance checkpoints, including Geathers and Naylor streets, as well as at entrances to the game-zone area. Ticket scanners and security officers will be stationed at each checkpoint at Geathers and Lance streets and Naylor and Lance streets.

Pedestrians may enter the campus via the Chestnut Street pedestrian bridge or Gates 1 and 4 (Buckley Street), where QR codes will allow for ticket purchases. Cash sales will be available in the Crawford-Zimmerman Building at Gate 2. At Gate 5 (Chestnut Street and Wilkinson Boulevard), there will be no pedestrian access, which will be rerouted to the nearby bridge entrance.

Game-zone regulations

A clear-bag policy will be strictly enforced on the campus, including the game zone. Students must present a valid university ID. Students from neighboring institutions — Claflin University, Voorhees University, Denmark Technical College and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College — may enter with their school IDs.

The game zone will be under constant supervision by SC State Public Safety and partnering law enforcement agencies. Officers and trained security personnel will be stationed throughout the area to ensure safe pedestrian movement, enforce access control, and maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.

No vehicles will be allowed in the game zone except authorized tailgaters entering through Gates 1, 4 and 5. Walk-up entry will be restricted to designated checkpoints, where ticket verification and security checks will be conducted.

Law enforcement and security teams will remain on site before, during, and after the game to support crowd management and rapid emergency response. Unauthorized gatherings and unapproved activities will not be permitted.

All game-day activities will cease by 7 p.m. Visitors will be asked to exit, with only students and campers remaining on campus.

Continuous improvement and vigilance

University officials emphasized that these measures are part of SC State’s ongoing commitment to campus safety and continuous improvement in public-safety planning.

Over the past three years, SC State has made significant investments in campus security infrastructure and operations. The university has expanded its network of surveillance cameras, added more trained security personnel, upgraded lighting across walkways and parking areas, and strengthened coordination with state and local law-enforcement partners.

“Our officers will be highly visible throughout the weekend, but campus safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Johnson said. “We ask all students, staff and visitors to stay alert, look out for one another and report anything that seems out of place. When we see something and say something, we keep our community safe together.”