Jett Handy News

Data Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Tool Relevant Data  In 2022, Clark Atlanta University reported  12 on-campus burglaries  and  4 motor vehicle thefts . There were  0 reported on-campus arrests for weapons, drug, or liquor law violations . The university also had  3 cases of on-campus aggravated assault  in the same year. Using this campus safety data, I could write a story examining trends in property crime at Clark Atlanta University over the past five years. The focus could be on how the university is responding to burglaries and thefts, what steps are being taken to improve security, and how students feel about safety on campus. Including comparisons to other local universities could provide context and help students understand the bigger picture of campus crime in Atlanta.

 The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Daily Briefing Article/Post Summary: One recent article in the Daily Briefing discussed how colleges are responding to increased concerns about campus safety after several high-profile incidents at universities nationwide. The article highlighted steps schools are taking—such as increasing campus police patrols, improving lighting, and launching new emergency alert systems. It also included perspectives from students who feel more secure with these changes, along with some who are concerned about the balance between safety and campus openness.  How it connects to my beat: This article is directly related to my campus safety beat because it shows how student safety is a top priority on campuses across the country including at Clark Atlanta University. The story gave me ideas about reporting on what safety measures are currently in place at CAU, how students feel about them, and what improvements they’d like to see. It also made me consider t...

This week, I engaged with a classmate’s beat story by commenting on their post about the “Find A Way 5K Run” that kicked off Clark Atlanta University’s 2025 Homecoming. Their tweet highlighted how the event promoted physical activity and encouraged healthy habits for the semester. How it helped my understanding: Interacting with this post made me realize how campus events like the 5K Run don’t just build school spirit they also play a big role in student health and well-being. It gave me ideas on how to connect my own campus safety beat to wellness initiatives, and to look for stories where health, safety, and student life overlap. Following my classmate’s updates will help me see more ways that different campus beats influence each other.

 When reporting on campus safety at Clark Atlanta University, it’s important to understand how city-wide trends affect student life. Here are three Atlanta statistics that help tell the story of campus safety and point toward important stories for students and staff. 1. Atlanta’s Property Crime Rate Remains High According to the Atlanta Police Department’s 2023 annual report, the city recorded over 22,000 property crimes last year including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. This is especially relevant for CAU students, as property crimes like bike and car thefts often occur near college campuses. Story Angle:  What measures are CAU and neighboring colleges taking to protect students’ belongings, and how can students safeguard their property? 2. Increase in Citywide Emergency Alerts The City of Atlanta issued more than 50 emergency alerts in 2023, covering issues from severe weather to police activity. Universities, including CAU, now rely more on rapid alert systems to...

For my campus safety beat, I found a recent safety alert posted on Clark Atlanta University’s official Facebook page regarding a shelter-in-place order: Link: Clark Atlanta University Facebook Safety Alert (Note: Use the specific post link if you have it—otherwise, indicate you accessed it on their official Facebook page.) Related News Coverage: FOX 5 Atlanta: Police presence near Clark Atlanta University, shelter-in-place issued Why This Is a Beat Story: This safety alert is a primary source, posted directly by the university to inform students and staff about an urgent campus safety situation. It relates directly to my campus safety beat because it provides real-time, official information about safety protocols, police presence, and actions students should take. Covering such alerts is essential for keeping the campus community informed and safe. Press releases and official notifications like this often serve as the first source for news stories, making them crucial for beat reporter...

While walking through the Student Center today, I spotted a bright flyer on the bulletin board: “SGA: Students Have a Voice! Share your concerns, ideas, and questions at our next Town Hall. Your input helps shape campus life and safety at CAU!” The flyer invites all students to attend the upcoming SGA Town Hall meeting on Monday November 17 2025, the scheduled time 5:00 pm where they can speak directly with student leaders about issues like campus safety, resources, and student life. There’s also an email and social media handle for submitting questions if you can’t attend in person. This message is a reminder that student government wants everyone to feel included and empowered to help guide decisions on campus. I’ll be following the SGA’s efforts and attending the meeting to see what concerns students bring up especially those related to safety and well-being.

Beat Reporting Tips from a Panther Journalist To improve my campus safety beat reporting, I reached out to  Kam , a junior  Journalism major and Panther newspaper writer at Clark Atlanta University. Here are some of the best tips they shared: 1. Build Trust on Your Beat “Introduce yourself to campus safety officers, student leaders, and administrators. The more they know and trust you, the more likely they are to share information and tips.” 2. Stay Consistent “Don’t just show up when there’s a big incident. Cover smaller updates, safety workshops, and community meetings. Consistent presence builds your credibility and sources.” 3. Always Double-Check Facts “It’s easy to make mistakes when reporting on safety or crime. Always verify details with official sources before posting or publishing.” 4. Look for the Human Angle “Don’t just report numbers talk to students affected by safety issues. Their stories help make your reporting meaningful and relatable.” 5. Use Social Media Wi...