The Board of Trustees met this weekend in Chicago and voted to establish a small police task force, allowing an armed presence on campus starting next fall.
The small police force will have three members, including Tom Phillis, chief of public safety, Mark Beckwith, assistant chief of public safety and Dale Dusenberry, second shift lead officer.
Administration will work out policies and protocols with the State of Illinois, the City of Rock Island, and Augustana’s security officers.
The Board also unanimously voted on the Augustana 2020 Strategic Plan, which focuses on increasing academic and co-curricular experiences and keeping education affordable.
An informational meeting led by President Steve Bahls, a Board of Trustees member, will be held Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Olin Auditorium. Bahls will discuss the establishment of a police force on campus along with the status of the Augustana 2020 Strategic Plan and the “Bridge the Gap” financial aid packages.
Another conversation about the strategic plan will be held Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the CSL 404, led by Bahls, Dean Pareena Lawrence, Dr. Mark Vincent and task force members.