At the start of this new semester, the administration announced a series of immediate safety protocols and adjustments in response to the rising instability in the Twin Cities. Starting with “Returning to Campus in Difficult Times | Campus Safety,” an email sent on Jan. 14, President Mayme Hostetter acknowledged that while the start of the semester is usually a time of reunion, the current climate in the Twin Cities has made this a “challenging time.” The message emphasized that “our community’s safety is always our top priority” and introduced the administration’s effort to “maximize safety and minimize disruption”.
A week later, another email was sent. “Things to Know and Do As the Semester Begins | Campus Safety” outlined the most visible physical changes to campus:
Building Access: Effective immediately, “each campus building has a designated entry door.” While the campus remains open, “all other doors will remain locked, even during daytime/ class hours.” These designated entries are equipped with card-access capabilities, allowing them to be “locked quickly and remotely by Hamline Public Safety (HPS) if necessary.” Students are advised to carry their Hamline ID cards at all times.
Unauthorized Visitors: Reaffirming that the campus is private property, the email instructed students on how to handle unknown individuals during this period of “heightened tensions.” “If you encounter an individual or group that appears to be unaffiliated with the university and whose presence feels concerning, move to a safe location and call HPS immediately.” Students were explicitly told: “DO NOT engage or escalate situations.”
While the administration has implemented these measures out of an “abundance of caution,” the reaction from the student body appears to be a pragmatic adaptation. Despite the restriction to single entry points, the disruptions have been minimal for some.
“I thought it would bother me at first, but it has not affected my day to day much,” Junior Noah Ackert said. “My ID still gets me through the locked doors of buildings I have access to.”
This comment helps to reflect the administration’s specific concern regarding “immigration enforcement operations across the metro area,” which was cited as a primary catalyst for the new security posture.
The last email came following the shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This message adopted a more somber tone, acknowledging that the “unrest and violence” are “lived realities -not just headlines” for many in the community. Hostetter reiterated that the restrictive door policies are “rooted in care, concern and an abundance of caution.”
To support those feeling overwhelmed or concerned, this communication highlighted essential resources:
Counseling Services (651-523-2204) for mental and emotional well-being.
Hamline Public Safety (651-523-2100), available 24/7.
The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) (651-523-2912) for academic support
Throughout these communications, the university has stressed that this is an “evolving situation.” Decisions regarding campus operations “will continue to be guided by the best interests of our students, faculty, and staff.”
