Community Safety Talks

The Community Safety Talks series aims to promote a safe environment for everyone. Held in Hale Library, these brief sessions feature campus safety experts who share practical tips, resources and updates on emergency procedures and personal safety.

Fall 2025 sessions

Vehicle maintenance

This session will take a closer look at the cost of ownership of a vehicle and provide some helpful tips and preventative maintenance to help manage costs. Participants will learn how to perform maintenance checks and have the opportunity to ask questions about automobiles.

Time and date: 2-3 p.m., Aug. 28
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Brian Coonrod, Burnett Automotive

Personal preparedness

In an unpredictable world, being prepared is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Personal preparedness is about taking proactive steps to handle emergencies, whether they stem from natural disasters, power outages, medical emergencies or unexpected life events. By having a plan, gathering essential supplies and developing key skills, you can navigate challenging situations with confidence and resilience.

This workshop will help you understand the fundamental principles of preparedness, from creating emergency kits and communication plans to locating local shelter areas. Whether you’re facing a short-term disruption or a long-term crisis, being prepared gives you and your loved ones peace of mind and the ability to respond effectively when it matters most.

Time and date: 2-3 p.m., Sept. 10
Location: 181 Hale
Presenters: Rikki Blume and Savannah Greiner, Division of Risk and Safety - Emergency Management

Fire safety

Participants will learn about fire safety and prevention measures, as well as common items cited on inspections.

Time and date: 10-11 a.m., Oct. 8
Location: 181 Hale
Presenters: Jack Chatmon, Environmental Health and Safety - Fire Unit

Food security

This session takes a holistic view of the impacts of food security and the resources available.

Time and date: 11 a.m.-Noon, Nov. 12
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Jennifer Lopez, Lafene Health Center and Cat's Cupboard

Social health

This workshop will explore the effects of loneliness and the decrease in social engagement.

Time and date: 2-3 p.m., Dec. 3
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Jennifer Smith, Department of Psychology

Spring 2026 sessions

The In's and Out's of ADHD

In this engaging workshop, we will talk about all things ADHD. One in every 16 adults in the U.S. affected, it's a topic that touches many of us, —whether personally or through someone we know.

What is ADHD? How might it show up? What can we do to help ourselves and/or others thrive? There will be time for Q & A, so bring any questions you may have.

Time and date: 2-3 p.m., Jan. 26
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Sally Linton, First Lady

Love and Money

Join us for an insightful event hosted by the Financial Well-being Ambassadors with Powercat Financial.

This session, titled "Merging Your Finances & Lives Together," will feature Dr. Megan McCoy, Ph.D., LMFT, AFC, CFT-I™, Assistant Professor of Practice in Personal Financial Planning. Learn valuable tips on how to successfully combine your finances with your partner and navigate financial challenges together.

Time and date: 11 a.m.-Noon, Feb. 12
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Kate Mielitz, Powercat Financial

Fentanyl Awareness: What you need to know

As a recipient of the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant, we are pleased to welcome Amber Saale-Burger from TK Fights Fentanyl Inc. Amber will be sharing vital education and awareness around fentanyl, with a focus on harm reduction strategies and support for individuals facing substance use or mental health challenges.

Please note: Some of the content discussed may be emotionally challenging or triggering for individuals with lived experience. We encourage attendees to care for their well-being and step away if needed. This session is designed to be informative, compassionate, and empowering, and we welcome all who wish to learn and support our community in the fight against addiction.

Time and date: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mar. 4
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Amber Saale-Burger, Jeneen LeMay and Jennifer Lopez, TK Fights Fentenyl Inc., Morrison Family ceter for student wellbeing and Lafene Health Center

Situational Awareness

In today’s world, being alert and prepared can make all the difference. This session, led by the Riley County Police Department (RCPD), will empower participants with the tools to recognize potential threats and respond effectively. Through real-life scenarios and practical tips, attendees will learn how situational awareness and proactive planning can influence outcomes in critical moments. Whether at work, in public, or at home, knowing what to look for—and what to do—can help keep you and others safe.

Time and date: 10-11 a.m., Apr. 7
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Officer Rachel Pate, Riley County Police Department

Stress Management

This session invites participants into a thoughtful and interactive discussion with a licensed professional counselor

Together, we'll explore practical strategies for managing stress and prioritizing self-care. The format encourages open dialogue, allowing attendees to share experiences, ask questions, and engage with topics that matter most to them.

Time and date: 1-2 p.m., May 5
Location: 181 Hale
Presenter: Karan Bhatia and Arianna Williams, Lafene Couseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)