UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Effective July 1, Penn State Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), currently part of the Office of the Physical Plant, will formally integrate into University Police and Public Safety (UPPS). This strategic initiative underscores the University's commitment to enhancing campus safety, emergency preparedness, environmental management and regulatory compliance by fostering close collaboration between environmental health efforts and police and emergency response teams, according to Wesley Sheets, associate vice president and chief of police and public safety.
"This initiative represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and staff," Sheets said. "Integrating Environmental Health and Safety with University Police and Public Safety will establish a cohesive safety structure that serves the entire University community."
Sheets said UPPS is committed to a seamless transition with EHS, with minimal disruption to current operations.
The decision to incorporate EHS into UPPS aims to align safety-related operations under a single entity. Through the integration of resources and expertise, UPPS will advance coordination in campus safety, emergency response, risk prevention and compliance management. This restructuring will simplify processes, improve communication, and facilitate prompt and effective decision-making during critical situations, Sheets said.
EHS has long played a vital role in promoting environmental protection, workplace safety, research safety and hazardous materials management across Penn State’s campuses. By transitioning to UPPS, EHS will align more strategically with Penn State’s broader safety initiatives, improving efficiency, coordination and emergency response capabilities, said James Crandall, director of environmental health and safety.
"This integration allows us to amplify our impact on campus safety and environmental health,” Crandall said. “By working side by side with University Police and Public Safety, we can leverage shared resources and expertise to further enhance existing safety initiatives."
Crandall added that by uniting these essential departments, Penn State is poised to set new benchmarks in safety management and reinforce its reputation as a leader in higher education safety protocols.