The 2025-26 year comes with many changes and updates to existing policies. One of the major changes that has flown under the radar are the changes to the security plans around school. When explaining these new rules and protocols, Dean of Health and Safety Nikki Maryanski said, “it’s for what Bellarmine needs.” 

As many students have recognized, these changes affect everyday life. From how to get into buildings, to the ability to walk out to cars midday, updates have shifted student life. The biggest changes fall into what students typically don’t think about now, and that is in the case of emergency situations. 

For example, the new evacuation plan came as a surprise to many students when it was implemented on Sept. 17 during Formation classes. Staff members wore vests in case students had questions. These changes, including new routes, allow the school to expedite evacuations. In fact, the new plan came with a 19 minute decrease in evacuation time. In situations where every second counts.