res liFe Background Information by Stephanie Carter-Smith Members turn to background checks to add another level of security to the residential experience. Baylor UniversiTy Parents help move in their students with high expectations of an engaging and safe on-campus experience. To Serve and Protect – no longer is this just a motto for campus law enforcement agencies. Today this mantra could serve as the tag line for many departments under the student affairs umbrella, especially residence life. More and more residence life departments are being asked to define what measures are in place to protect the residents we serve in our facilities. In response, several colleges and universities have stepped up security presence within residence halls by adding cameras and/or security staff. Others have partnered with campus law enforcement to develop and conduct active shooter-training scenarios and protocols. Basically, we put a lot of time and effort in reactive measures to make sure we protect and serve our students effectively. Yet we are left with a lingering question … what more can be done proactively to keep our students safe? aDmissions . . . tHe First line oF DeFense? Every year, admissions officers read prospective applicant files deciding which students should or should not gain admission. In the midst of these hundreds or thousands of files and essays, only a snippet of an applicant’s life is showcased; often the most crucial information 1 Talking STick