By Blanca Amaya
Herman Hall, Emerson Hall, and the Center for Sciences and Pharmacy. What do all of these buildings have in common? Not only are they all academic buildings on campus, but
They have the closest proximity to the community of Springfield. All of these buildings have doors that face outside the campus, towards the sidewalk, where anyone can simply walk onto campus without identifying themself. This was the concern that led to the implementation of the Badge Up Bears initiative with Public Safety. Thomas Ford was appointed as Chief of Public Safety at Western New England University in 2023. Early in his tenure at the university, Ford identified several glaring security issues that he wanted to change. One of these issues was open access to all academic buildings on campus.
The Badge Up Bear policy was set to be implemented on February 9, 2026. However, on February 6, just 3 days before it was set to begin, Chief Ford sent a campus-wide email explaining that it had to be postponed. The email explained that “after reviewing its performance, [the system] needed a little more time to submit its best work.” Therefore, students were relieved as their usual routine remained.
Nonetheless, the WNE community wasn’t updated about the progress of Badge Up Bears for nearly a month. Then, on March 5, 2026, Ford sent out a campus-wide email with the subject line, ‘Badge Up, Bears (Take Two).’ In that email, he announced that the system would be implemented for faculty and staff during the week of March 9. Students would be expected to use their badge when they returned from Spring Break on March 16.
Students were concerned about the sudden implementation of the system, especially having received no update before starting it. However, this implementation was anything but sudden. Ford stated that Public Safety “has always been working towards this direction” and nothing that they have done has been reactive to a specific event. Therefore, this change has been a long time coming.
Instead, Ford explained that there have been instances of people entering the campus and integrating themselves among students. He mentioned that there have been reported incidents of students’ possessions having been stolen while in class. He acknowledged the importance in having an open campus, but clarified that the need to protect students outweighs that. Ford admitted that although perfect security is impossible, the Badge Up Bear policy provides a layer of security that was once nonexistent. Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Life Greg Matthews stated that the policy added “an additional level of security in people’s minds.”
When Ford was asked how this system affected students, he claimed that he had not heard any complaints or inconveniences from students. However, students on campus have offered mixed opinions about the new policy. Brett Lussier, a junior History major, said that he has had difficulties being able to access half of his classes due to having most of them on the bottom floor of Emerson, which hadn’t been working. Another student, Ty Quirk, a freshman Psychology major, said that the policy is a big inconvenience in their day. He admitted that although he carries his badge every day, their first instinct is not to grab their badge to enter a building, causing an inconvenience. Some students are upset due to inconvenience, while others legitimately can not enter their academic building. Nonetheless, Ford assured that Public Safety has the security to permit students to enter the building they need to, as long as they reach out.
Nevertheless, the implementation of the Badge Up Bear policy has left students confused about the future of the institution. One of the biggest concerns has been whether students could hold the door open for other students, or if this kind act would lead to repercussions. Matthews assured that there will be no repercussions for students who hold the door open for the person behind them, but he strongly encourages everyone to carry their badge to prevent the need for this. Matthews stated, “If you don’t have your badge on you, someone will have to open the door for you. The [system] works when all students carry their identification.”
Another concern voiced by the students was how long the policy would stay in place. Matthews explained that although the policy is in its expanded test phase, people should anticipate the continued use of security measures such as this. The Badge Up Bear policy has been one piece of a larger mission for Public Safety to increase the level of security on campus for the student body. Matthews also assured that student feedback is important during this process. He assured that he is “always listening to student feedback” that could help improve the system.
Therefore, Badge Up Bears are at Western New England University to stay for the foreseeable future. If you are one of the unfortunate people who have misplaced your identification, then fear not. Ford explained that a new identification can be purchased by going to the Public Safety building. The new identification will be printed and given to you within a couple of minutes. Matthews wants to remind everyone, “Don’t forget your ID.”
Finally, Public Safety would like to thank the entire community, students, staff, and faculty for the relatively smooth transition to Badge Up Bears. Ford stated that the campus community’s cooperation is something Public Safety couldn’t be without. The department depends on the cooperation and participation of the entire campus community, which has been understanding.
