ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University tightened campus access and ramped up enforcement against weapons following a deadly shooting last week. President Alexander Conyers laid out the changes in a Thursday online town hall, emphasizing concrete steps to prevent future violence.

The Feb. 12 incident at Hugine Suites left two male visitors dead and one student injured. Police arrested 18-year-old Khamanti Kennedy and charged him with murder, according to authorities.

Conyers opened the meeting by committing to accountability, transparency and safety enhancements. The university issued a revised visitor policy this week. Pedestrian entries will now face reduced and monitored access. Additional lighting and cameras will cover all crossings.

“Although we are a public university, the university will limit access to this institution,” Conyers said. “We will significantly reduce access, keeping in mind that we are a public university.”

Visitors cannot enter after 9 p.m. Students face citations if guests overstay. Random health, wellness and vehicle checks will hit student, faculty, staff and visitor gates alike. More gates mean smoother traffic despite the checks, Conyers explained.

Dorm inspections now standardize with routine contraband sweeps. Residence life staff will coordinate searches with law enforcement and K-9 units. Firearms remain banned in housing. Violators risk expulsion under university rules and up to $1,000 fines plus a year in prison under state law.

“Any student caught with a weapon will be dealt with to the fullest extent allowed by university policy and state law,” Conyers warned.

Sanctions now follow consistent minimums for weapons, unauthorized visitors, drugs and violence. Police patrols have boosted visibility in residential zones. Extra personnel monitor the Hugine Suites community hub full-time.

These steps aim to secure the campus without choking access. “These measures balance campus security with reasonable community access and will be evaluated continuously for effectiveness,” Conyers said. He also asked state lawmakers for $8 million in security funding.

Tensions run high after the shooting. The Faculty Senate this week demanded the police chief and chief financial officer step down. They issued unanimous no-confidence votes citing safety lapses. The letter referenced a separate October homecoming shooting that killed a woman. No arrests have followed in that case.

Conyers’ plans respond directly to such concerns. The university, a historically Black public institution in Orangeburg, now prioritizes locked-down perimeters even as a public space. Student gates stay open around the clock. Faculty and staff entries operate extended hours.

Random checks extend to all. Dorm protocols demand regular sweeps. Patrols circle housing nonstop. The overhaul follows years of rising gun violence on and near campuses nationwide.

Conyers stressed ongoing reviews. Safety teams will tweak rules based on results. The meeting drew heavy attendance from students, faculty and alumni seeking reassurance after the latest tragedy.