Message from the Chief of Police
Nov. 1, 2018
Dear Campus Community:
As a follow-up note to President Beck’s message this morning, I wanted to take a moment to provide some additional information about yesterday’s campus incident. We are accustomed to enjoying a safe and quiet environment, so it is particularly troubling when a member of our campus community is victimized by violence.
There was a delay between the time of the assault and when it was reported to us, and University Police were on the scene within minutes of receiving the call. Our officers’ most immediate priorities were to attend to the student, secure the scene and launch the search for the perpetrator to ensure the safety of the entire campus.
As soon as pertinent information was available, notifications were sent to the campus community to give students, faculty and staff information to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe. It is important to note, that the firearm associated with this incident was brandished but was never discharged.
Because the identity and location of the suspect were unknown to us and the suspect had left the scene inside one of our academic buildings, we decided that directing students and employees to shelter in place was not the safest course of action. Rather, providing relevant information to the community gave people the opportunity to assess their surroundings and make decisions to keep themselves safe based on individual circumstances.
I want to assure you that the safety of our campus community is our highest priority and our tactical decisions and actions are made with this in mind. We have determined at this time that the campus is safe and the threat is no longer present. However, our criminal investigation is continuing.
Sincerely,
Michael Morris
Chief of Police
Message from the President
Nov. 1, 2018
Dear Campus Community:
As you are aware, yesterday one of our students was physically assaulted in a bathroom located on the second floor of one of our academic buildings. I am incredibly grateful that the student is safe and receiving medical care.
Any act of violence on campus is extremely troubling and can be traumatizing not only for the victim, but for our entire campus community. As we process this incident, I encourage all of us to come together and support one another.
Campus safety is always my highest priority and I want to express my sincerest appreciation for the University Police and that of our faculty, staff and students for their professionalism and expertise in responding to this incident. Thanks to their hard work, no additional injuries occurred, the campus has been deemed safe and classes will resume today, Thursday, Nov. 1.
It will take time for the campus community to process the events that transpired yesterday, and I encourage you to support one another throughout this time and encourage friends and colleagues to seek support. Our Counseling and Psychological Services staff are on campus and available for the campus community.
I have asked Police Chief Morris to follow up today with additional information pertaining to the incident. Although I am deeply saddened that this incident occurred, I am grateful to be a part of a campus community that is always there to care for one another during times of hardship.
Sincerely,
Erika D. Beck, Ph.D.
President