You have likely heard and read about the tragic news today coming from two universities: Three students were killed and two others wounded by a gunman on the University of Virginia campus, and four students were found dead in an off-campus residence at the University of Idaho. The suspect in the Virginia shootings is in custody; police have not identified a suspect or suspects in the Idaho homicides.
We are holding these students and their families, as well as their classmates, faculty, staff, and the alumni of both communities in our hearts and prayers.
Headlines and news coverage of violence on university campuses can be extremely disturbing to all who study, teach, and work in higher education. We want to remind you that USF has rigorous protocols and programs in place to respond to a variety of potential situations that could affect our campus, from severe weather and wildfires to crime and active shooter situations. Please take a moment to review USF’s emergency and disaster preparedness resources on myUSF. Also, please watch for the regular educational programs, information, and trainings sponsored by Public Safety and the Office of Campus Resilience.
We would like to take a moment and remind students, faculty, and staff of the following resources:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) support is available to students. CAPS staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (415) 422-6352 or (415) 422-6351, or after business hours by calling (855) 531-0761.
- Students can also contact the Dean of Students for assistance by calling (415) 422-5330 or by emailing deanofstudents@usfca.edu.
- Faculty and staff can contact CONCERN, the university’s employee assistance program at (800) 344-4222.
- University Ministry support services are available to all community members and can be reached at (415) 422-4463 or um@usfca.edu.
Thank you for your continued support of one another.
Sincerely,
Julie Orio
Vice President, Student Life
Dan Lawson
Senior Director, Public Safety
Greg Yee
Director, Campus Resilience