The University of Colorado at Boulder is responding in a number of ways to today's shooting at Virginia Tech including offering students counseling services, and a variety of community outreach efforts in residence halls.
In addition, the campus will issue reminders on safety precautions.
"Our entire campus community is stunned by the terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech," said Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "I want all our CU community, parents and families to know that we are monitoring this situation carefully and that we do not believe at this time that CU students are threatened in any way.
"Also, we have made counseling resources available on campus to those who might be affected by this horrendous crime. I believe this awful moment in the history of American higher education underscores the need for all of us to take strong measures to prevent violence in all aspects of American life. As that struggle continues, we send our thoughts and prayers to the members of the Virginia Tech campus community."
Spokesman Bronson Hilliard said, "The campus is communicating with CU-Boulder students internally to provide them with information on counseling and other support services that are available."
Staff from various counseling resource offices will be available to talk about the Virginia Tech incident and facilitate discussion in two campuswide counseling sessions open to students, faculty and staff affected by the Virginia Tech incident. The first session is Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the University Memorial Center, room 353, and the second session on Wednesday will be at 4 p.m. in Willard Hall, room 115, at the Center for Multicultural Affairs.
Students also are being sent reminders to observe basic security protocols including locking their doors, not allowing anyone they don't know into the residence halls and reporting anyone who acts suspiciously, Hilliard said.
CU-Boulder is increasing the frequency and staffing of security patrols for campus housing facilities. Residence hall staff members are receiving information on how to discuss the tragedy with students and to update all hall residents on safety issues.
"We're going to provide community outreach services in our residence halls this evening, and we'll be continuing our outreach efforts as long as our students need assistance," said Deb Coffin, CU-Boulder's assistant vice chancellor for housing administration. "The university also will work to provide assistance and outreach to every student who can be identified as having a connection to the state of Virginia or to similar local and national tragedies."
CU-Boulder students affected by the shooting and who wish to contact a campus counselor are encouraged to call or visit any of the following offices: Counseling and Psychological Services, 134 Willard Hall, (303) 492-6766; Office of Victim Assistance, 217 Willard Hall, (303) 492-8855; Center for Multicultural Affairs, 118 Willard Hall, (303) 492-5667; the Office of Psychological Health and Psychiatry at Wardenburg Health Center, (303) 492-5654; and the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program, 223 Willard Hall, (303) 492-2172.