Prior to the dedication ceremony for the intermediate memorial, a WDBJ7 cameraman scans the crowd. Members of the Marching Virginians stand in the foreground. Photo taken on August 19, 2007. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0.
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A Reuters cameraman films students walking across the drillfield. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldoj/463566473/in/set-72157600088262276/ Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
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BLACKSBURG, Va. - A steady stream of breaking news added to the tension on Virginia Tech's campus Wednesday following the Monday deaths of 33 students and faculty. An afternoon press conference revealed that NBC News received a package containing what network officials described as a "multimedia manifesto" from Cho Seung-Hui, the student definitively identified as the gunman in one of two shootings Monday. "Upon reception of this correspondence, NBC News immediately notified authorities," Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Steven Flaherty said. "This may be a very new, critical component of this investigation." Authorities still were evaluating the materials Wednesday night, even as NBC began to release images and videos taken by Cho. Students gasped and whispered "Oh my god" as television screens flashed an image of Cho posing menacingly with two handguns raised at eye level. The videos portray the intense anger of an individual whose exact motives still are unclear. Cho assigned blame for the massacre to his victims, claiming that he "died like Jesus Christ, to inspire generations of weak and defenseless people." He called his victims "snobs" and suggested the source of his rage was the privilege and materialism that he saw in his classmates. "Your trust funds wasn't enough," he said, sitting in front of a plain cinder-block wall and appearing to read from a script. "Your vodka and cognac wasn't enough. All your debaucheries weren't enough." The release of the video capped an already uneasy day. Even two days after the shootings, and with a dwindling number of students on campus, the community remained on edge. Early in the day, a swarm of police and media descended on Burruss Hall after a Va. Tech operator received a threat on university President Charles Steger's life. The building was secured by police and a report of a suspicious person came in amid the confusion, said campus police Chief Wendell Flinchum. "These kinds of reports are not uncommon in the wake of what has occurred in the last 48 hours," he said, alluding to the vigilant mood in Blacksburg. The last two days have left investigators, reporters and students scrambling to understand an event that left friends, family and community members dead. There is growing frustration at the news that Cho had an extensive history of psychological instability, including a recommendation of involuntary hospitalization dating back to 2005. Campus police were contacted with complaints about Cho in November and December of last year, when two female students alleged that he repeatedly contacted them through phone calls, Internet messages and in person. At the time of the second complaint, police received a separate report that Cho might be suicidal. University counselors found the risk credible enough that he was sent to a mental health facility in nearby Radford, Va., on Dec. 13. Lucinda Roy, the chairwoman of the English department at Va. Tech, also shared her concerns with campus police during the fall semester of 2005 when she became concerned about the substance of Cho's writing. Flinchum was careful to note that there was no direct threat in the writings, so the university had no ground for taking drastic action. "The writings did not express any threatening intentions or allude to any criminal activity, and no criminal violation had taken place," he said. "Since those contacts in November and December of 2005, I am not aware of any additional incidents or reports made to our department." Even as the revelations about Cho's history at the university became public, most students remained reluctant to fault the university's handling of the supposed warning signs. "You never know what's beneath the surface," said Matt Stewart, a senior at nearby Radford University who was on campus to pick up his girlfriend. "You can't prevent crazy." Stewart said his girlfriend would be staying with him for a few days because she had a "bad vibe" about remaining on campus. "She just wants to get away and let the town settle down a little bit," he said. That seemed to be a common sentiment. Throughout the day, students trickled out of dormitories carrying backpacks and suitcases, some piling into cars with friends and others being picked up by parents. "I'd say most people just want to get away for a bit, get a little breather," said Eric Hilgartner, a freshman waiting for his ride outside West Ambler Johnston Residence Hall. "I need to come home for my parents' sake more than mine. I know they'd like to see me." The university canceled the spring football scrimmage scheduled for Saturday, and professors still are figuring out how to cope with grades and class schedules before students return Monday. Across campus Tuesday and Wednesday, groups of students speculated about what might happen with essays and tests that had been scheduled for this week and how exams might be affected. University officials announced Wednesday afternoon that individual deans would have the authority to decide how to proceed with the semester. They left open the possibility that final exams could be canceled at the discretion of the university's separate colleges. But with police visible on every corner and a continuing frenzy of media activity on campus, many students said they simply wanted to get out of town. Hilgartner said he hopes the university is out of the media glare by the time he returns. "We'd like to get back to that quiet reputation we had in Blacksburg," he said. "Well, if we can ever get it back." -- Original Source: Daily Tar Heel - April 18, 2007
April 24, 2007 By KATY MATLOCK Contributor Before April 16, the topic of stress at Baylor University could have provoked yawns in its predictability. With final exams, social pressures and looming career goals as the ingredients, stress was an inevitable dish served up to college students across the nation. Occasionally, some deaths that are stress-related suggested a deeper problem stalking the shoulders of students. But in general, the consensus seemed to be that stress is a fact of life on college campuses. On April 16, Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old English major at Virginia Tech University, killed himself and 32 of his fellow "Hokie Birds." The university shooting shocked the nation and threw a new stressor onto students' plates. Over the next few weeks, students on the Baylor campus at the least will be coping with passing final exams, starting summer jobs and accepting a tragedy that shattered a fellow university's campus bubble. In addition, students may be facing difficult situations at home, financial struggles or post-graduation uncertainty. As trite as it may seem, there are some helpful ways that students can persevere and even embrace life during the stress of the next few weeks. Rachel Farris, a graduate student from St. Louis, includes a section on stress management in her Health and Human Behavior classes. She encourages students to include short, fun activities in their schedules. "Some of my students schedule times in their day to have a stress break where they might color, listen to music, work on art, read or write," Farris said. Farris also applies these practices in her own life. "I try to take regular breaks in my schedule to do things that I enjoy," she said. In these breaks, she said, she may read, write, exercise or listen to music. She limits her breaks to less than an hour so that the break itself relieves rather than compounds her stress, she said. Corpus Christi sophomore Patrick Roberts allows himself a break one day a week. "If I don't get that one day off a week, my study time isn't as efficient," he said. Roberts said he feels for the families affected by the Virginia Tech shootings. "It was a horrible thing that happened," he said. However, he said, he isn't personally stressed about it. "I feel pretty safe on Baylor's campus as far as things like that go," he said. Some stress can be a healthy motivator for students. "The problem occurs when we have too much stress, or we do not handle our stress well," Farris said. Kerry Mauger also teaches sections of Health and Human Behavior. "Sometimes students spend more time stressing over what they have to do instead of focusing on doing it, which increases the feeling," said Mauger, a graduate student from Angora Hills, Calif. She said that students also sometimes use alcohol and drugs to cope with stress. Exercise, sleep and healthy eating habits consistently prove to be significant factors in combating stress. These tend to be the behaviors that students neglect during stressful times, said Carmen Boulton, a Santa Barbara, Calif., graduate student. Boulton teaches Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Relaxation and Fitness. "Not taking care of your body is common," Boulton said. "Trying to function on very little sleep, caffeine and no or poor quality food definitely affect performance in a negative way. "I think one of the most common ways that we deal with stress is avoidance, which in the long run just makes any situation worse when we get up to the last minute and have not prepared enough," Boulton said. Dallas junior Katie Richardson said going to the lake by her house to sit and meditate helps her when she's feeling stressed. "Don't stress about things you can't do anything about," she said. The most common source of stress in her life is finances, Richardson said, and her most common means of handling stress is prayer. "You've just got to put it in God's hands," Richardson said. "But when you do, you have to really let it go and leave it in his hands." Against the backdrop of Baylor's Christian heritage, many students on campus rely on their faith during stressful circumstances. "I believe that faith has a strong place within stress management," Farris said. "Faith can give an individual guidance on how to prioritize the things in life. Keeping a good perspective on what is important can help minimize stress by allowing that individual to accept when they have committed all that they can afford to commit to an aspect of their life." Boulton said it is reassuring to know that God is in control during stressful situations. "Planning specific time to give to God can help keep school in perspective and remind us that there is a lot more going on and we are part of a much bigger plan," she said. Kyle Dunn, college pastor at Highland Baptist Church, said the college ministry encourages students to turn to prayer and to their Christian friendships amid stress. Dunn, a Baylor alumnus, has worked predominantly with college students in Waco for seven and a half years. In light of the Virginia Tech shooting, it is particularly important for students not to go through this stressful season alone, he said. Students can find companionship in the church, Dunn said. During the upcoming study days, the department will set up a place for students to study in the Highland church building. On Sunday the college department presented a message titled, "Tragedy and Hope." "We're really trying to encourage the students," Dunn said. Dunn said Factors outside of academic life, such as interpersonal relationships with the opposite sex and circumstances at home, can contribute to students' stress. The Baylor counseling center has included a link to several Web sites to help students cope with traumatic stress after the Virginia Tech shootings. Students who would like to speak with a counselor can call the Baylor counseling center at 254-710-2467. -- Original Source: Baylor University http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=45462
April 24, 2007 By KATY MATLOCK Contributor Before April 16, the topic of stress at Baylor University could have provoked yawns in its predictability. With final exams, social pressures and looming career goals as the ingredients, stress was an inevitable dish served up to college students across the nation. Occasionally, some deaths that are stress-related suggested a deeper problem stalking the shoulders of students. But in general, the consensus seemed to be that stress is a fact of life on college campuses. On April 16, Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old English major at Virginia Tech University, killed himself and 32 of his fellow "Hokie Birds." The university shooting shocked the nation and threw a new stressor onto students' plates. Over the next few weeks, students on the Baylor campus at the least will be coping with passing final exams, starting summer jobs and accepting a tragedy that shattered a fellow university's campus bubble. In addition, students may be facing difficult situations at home, financial struggles or post-graduation uncertainty. As trite as it may seem, there are some helpful ways that students can persevere and even embrace life during the stress of the next few weeks. Rachel Farris, a graduate student from St. Louis, includes a section on stress management in her Health and Human Behavior classes. She encourages students to include short, fun activities in their schedules. "Some of my students schedule times in their day to have a stress break where they might color, listen to music, work on art, read or write," Farris said. Farris also applies these practices in her own life. "I try to take regular breaks in my schedule to do things that I enjoy," she said. In these breaks, she said, she may read, write, exercise or listen to music. She limits her breaks to less than an hour so that the break itself relieves rather than compounds her stress, she said. Corpus Christi sophomore Patrick Roberts allows himself a break one day a week. "If I don't get that one day off a week, my study time isn't as efficient," he said. Roberts said he feels for the families affected by the Virginia Tech shootings. "It was a horrible thing that happened," he said. However, he said, he isn't personally stressed about it. "I feel pretty safe on Baylor's campus as far as things like that go," he said. Some stress can be a healthy motivator for students. "The problem occurs when we have too much stress, or we do not handle our stress well," Farris said. Kerry Mauger also teaches sections of Health and Human Behavior. "Sometimes students spend more time stressing over what they have to do instead of focusing on doing it, which increases the feeling," said Mauger, a graduate student from Angora Hills, Calif. She said that students also sometimes use alcohol and drugs to cope with stress. Exercise, sleep and healthy eating habits consistently prove to be significant factors in combating stress. These tend to be the behaviors that students neglect during stressful times, said Carmen Boulton, a Santa Barbara, Calif., graduate student. Boulton teaches Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Relaxation and Fitness. "Not taking care of your body is common," Boulton said. "Trying to function on very little sleep, caffeine and no or poor quality food definitely affect performance in a negative way. "I think one of the most common ways that we deal with stress is avoidance, which in the long run just makes any situation worse when we get up to the last minute and have not prepared enough," Boulton said. Dallas junior Katie Richardson said going to the lake by her house to sit and meditate helps her when she's feeling stressed. "Don't stress about things you can't do anything about," she said. The most common source of stress in her life is finances, Richardson said, and her most common means of handling stress is prayer. "You've just got to put it in God's hands," Richardson said. "But when you do, you have to really let it go and leave it in his hands." Against the backdrop of Baylor's Christian heritage, many students on campus rely on their faith during stressful circumstances. "I believe that faith has a strong place within stress management," Farris said. "Faith can give an individual guidance on how to prioritize the things in life. Keeping a good perspective on what is important can help minimize stress by allowing that individual to accept when they have committed all that they can afford to commit to an aspect of their life." Boulton said it is reassuring to know that God is in control during stressful situations. "Planning specific time to give to God can help keep school in perspective and remind us that there is a lot more going on and we are part of a much bigger plan," she said. Kyle Dunn, college pastor at Highland Baptist Church, said the college ministry encourages students to turn to prayer and to their Christian friendships amid stress. Dunn, a Baylor alumnus, has worked predominantly with college students in Waco for seven and a half years. In light of the Virginia Tech shooting, it is particularly important for students not to go through this stressful season alone, he said. Students can find companionship in the church, Dunn said. During the upcoming study days, the department will set up a place for students to study in the Highland church building. On Sunday the college department presented a message titled, "Tragedy and Hope." "We're really trying to encourage the students," Dunn said. Dunn said Factors outside of academic life, such as interpersonal relationships with the opposite sex and circumstances at home, can contribute to students' stress. The Baylor counseling center has included a link to several Web sites to help students cope with traumatic stress after the Virginia Tech shootings. Students who would like to speak with a counselor can call the Baylor counseling center at 254-710-2467. -- Original Source: The Lariat http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=45462
Julie Freeman (Julie_Freeman@baylor.edu)
Campus in shock - UHM advances alert system
Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: News By Tiffany Hill Ka Leo Associate News Editor With the horrific massacre shooting that occurred Monday at Virginia Tech, many universities, including the University of Hawaii at Manoa, have turned their focus onto whether they would be prepared for similar situation. The person most in charge of coordinating disaster relief efforts is Mel Won, the UH Emergency Planning Coordinator. Emergency planning includes a variety of emergency types, from natural disasters such as the earthquakes last October, to terrorist attacks and school shootings. The university has also recently taken steps for a more advanced campus-wide alert notification. "ITS purchased the automated notification service that opens up to all the campuses ... we are in the process of putting together and creating the procedures so it can work," said Won. Won is currently undergoing training in the U.S. Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program in order to receive federal funding for the university's emergency planning program, including funding for expenditures such as an emergency response center, which is currently a conference room in Hawai'i Hall. "[The training] encompasses all kinds of disasters," said Won, but added that it does not necessarily focus on shootings. The program is focused on training Won to be prepared in civil emergency management. Won said that the shooting in Virginia is an isolated case but that the UH emergency plan has included provisions for terrorist attacks. According to the emergency planning Web site, a mass casualty shooting falls under the category of terrorist attacks. "The emergency plan is supposed to encompass all types of disasters," said Won, but added that all types deserve equal attention. "I think [being prepared for a school shooting] is something that the university will work together and decide what to do. This is something that is a priority and I can tell you right now that it is a priority of the administration," said Won. Won added that some time this month, the university is going to test an alert roster, in which administration officials on a phone tree roster will notify each other as if it was a real emergency. Won is also working with the State Civil Defense concerning hurricane disaster preparedness. Won's recommendation for students is to become familiar with the emergency plan as it continually being further developed. Overall Won said he feels the campus is safe. "The worst thing I see is a hurricane [happening on campus]," adding they are improving preparedness regarding natural disasters and have more experience in this area with the floods in 2004, and the earthquakes last semester. Campus Security "If a similar situation happened hear [like at Virginia Tech] our protocol would be to secure the scene of the shooting. We would set up a perimeter and secure the area and ... [and then] we would contact HPD," said UH Campus Security Chief Neal Sakamoto, who added that they have a good working relationship with the Honolulu Police Department. Sakamoto stated that once the scene of the incident is secured, Campus Security would notify the administration, such as UH interim Chancellor Denise Konan, as they would authorize Campus Security operations and also notify the remaining campus. Sakamoto said, in shooting cases a mass email would be sent to all students and faculty. "We also have telephone notification for the different deans of the different colleges and the would have to notify the rest of the faculty, staff [and] students as fast as possible. We do not have a [public address system]. He stated that the university wants to get a PA system and have discussed its advantages and begun to research prices. "One of the things we noticed after the blackout and earthquake in October was we didn't have a way to notify everybody especially because the power went out so the email went down, then the phone system went down and presently our vehicles don't have any kind of PA" The PA system on the Campus Security vehicles would allow them to prerecord messages for the different types of emergencies and then during would allow them to drive around campus broadcasting the message. Sakamoto said he believes that, given the situation and probably limited amount of information, the Virginia Tech Campus Security responded in the best way possible. "The university has the system now besides the mass email where we can notify people by cell phone, or blackberry or whatever. We [Sakamoto and Won] have been working on that trying to set up the system so we can do a notification with the rest of the campus," Sakamoto said. Like Won, Sakamoto and his staff are continuing to train in natural disaster preparedness as well, but that they are also discussing terrorist emergencies like a school shooting even though the Virginia Tech campus shooting was the first of its kind. "It was a rare occurrence and an unusual occurrence, but no matter how much police or security we have we can't prevent everything, we just try to do the best we can," said Sakamoto. "I pray it never [happens here] but I can't say it won't." -- Original Source: The Voice - Ka Leo http://media.www.kaleo.org/media/storage/paper872/news/2007/04/18/News/Campus.In.Shock-2848704.shtml http://media.www.kaleo.org/media/storage/paper872/news/2007/04/18/News/Campus.In.Shock-2848704-page2.shtml http://media.www.kaleo.org/media/storage/paper872/news/2007/04/18/News/Campus.In.Shock-2848704-page3.shtml
The university community gathered in remembrance of the violence at Virginia Polytechnical University in a candle vigil last Thursday. Faculty, staff and students from Hamline's various colleges were all present. Over 120 people were in attendance, including multiple university administrators. The vigil included members of the religious community including university chaplain Theresa Mason, Rabbi Esther Adler and Bishop Rosalyn Carol. Bishop Carol said her goal is a world where no "people are dying because we do not live and love each other." Carol also said that the community at the university needed to celebrate the fact "that we are truly brothers and sisters." Poems in Hebrew and English were read, as well as psalms from the Christian Bible, Torah and Qur'an. Communication professor Suda Ishida performed a traditional Buddhist ritual, asking all present to link arms with the person beside them as water was poured from a basin unto the base of a tree. Adler spoke of a Virginia Tech professor and Holocaust survivor Liviu Librescu, and questioned his destiny. "Was April 16 his appointed purpose or just a cruel irony?" she said. CLA Sophomore Emily Hager-Garman led the choir in a version of "Oh, Jerusalem" and a faculty member from the Graduate school sang parts of the African national anthem. President Linda Hanson was visibly moved by the display of student and staff solidarity. Many in attendance were moved to tears as the names of the departed were read aloud and a bell on loan from Hamline United Methodist Church was tolled as each name was said. In addition, the student who led the Tibetan Buddhist invocation invited the community to create Tibetan prayer flags which were to be hung up outside Bush Library. The Tibetan prayer flag is a piece of cloth with a message for the living and departed. Many of the messages included words of hope, forgiveness and mourning. The service ended as the clock tower on Old Main ominously tolled 5 p.m. Compiled by Chris Matter and staff reports -- Original Source: Oracle Student Newspaper, Hamline University http://www.hamline.edu/oracle/archives/2007/04/24/index.html Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 1.0.
Chris Matter / Oracle Student Newspaper Staff
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Campus Mourns Virginia Tech Tragedy (Part 2)
SHOOTING: Study shows that often many common myths about school shootings are not necessarily correct. By Chammarra Johnson Staff Writer Following the recent shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, an article released on MSNBC.com last February has many people talking about the many misconceptions regarding the perpetrators of school shootings and what this means for colleges across the country. The list was compiled from a 2002 study by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education. The researchers studied various case files and other primary sources for 37 attacks by current or former students. They also interviewed 10 of the perpetrators in these attacks. According to the list, the most common myths are: There Are No Profiles - There is no accurate way to profile students for being at risk of committing crimes like this. When creating a profile, you will be at risk of having many innocent people fit the 'profile' and many attackers who do not. According to the article, "The demographic, personality, school history and social characteristics of the attackers varied substantially. Attackers were of all races and family situations, with academic achievement ranging from failing to excellent." He Just Snapped - Attacks are not usually impulsive. Instead, the attackers usually plan their attacks, spending time forming the idea and gathering weapons. No One Knew - Before most attacks, the perpetrators reveal to someone their plans, usually a friend, classmate or sibling. However, this information rarely makes it to an adult. He Hadn't Threatened Anyone - A person doesn't need to vocalize a threat to pose a threat. A student who is seeking revenge, has spoken of bringing a gun to school, etc, is a threat. According to the article, "Most attackers did not threaten and most threateners did not attack." He Was a Loner - Most of the perpetrators of school shootings were kids who participated in clubs, sports or other activities. Only one-quarter of shooters were "fringe" students. He Was Crazy - While most of the perpetrators had a history of suicidal thoughts, depression and trouble dealing with loss or personal failures, only one-third had ever been seen by mental health professional and only one-fifth were diagnosed with a mental disorder. If Only We'd Had a SWAT Team or Metal Detectors - SWAT teams usually arrive once an incident is over and metal detectors won't deter students intent on killing themselves or others. He'd Never Touched a Gun - Most shooters have touched a gun at some point in their lives and many acquire guns from their homes. We Did Everything We Could to Help Him - Most perpetrators of school shootings have felt bullied, persecuted or injured by others before committing their crimes and most have tried to get some sort of help. School Violence Is Rampant - It may seem as though we see school shootings in the news on a regular basis, but school shootings are actually very rare. So, in light of the recent shooting at Virginia Tech, do UC Irvine students feel more at risk? Anthony Marsh, a fourth-year history major, feels that we are not at risk. "In California, there are stricter gun control laws so it isn't as easy for people to wantonly walk into gun shops and purchase them." Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous disagrees. "This shooting has shown me that violence like this can occur anywhere, even on college campuses. What I am most afraid of is that in Irvine, we won't be prepared if something of this nature happens. The administration and police might not know what to do." Professor Linda Vo, an Asian-American studies professor, hopes that we will use this tragedy in order to strengthen our own school policies. "I do hope that we use this opportunity to reevaluate our mental health policies on university campuses and make improvements where necessary. College campuses are now more diverse than ever before, so it's important to have counselors who are trained to work with their needs. Everyone is making changes in response to this tragedy in order to better serve the school community in a time of crisis. Currently, the UCI Police Department is going over and revamping procedures in order to prepare for such an event. But if something were to occur, would they be ready? Hopefully, we will never know. -- Original Source:New University - April 23, 2007
Stanley Evans, Contributing Reporter Students and faculty, including senior administration, formed a maroon "V" and an orange "T" on Freiberger Field last Friday to show their support for the Virginia Tech community. The turnout included various professors and administrators, including the provosts. President Eastwood wore a maroon button-down shirt. From the top of Kelvin Smith Library, photographers and cameramen captured the event. Two poses were taken: one with participants looking up at the camera, another with heads bowed. The composition of the photographs is similar to those taken of incoming freshman classes spelled out to read "Case" or "CWRU." "I think a lot of people really wanted to show their support to the community of Virginia Tech and I think that sentiment is only stronger if we do this as a large campus group as we are now," said Andrew Witte, who pinned a maroon and orange ribbon to his shirt. Three local television news teams and a Plain Dealer reporter were on hand to record the event. Student and faculty were interviewed, and students were asked to read biographies of the victims for a camera. Some students seemed skeptical of the coverage. "I think Case does this kind of stuff for the publicity," said a student who wished to remain anonymous. However, she was wearing maroon and orange and posed as part of the human letters. The USG executive board organized the event. Other organizations involved were the University Program Board, Class Officers Collective, Interfraternity Congress, Panhellenic Council, Residence Hall Association, and Media Board. Other events included painting the wall outside of Thwing in memoriam and a card signing in Thwing last Friday. The cards and pictures were sent to Virginia Tech on Monday. "I know we can't compare to their loss, but we at least are trying to do something," said Jose Baez. -- Original Source:The Observer - April 26, 2007
ND students directly affected by shootings through ties to VT Aaron Steiner Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: News Virginia Tech is more than 500 miles from Notre Dame, but the effects of what reports call the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history have been felt here on campus. A lone gunman shot and killed more than 30 people and injured dozens more on the Blacksburg, Va., campus before committing suicide Monday, according to Associated Press reports. Officials told AP that the gunman killed two people in a dormitory approximately two hours before staging a separate attack on a classroom building. Nearly 30 people were estimated to have been injured, according to area hospital officials, CNN reported. The Notre Dame community is saddened by the tragedy, Assistant Vice President of News and Information Dennis Brown said Monday. "Our prayers go out to any people affected," Brown said. Notre Dame will hold a memorial Mass for the victims tonight at 10 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Brown noted that members of the administration know people at Virginia Tech and said the University sends its support and prayers. Students reported hearing the news through various sources throughout the day Monday, with some hearing from friends and family directly tied to Virginia Tech. Graduate student Patrick LaFratta, a 2005 Virginia Tech alumnus who said one of his friends had died in the shootings, said he had been in contact with friends from the school throughout the day by phone and online. LaFratta said he first heard the news of the shootings from his girlfriend, a Virginia Tech alumna, around 10 a.m. LaFratta confirmed that his girlfriend's sister, a current Virginia Tech student, was safe, as well as the safety of several close friends. "When I first heard, they were reporting there was only one death," LaFratta said. "I thought, 'It's a really sad event and I want to know what is going on.'" Soon, the news coverage took a personal tone. LaFratta said he eventually heard that one acquaintance had been killed in the first incident in the dorm. By Monday night, LaFratta said he had seen pictures on television of his slain friend. He said he knew the friend from Virginia Tech's marching band, where LaFratta played trumpet. Other students with friends at the school expressed their concern Monday afternoon. Sophomore Amelia Gillespie heard the news from her roommate before going to class Monday morning. "I was in shock. I have a couple of friends that go there, and I'm still waiting to hear back from them," Gillespie said. "I tried to call them, but they haven't called back. I think they're okay, because I've heard from other friends." Freshman Tracy Jennings also has friends at Virginia Tech. "One of my friends called me around 2 p.m.," said Jennings, who is from Richmond, Va. The friend who initially called Jennings was not a student there, but the freshman received calls from Virginia Tech students shortly thereafter. "As soon as one friend called, another did, and more," Jennings said. The students couldn't give many details about the incident, she said. "All [they] said was that there was a shooting ... and at least 20 kids had been killed and at least 20 injured," she said. "As far as I've heard, everyone I know is OK." Jennings said she couldn't contact some of her friends there Monday afternoon because phone lines were busy. Monica Tarnawski, a sophomore, said she heard here from a friend who attends Virginia Tech Monday afternoon through the social networking Web site Facebook. "She actually composed a note that said 'I'm fine,' and we all saw it," Tarnawski said. Like Tarnawski, Jennings and Gillespie, LaFratta said that initially, all reports about his friends had been positive - until later Monday evening, when he first heard his friend had been killed. LaFratta was watching television news coverage of the shooting when he learned there were more deaths that initially reported. "At around 12:15 p.m. or so ... all of a sudden, one of the three [channels] reported that there were at least 20 dead," LaFratta said. "I just really hoped it was a mistake." LaFratta said he soon realized the situation was much more complex than the initial single death, and he said he then felt a "tremendous amount of sorrow." LaFratta took classes in the academic building where the majority of the deaths occurred. "A few years ago, I was there," LaFratta said. "It hits home - these things really do happen." LaFratta said it was hard to imagine a scare on Virginia Tech's campus last year while a convict was loose in the area. This tragedy, he said, is even harder to picture. "The magnitude of the event is just so overwhelming," LaFratta said. LaFratta said he would have never predicted anything like this at a campus he described as "exceptionally peaceful." Students at Notre Dame said they feel safe on campus but recognize that an event like Monday's could happen at anywhere, Notre Dame included. "Things like that, especially on television - it seems so far away ... [but] I think it could happen anywhere," said Chris Heckett, a visiting graduate student. "To think otherwise would probably be thoughtless." Erin Smith, a senior, echoed Heckett's thoughts. "It makes you realize that it could happen anywhere, on any college campus," she said. "It kind of makes you think about the security here at Notre Dame, or at any college campus." Brown declined to comment on Notre Dame's policies or crisis management plans for any type of violent tragedy like the one Monday morning. But Smith said she has never felt anxious about security at Notre Dame. "I've never felt unsafe at Notre Dame," Smith said. Senior Paul Mitchell agreed. "I still feel as safe here as anywhere," Mitchell said, stating, however, that his notions of safety do not make Notre Dame exempt from violence like Monday's tragedy. Virginia Tech, with an enrollment of more than 25,000, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 160 miles west of Richmond, Va. Jennings said Virginia Tech's location as a college town - not part of a large urban area - makes her think about Notre Dame's similar setting. "Honestly, Tech ... is in the middle of nowhere - and it seems kind of like South Bend, which is a scary thought, being here. It's a pretty enclosed campus, like here," she said. Gillespie said the incident "kind of just puts things into perspective." "It makes me look outside the [Notre Dame] bubble a little bit," she said. "It's a small world." Sophomore Katie Bergerow said the tragedy caused her and her roommates to consider their safety in the residence halls. "We were talking about how we leave our door unlocked," Bergerow said. They probably wouldn't change that behavior, she said, but the tragedy "really shows that something like this could happen." Students are also lucky to have a variety of support resources available, said Gaotam Shewakramani, a Notre Dame alumnus visiting campus. He said such resources could help avert a violent crisis, especially those available to students who are struggling emotionally. "I think there are a lot of resources for those who are having difficulties," Shewakramani said. "I would be surprised if someone [who is struggling] wouldn't be reached out to." Still, Tarnawski said, it's important to remember that you can't know what people are feeling. "You never know what people are going through inside," Tarnawski said. "Someone after my English class was like, 'You know, I just wonder what was going on in that person's life that caused them to snap.'" That same thought crossed Mitchell's mind as well. "My first question was why - why would someone do that, just asking questions to the psychology of that and what enables that sort of violence," Mitchell said. Monday's massacre will go down as the deadliest campus shooting in national history. Previously, the largest was a rampage that took place in 1966 at the University of Texas at Austin, where 16 people were killed before police shot the gunman to death. As the facts of yesterday's tragedy are investigated, some students say while there is little they can do, they can send their prayers and support. "Right now, I'm here to offer any type of support I can, get involved, bring any type of awareness," Gillespie said. LaFratta said he has done "a lot of praying" and will continue to do so. "My first reaction is to pray a lot - my thoughts go out to all those families," LaFratta said. LaFratta said he plans to attend tonight's memorial Mass. -- Original Source: http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/17/News/Campus.Reacts.To.Virginia.Tech.Massacre-2845947.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/17/News/Campus.Reacts.To.Virginia.Tech.Massacre-2845947-page2.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/17/News/Campus.Reacts.To.Virginia.Tech.Massacre-2845947-page3.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/17/News/Campus.Reacts.To.Virginia.Tech.Massacre-2845947-page4.shtml
By: Sara Dover Posted: 4/17/07 NYU officials heightened security on campus in wake of yesterday's mass shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute that left 33 people dead. The lone gunman also wounded 29 others before shooting and killing himself at the school in Blacksburg, Va., making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history, CNN reported. The shooting began when two people were killed at a dormitory around 7:15 a.m. yesterday, and 30 more were killed about two hours later at Norris Hall, the university's engineering science and mechanics building. University spokesman John Beckman said that the shooting is a horrible tragedy for the nation as well as higher education. "I think that everyone on this campus is grief stricken over what happened at Virginia Tech," Beckman said. "It is a tragic and sorrowful day for higher education to think of so many lives lost in what appears to be an appalling and utterly senseless act." Beckman said that, though it is difficult to draw lessons from the tragedy because so much is still unknown, Public Safety is heightening security on campus "over the next day or so to provide a sense of reassurance for the community and to let them know that we have their safety on the forefront of our minds." In addition to being on high alert, patrol officers will double and triple up while on duty for the next day or so, Public Safety officials said. Beckman also urged students to remember the availability of the Wellness Exchange for those who are affected by the tragedy and need someone to talk to. Many NYU students said they knew others at Virginia Tech who they were concerned about. "I'm really worried about a lot of people I know [that] go there," said GSP freshman Kathy Chau. "It's surprising, Blacksburg is in the middle of nowhere. Everyone was scared about coming to New York City and this is the middle of nowhere." GSP freshman Anthony Cox, who is originally from Galax, Va., two hours away from Blacksburg, said he was relieved to find out that his friends at Virginia Tech were unharmed. "As far as I know, I haven't known anyone that's been injured," he said. "When I talked to them [my friends] earlier, we were worried because two of the girls I graduated with, they live in the dorm next to where it started. I know that their parents went and got them." Although Virginia Tech plans to resume classes this Wednesday, students from the area are still recuperating. Ben Zachary, a sophomore who attends Radford University and lives in Blacksburg with two roommates from Virginia Tech, said that when he found out about the shooting, he immediately went home, locked the doors and called his roommates. "I was worried about one of them because they had an earlier class," he said. One of the most difficult parts for Zachary was not knowing exactly what was happening. "What's really hard for us right now is that they're not releasing names of who was affected," he said. "All our direct friends are OK, but we don't know about friends of friends." Yesterday's shooting was the second to take place at Virginia Tech this school year. On the opening day of classes last August, an escaped jail inmate killed a sheriff deputy just off campus after he had allegedly killed a hospital guard off campus, the New York Daily News reported. In addition to heightened security, Public Safety will also be putting out a community alert tomorrow about a Columbia student who was raped and tortured in her Hamilton Heights apartment, said crime prevention manager Jay Zwicker. The individual is said to still be at large. -- Original Source: Washington Square News - April 17, 2007
By: Daily Campus Editorial Board Posted: 4/24/07 The tragic shootings at Virginia Tech have provoked much discussion regarding measures to avoid future heartbreak. Perhaps the events in Blacksburg hit close to home in Storrs because of the similarities of the size and nature of the communities. Numerous measures have already been called for, some of which would entail strict regulation of the movement of people over campuses, including sign-in sheets and metal detectors. College campuses are open areas, and to restrict the movement of students over such a large area is both improbable and impractical. While the issue obviously needs to be addressed, any response must be reasonable, practical and not overbearing. Thankfully, events like this are rare. Due to this, it is impossible to detect when or where an individual may be driven to commit such an atrocity. It is equally impossible to plan for every eventuality. Regardless of the number of safeguards that may be enacted, it is impractical to expect to prevent something like this from happening again. Some hold counselors culpable for not taking appropriate action. It is extremely unfair to expect anyone to preempt this sort of tragedy by identifying and deterring those who may be likely to commit acts of violence. Even if violence were prevented, there would be no way to prove it was and anyone who took action would be open to liability imposed by our litigious culture. This threat of repercussion understandably causes most to pursue self-preservation rather than taking risks that may or may not save lives. Despite the inability to prevent, there may be more passive measures to keep people out of harm's way if such an incident does occur. Some deaths may have been prevented by a campus-wide notification system. Much of the campus was not aware that a shooting was ongoing. UConn currently has a call box system, the blue light emergency phones around campus, in place to allow distressed individuals to contact the UConn Police Department. This system could be programmed to put out audible and visual alerts there was a public danger. Another possibility is for universities to text message subscribers to an emergency alert program. Cell phone numbers could easily be taken during the beginning of semester registration. This way the message could be dispersed quickly and efficiently to the majority of those who carry phones. An attractive point of both measures is that they would remain inconspicuous until utilized. While safety is paramount, it is important to enable the living to continue living freely, and overt security measures would do nothing but remind students to live in fear. -- Original Source:The Daily Campus - April 24, 2007
By: WSN Staff Posted: 4/17/07 The shooting yesterday at Virginia Tech was shocking, particularly because of its enormous death toll - 33 students were killed in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history. Our condolences go out to Virginia Tech and the friends and families of the victims. While it was an isolated incident that took place far away from NYU, Public Safety is nonetheless beefing up security in response, doubling and tripling up on patrols, with all officers advised to be on "high alert." This in turn prompts us to ask, "How would NYU respond to a similar event?" From the few details that have emerged from Virginia Tech, it appears that the assailant shot and killed two people in a dormitory before moving on to another part of campus, where two hours later he killed 30 others, then himself. It's important to note that the gunman was not a student. So, from that larger question comes two others: Would a shooter still be on the loose two hours later? And would current security policies limit the ability of a nonstudent to commit such a crime? Clearly, having students flash their IDs poses no deterrent for a rampaging gunman - but there's little that can be done about that. Public safety officers at NYU are equipped with a red button on their walkie-talkies that sends an emergency signal to the central station - should central station determine that an emergency is taking place, the New York Police Department would be notified. Direct intervention by campus security officers is frowned upon, and for good reason - without the proper equipment, they too could easily become victims. But the inherent lag time in this emergency system is somewhat disconcerting, given that the packed halls of the Silver Center could produce dozens of victims in just a few moments. That said, given the nature of our Washington Square "campus," it's unlikely a gunman would be able to continue on his way two hours later. Though this sort of event is seemingly random, we'd like to think that they're at least somewhat preventable, which is why we appreciate that the Wellness Exchange is making itself more visible in response. While it's not a perfect solution - especially when the perpetrator's not a student and unable to take advantage - offering these services to the students who need them is a good step toward making students happier and safer. -- Original Source:Washington Square News - April 17, 2007
Saint Mary's reviews security protocols, does not anticipate changes changes Katie Kohler Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News Saint Mary's students may feel safe on their quiet residential Indiana campus, but until Monday, students in Blacksburg, Va., felt the same way. In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, members of the Saint Mary's community have began asking, "Are we safe?" College President Carol Ann Mooney addressed those concerns in an e-mail to students Wednesday, asking them to take steps to protect each other. "Saint Mary's is a secure place, but that does not mean we have been lulled into complacency," she said in the e-mail. "We must remember that college safety and security is everyone's responsibility." In an e-mail Tuesday, Vice President of Student Affairs Karen Johnson told students to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious activity on campus - especially near the residence halls. "Don't let people 'tailgate' into the residence halls behind you," Johnson said. "If anyone tries to do so, report them to the desk attendant or College Security." Current emergency protocol While the events at Virginia Tech are making colleges across the nation question their current safety procedures, Saint Mary's is simply working to improve the security protocols in place. Saint Mary's is trying to improve the existing standard operating procedure in the event of a gun crime or shooting on campus, said Saint Mary's Director of Security David Gariepy. But rather than a reaction to Monday's Virginia Tech bloodbath, Johnson said these upgrades are always on the administration's agenda. "This is not something we just started working on," she said. "Security is always of utmost importance, and so we are always working on making it better." The administration and members of a security planning committee, she said, are currently reviewing a new duty manual. The Saint Mary's Security Web site has a detailed emergency response plan for chemical or biological threats and natural disasters, keeping the stipulations of Homeland Security. There is no specific mention, however, of gun crime protocols. In any emergency, students can expect notification via e-mail, telephone and direct contact, according to the Web site. The site also encourages students to have emergency supplies pre-packed in case of an evacuation and take shelter in the basement of Regina Hall. "It is not recommended you remain in your room or office, nor should you leave the campus. Assistance will be provided for you there," the Web site reads. As helpful these tips may be, Gariepy said each situation is different and unpredictable. "Everything pertains to a particular situation. Going by the book doesn't always cut it," he said. "Students should always be aware." The problem, though, is that most students are not keeping an eye out for suspicious activities, and even if they did, they might simply panic, sophomore Kristen Anderson said. "If there was a shooting, a bomb threat, a rapist on campus, anything really, I would have no idea how to react, and I know many students feel the same way," she said. Sophomore Perri Hamma felt the same, saying she was still shaking from hearing about the Virginia Tech massacre and wouldn't know how to react in a similar situation. "I honestly don't have any idea about our emergency procedures," Hamma said. "If something bad happened, I don't think I'd know what to do." Accessing residence halls Of the four residence halls on Saint Mary's campus, only one - McCandless Hall - has an ID card swipe access system in place at the front door. LeMans and Regina Hall lobbies are open, but visitors must swipe an ID card to go up to the rooms. Holy Cross Hall does not require swiping at all, but Johnson said she doesn't think students in the residence hall are more exposed for this reason. "I don't think there is any greater risk at Holy Cross than other dorms that require swiping," Johnson said. "If somebody really wants to get into any building, they will figure it out." Johnson gave residents - not ID card capabilities -the responsibility of keeping the halls clear of strangers. "The dorm is only as safe as the people that live there make it," she said. Lockdown In the event of a lockdown, Saint Mary's will "start at the top," Gariepy said. The president will make the judgment call through recommendations from security officials. A lockdown, however, may not be the safest option. "Lockdown isn't always a good option. It is determined by the particular event we are dealing with and may cause more harm than good," Gariepy said. "In some situations, keeping people where they are is good. In others, it could be dangerous." While heightened security is assumed during emergency situations, the security Web site said that in case of an evacuation of Regina, all swipe-card systems would be deactivated "for easy access." Johnson also said a campus lockdown is not necessarily the first choice. "It really depends on if we can safely evaluate if it is safer to stay in your rooms or go some place safer," she said. "At Virginia Tech, it was decided it was safer to stay in the dorms. It really depends." Communication and cooperation In the case of Monday's massacre, authorities are still investigating Virginia Tech's response rate and implementation of its protocols. While Saint Mary's is willing to employ every method of communication to alert students, Gariepy said notifying students too early could also be dangerous. "It is hard to put out a notification with something like a shooting unless we really and truly know what we're dealing with," he said. "If we don't know the facts, we could potentially alarm students when we don't have to." Once the situation has been identified, however, Gariepy said the College would alert students in person, through e-mails, flyers and even an emergency toll-free number with regularly updated messages about the status of the emergency. This number is aimed more at parents, he said. From there, the College notifies other agencies, including the St. Joseph County Police Department and Notre Dame Security/Police, to assist with the handling of the situation, Gariepy said. He said he is confident that these collaborations, combined with a calm and collected approach, will yield the best possible results for students. "We [campus security] will stick to protocol at the present time," Gariepy said. "We always talk to the staff after events like this to keep it fresh in our minds, but, for the most part, we are going to stay consistent with our policies." -- Original Source: http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/19/News/Campus.Security.Reacts.To.Shootings-2852848.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/19/News/Campus.Security.Reacts.To.Shootings-2852848-page2.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/19/News/Campus.Security.Reacts.To.Shootings-2852848-page3.shtml
ND looks into cell phone text messaging to alert students of emergencies Kaitlynn Riely, Aaron Steiner and Ken Fowler Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News Notre Dame has procedures in place to respond to major incidents and crises, but the University is not commenting on most specifics of those plans, officials said Wednesday. Nationwide, universities have been asked about - and have offered self-evaluations of -emergency protocols in the aftermath of Monday's mass slayings at Virginia Tech University. A lone gunman apparently shot and killed two students in a dorm on the Blacksburg, Va., campus two hours before opening fire and killing 30 more people in one of the school's academic buildings half a mile away. "Suffice it to say, that plans do exist," University spokesman Don Wycliff said. "They are constantly being reviewed in light of the Virginia Tech experience, and we would be [foolish] if we do not attempt to review those plans." Wycliff said he expects Notre Dame to comment on campus security plans in the future, but he couldn't give an exact date. Notre Dame Security/Police (NDSP) Director Phil Johnson declined to comment on NDSP's procedures for crisis management plans and referred all questions to University representatives in the Office of News and Information. Wycliff declined to comment on what offices have the authority to lock down buildings or entire portions of campus in the event of an emergency. He would not say if the University has a campus broadcasting system it could use to transmit emergency messages to faculty, students and staff. But Gordon Wishon, the University's chief information officer, said Notre Dame has been looking into the possibility of compiling a database of cellular phone numbers to send text messages to in the event of a campus emergency. Wishon said the University is preparing to launch a pilot program of the text messaging system, and it will test the service throughout the remainder of this semester and summer. He said the University expects to have this service fully ready by the fall. He said the discussions and plans received more attention and support when Notre Dame eliminated standard telephone lines in each dorm room in 2006. "We began exploring that some time ago ... realizing that the primary mode of communication for college students is cell phones," Wishon said of the text messaging plan. Wishon noted that the University added voicemail service and each student is given a voicemail number, but officials believed they needed to look into other methods of communication in case of a crisis. "We knew that wouldn't work in case of an emergency," Wishon said. In addition to the text messaging plan, Wishon said the Office of Information Technology has looked into and is investigating the possibility of voice messages and video messages - available through e-mails or from a Web site - as well as the idea of utilizing the closed-circuit television system on campus for public service announcements. Wishon said the University is looking into the possibility of broadcasting an emergency tone on Notre Dame's 10 reserved cable channels to alert the University community of any emergencies if it deemed it necessary. "The bottom line is that we are looking for as many ways as we can to communicate with students, as well as staff and faculty, in an emergency or crisis situation," he said. "As terrible as Monday's tragedy is, the administration here at the University has been working to refine its crisis management plan for some time." Wishon said the work to "refine" and review crisis management plans was organized and initiated by the Office of the President. -- Original Source: http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/19/News/Campus.Security.Reacts.To.Shootings-2852847.shtml http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/04/19/News/Campus.Security.Reacts.To.Shootings-2852847-page2.shtml
Kaitlynn Riely, Aaron Steiner and Ken Fowler
Campus shootings trigger college emergency plans for students
contributed by Mike Overson, editor-in-chief In every dorm room, as well as around campus, colored pamphlets display emergency campus information. This pamphlet, originally created by the State of Utah Division of Facilities and Construction Management but modified by the Campus Emergency Task Force, includes pertinent phone numbers and offices illustrating what students, faculty and professors should do if various events ranging from; a biological hazard, hostage situation, suspicious package, fire, telephone threats, violent acts, earthquake and bomb threats take place. According to the pamphlet, if a biohazard is discovered, the police should be immediately notified so that someone who is trained can assist you. If a chemical is suspected of being released, then every attempt to stop or limit spread should be made. Isolating the container is key to stopping the spread of contaminates and limiting exposure to yourself and others. Make sure to warn others of danger; this will cut down the number of exposed people. In the event of a hostage situation, always remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders. Avoid conversation or eye contact with attackers unless force or threats of force are used. If you are on the outside of a hostage scenario, remain outside and do not enter a building until told that it is all clear and safe to go in, the pamphlet explains. Suspicious packages should be left alone until police arrive. Some clues as to which parcels of mail should be examined include: restrictive markings, foreign mail, air mail or special delivery, excessive weight, handwritten or poorly typed envelope, incorrect title or titles with no name, misspelled common verbs, oily stains or discolorations, rigid envelopes, lopsided or uneven envelopes, wires or foil protruding from package or envelope, excessive masking tape, string or other wrapping. If the package is inside, notify others on upper and lower floors. Fires present a challenge because of an unpredictable nature. It's important to know the layout of your building as well as location of exits, alarm boxes, stairwells and fire extinguishers. Knowledge of how to properly use an extinguisher is crucial in not wasting the limited chemical in each container. Everyone should have a planned meeting place so they can be accounted for. In case of fire, everyone must leave the building and elevators should be avoided. Fresh air is important and must be thought of in an escape. Try to think whether a staircase or window has the most available oxygen. If caught in smoke, take small breaths through your nose and either hunch down or crawl on your hands and knees to get away from flames. Remember as toxic fumes settle six inches off the floor. Feeling the bottoms of doors is a good indication of what the climate is on the opposite side of the door. Telephone threats are to be taken seriously, let the caller finish without interruption. Write down the message exactly how they deliver it. Listen for any background noise that can be used to identify the location of a call. Important information to write down include time of call, date, exact words, target of call and why they are being threatened. Is caller male, female, young or old? Describe the caller's voice, does it sound familiar? What noise did you hear in the background? Have previous calls been received? Lastly, what time did the call end? Violent acts should be taken seriously. Don't take remarks personally. Focus on the situation, be helpful and attentive, this will hopefully diffuse tension in the situation. Let the person vent feelings, listen actively and acknowledge what the person says. Maintaining eye contact is key, so is using the person's name. Be polite and professional, take notes and write down details so they will see you are interested. If you don't understand something, ask questions. Repeat details back to demonstrate understanding of important points. Apologize sincerely for the inconvenience and take responsibility to solve problem. If you don't know the answer, say you don't know, then tell them you will find out. Don't make a promise you can't keep. How to respond, don't make any sudden movements. If possible, leave the area. If it is unsafe to do so, seek cover. If you are near the location, do not go towards the violence. Instead try and get help. To prepare for an earthquake be aware of potential hazards, practice primary and secondary evacuation routes. If possible arrange desks away from things that may fall while you are underneath it. Know that everything will move and you might get knocked off your feet. Count on aftershocks, which may occur anytime after the initial quake. Plan a family response to this as well as put together a 72-hour kit. If a quake occurs stay calm, your calm nature will help others control themselves. Protect yourself from falling debris by getting under a table or in a doorway. Stay away from anything that will move and could hurt you in the tumble. If outside stay away from tall objects and power lines as these might cause injury. Seriously-injured persons should be moved only if they are in immediate danger of further injury from falling debris or walls. Your safety is top priority. Do not use lighters or matches in building as gas lines may have ruptured. Use telephones to contact emergency personnel only, leave lines open for emergency use. After the quake evacuate carefully but quickly. Evacuation procedures can be found at http://firemarshal.ceu.edu In case of bomb threat, do not put the caller on hold. Be calm and courteous: do not attempt to transfer the call. As the caller talks, take down prudent information such as time of call, whether caller is male or female, where the bomb is located, what room, what does the bomb look like, what will make it explode. Be sure to tell the caller that a bomb will cause injury or death. Why is this building being bombed, what is caller's name, where is the call being placed? Voice characteristics are important, as well as speech patterns. Language use and accents are good things to make note of. Background sounds and mannerisms of caller are also important. In e-mail from Vice President for Institutional Adv/Student Services Brad King, he wrote, "Training for faculty and staff includes a session in our orientation week. Training of building marshals are employees that volunteered and, in some cases, asked to receive training regarding what to do in a specific building in an emergency has also just begun. Phyl Johnson, campus safety and homeland security director; Bob Potts, campus fire marshal; James Prettyman, head of campus police and Sheila Burghardt, facilities maintenance manager, conduct this training. There have been two training sessions thus far. "When these sessions have been completed, there will be specific training for employees in each building on evacuation routes, etc. The next step is to instruct employees with CERT (Campus Emergency Response Team) training. These people will be trained in responding to campus emergencies. A campus emergency fair is planned for the Jennifer Leavitt Student Center where further training will be done with students and employees. "This past summer, a campus safety task force met eight times to update the campus safety policy which was created in the late 1990s. The product of their work can be seen on the CEU web-site (www.ceu.edu) under faculty and staff, policies and procedures, pending approval. This policy is set to go to the college senate in October for review and approval. "We are working on a notification plan. DEl Beatty, the new dean of students is meeting on Sept. 27 with all of the deans of students to discuss the viable options as a state response to the Virginia Tech experience. Beatty has surveyed the ASCEU leadership and the students regarding text notification for emergency situations and has found strong support. The campus discussion revolved around rooftop emergency sirens, text or cell phone alerts, telephones in classrooms and wired or wireless intercom systems. "The campus safety committee, which meets monthly, will be reviewing the newly released final report from the investigation from the Virginia Tech tragedy. This report will be analyzed and the recommendations will be discussed and compared to our proposed policy. Any areas that have not been addressed will be when the policy goes to the senate for discussion and approval. The recent situation in Delaware will also be discussed at the safety committee meeting, but no report is available from that incident. "Guns on campus have been an area of recent debate and legal action in Utah. CEU follows state law regarding the possession and storage of firearms. Any person, student, employee or visitor in possession of a firearm on campus should be immediately reported to campus police. "Campus police have the responsibility to determine the legal status of the weapon carrier. All firearms are prohibited on the CEU campus with the exception of a person holding a valid concealed-weapons permit. All other persons are prohibited from possessing a firearm on campus. A weapon may be stored in a vehicle if it is deemed unloaded. Please refer to state statutes 76-10-502, 505 and 505.5 for any further questions with this subject. Concealed weapons permit holders can only posses a firearm in keeping with Utah State Code regarding concealed weapons. On a brighter note, there have been no gun threats at CEU's, Price campus at least in the past 27 years," King wrote. One item that the pamphlet fails to discuss is what to do if a student shows signs of deep depression and the possibility of acting out to gain attention. "If anyone suspects that a student may do harm to themselves or others, the situation should be reported to campus police, any faculty, staff or administrator as soon as possible. CEU is committed to providing assistance to any student with issues that may lead to acts of violence. The best way for students to help in the campus safety effort is to be aware of their surroundings," King stated. "All students should be actively involved in the campus activities and community. Pay attention to your roommates and others on campus. Be vigilant in reporting unusual or questionable activities and most of all; be outgoing and involved in the lives of your classmates. This is the most effective way to keep CEU the safest possible environment," King finished. Send Mike Overson a comment at m.overson@eagle.ceu.edu Or add your public comment. -- Original Source: The Eagle Online http://theeagleonline.homedns.org/php-pages/article.php?article_id=1131 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
The fact that God repeats those words - with every hardship comes ease - is a much needed emphasis for those suffering, just in case they miss it the first time. By Tarik Trad, April 17, 2007 All day long, I had this sinking feeling in my stomach. No doubt, I've felt it before - after the Murrah Building/Oklahoma City Bombing, the first World Trade Center attack, the horrors of 9/11, the Anthrax letters, the DC Sniper - now today. While horribly sickened and saddened by the senseless loss of fellow Americans shot and killed on campus at Virginia Tech, I couldn't help but think: What if the shooter was a Muslim? I'm not trying to sound selfish. First and foremost, my thought are with those families and friends. Their pain and grief must be overwhelming. During difficult times, I am reminded of the verses from the Qur'an (94:5-6) that state, "With every hardship comes ease. Verily, with every hardship comes ease!" The fact that God repeats those words - with every hardship comes ease - is a much needed emphasis for those suffering, just in case they miss it the first time. It is part of His mercy and compassion. I usually share these words with friends who have lost loved ones. Today, I am sharing them with all those affected by the tragedy in Blacksburg, Virginia. They need them as much as anyone else in the world. That said, I wonder if anyone else was thinking the same way or can relate to what I was feeling? Was the entire world waiting to hear a similar outcome? Am I paranoid or should I have a genuine concern about the fate of American Muslims should another attack on our country come from our so-called co-religionists? When the first video was played on CNN today, the name on the screen was Jamal Albarghouti. My heart sank, only to realize later he was the one shooting the video. When I first heard the shooter was Asian, I thought, "What kind of Asian - South Asian? Afghani? Pakistani? Indonesian?" Should I feel better now that I know he is of Korean ancestry? Should I feel better that he is not a Muslim? Now that we know the identify of the shooter, I don't feel any better. In fact, the pain in my stomach won't go away. Personally, I'm sick and tired from carrying a burden that isn't mine, as if the shooter were a Muslim from my local mosque. Whether some sort of paranoia or a personal defensive mechanism, it's my own self-imposed form of guilt-by-association, and I hate it. I've got enough to worry about with my wife and kids and all the other important things in life. We need to be able to live our lives and not always worry about whether or not such events are going to happen again. Because they will. That is our test, our challenge, and our struggle. How we react to these tests and challenges and struggles is how we are defined, both on earth and the Hereafter. It is part of life. For the most part, we live in a free and open society. With all the division between left and right, between race and religion, rampant drug and gun use combined with easy access to public spaces, malls, universities and houses of worship, I'm shocked we haven't had more Columbines and Virginia Techs to deal with. Logically, of course, this was simply a random act by a lone, heartbroken gunman not affiliated with any group. Logically, of course, I shouldn't feel good about the situation. Logically, of course, we cannot control the acts of every zealot and madman intent on death and destruction. Unfortunately, in today's reality, there is no logic - just more tragedy. But I will make sure my kids and friends and co-workers and anyone else who will listen will know, despite all the hatred and negativity that surrounds us, there is always hope for a better world. After all, with every hardship comes ease. Tarik Trad is a Muslim community activist based in Los Angeles, CA. -- Original Source: altmuslim.com http://www.altmuslim.com/perm.php?id=1902_0_25_0_C Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial 1.0.
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By Zhang Xin [ 2007-04-24 15:42 ] Last week, in the immediate aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, some people apparently tried to stick it on Korea, or China, or Asia in general, all on the strength of such weak arguments that Cho Seung-Hui was an immigrant from Korea, that he was sometimes (mis)taken as Chinese, or that he's Asian-looking. I read somewhere that a Korean retorted, quite correctly, that Cho left South Korea at the age of eight and spent most of his formative years in the States so they can't possibly stick it on Korea. Cho, who killed 33 people including himself on Virginia Tech campus on Monday, April 16, 2007, was 23. Likewise, you can't stick it on China. At least once Cho was mistaken as Chinese. "In high school, Cho Seung-Hui almost never opened his mouth. When he finally did, his classmates laughed, pointed at him and said: 'Go back to China.'" (Va. Tech shooter a 'textbook killer', Associated Press, April 19, 2007). Nor can you pin it on Asia. After all, almost all East Asians look the same to the less discerning American eye. Whom do we stick it onto, then? If I have to assign blame, I will stick it first on Cho, obviously, then on gun control or the lacks thereof in America, then on pop culture and on society at large. I, for one, believe it is not as far-fetched to blame it on society at large than on a specific target such as Korea. Society at large, you see, both yonder across the oceans and here in this country looks too much up to what is called success but has too little respect for and tolerance of what is considered to be failure. I mean, only by contrast do we tell success from failure. So theoretically for society as a whole, these two are equally important - we should therefore reserve a degree of respect for those who fail, who come up short but also run. School bullies, for example, pick on practically anyone who's not regarded as "one of us". You may get glared at, jeered and sneered at for one of these perfectly harmless "crimes" - that you come from another country (or another province for that manner), that you don't get ushered to school by a sedan car, that you speak a non-local dialect, that you have an odd accent, that you have a physical disability or simply a harelip, that you have a mental problem.... The list goes on and on. In the mainstream society of one-upmanship, pop culture craves for bringing up heroes (American Idol, or the Super Girl in China) and in the process create as a by product victims and villains, of whom Cho is but a latest and most disturbing example. No doubt, blaming it on society at large is in vain. Cho himself tried to do it, and what consequences did he come to? Cho argued in his manifesto, sent to the NBC in between the murders, that he was out to avenge rich "brats" with had their "Mercedes", "gold necklaces", "cognac" and "trust funds". But he had no argument, really - none of the above justifies the shootings. But, as a lesson, we as individuals need to be constantly reminded of the social callousness we often displays toward the weak and underprivileged. In the same time society advocates winning, it'd best advocate also tolerance and understanding towards losing. By all means win, but please maintain a healthy respect for those who fall behind. It's called "live and let live". In this age of wealth and profligacy in many places, we instead may advocate "thrive but let survive". -- Original Source:Chinadaily.com http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/language_tips/2007-04/24/content_858747.htm
Candace St. Onge speaks at a student "lie-in" at the far end of the drillfield on April 16, 2008, A Day of Remembrance. The event was organized by her daughter, Virginia Tech senior Alison St. Onge, and was intended to both memorialize the victims and protest easy access to firearms. Other family and friends of victims spoke at the event before dozens of supporters laid down in silent protest and reflection. Photo by Brent Jesiek. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0
Alexandria, VA. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenw/464617828/ Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
Ellen W. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenw/464617828/ Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0