Campus Safety
Note: the following e-mail was sent on 4/5/12 to all students, faculty and staff from President Robert A. Corrigan
Dear Colleague:
It is especially concerning to us in the higher education community when a college or university suffers a shocking loss, and I am sure you join me in offering condolences and support to our neighbors in the Oikos University community. They have experienced a heart-rending tragedy, and while no expression of sympathy can ease such sorrow, we do want them to know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
We know that this tragedy may be a source of anxiety or stress here on our campus, as students, faculty and staff react to the magnitude of this tragedy. It is common, as well, to have questions about safety here on our own campus. I hope that the resources outlined below can serve as assurance and help for you at this difficult time.
Resources for Campus Safety
Dealing with Sadness and Anxiety
It is natural to feel sad or anxious after an event such as the shootings at Oikos University. If you are distressed now, or at any time, the licensed, professional staff at Counseling & Psychological Services want you to seek them out. Call them at 415-338-2208 or drop by their office, Student Services Building room 208. For hours, check their website: www.sfsu.edu/~psyservs/
Are You Concerned that Someone on Campus is a Potential Danger to Him/Herself or Others?
The advice from both Counseling & Psychological Services and University Police is the same: share your concerns. Resident students can contact an RA; all students can get in touch with University Police or Counseling & Psychological Services. The University Police Department has an anonymous tip line: 415-338-3030.
Preparing in Advance for an Emergency
- Know where the yellow emergency phones, fire exits and stairways are in the buildings where you live or study. The phones call directly into University Police.
- Know our University Police emergency numbers: 911 for an immediate emergency; 415-338-7200 for a less immediate matter
- Use your intuition: If you have a concern for your safety or the safety of others, call 911
- Make your mobile phone a personal safety device. SF State uses the Mobile Safety System (MSS). When you register with MSS, your mobile phone can transmit your general location -- and any optional information you provide -- to the University Police when you call 911 while on campus. MSS is free and optional. To register and get more information, visit: www.sfsu.edu/~upd/mobilesafety
How Will We Communicate With You in an Emergency?
- Building alarm systems: If you hear an alarm, leave the building immediately. To help persons with mobility disabilities, take them to the nearest stairwell and notify University Police (415-338-7200)
- Building voice announcement systems: Many of the residence halls and academic buildings have a voice announcement system on every floor linked to the alarm system that we will use to give you information and instructions. We plan to install similar communication systems in the remaining buildings
- Building coordinators: Every building has a safety coordinator trained to help with building evacuation. Orange vests identify building coordinators
- Loudspeakers: On our compact central campus, loudspeakers atop police vehicles are an effective way of reaching you. - Web page: We will post news and updates on the University's home page: www.sfsu.edu
- Text, e-mail and voicemail: The campus has implemented an emergency notification system to alert students, faculty andstaff by phone, text message and e-mail when an emergency occurs. Based on information you entered into the University Emergency Contact system, you can expect to receive a recorded message to the office, home and cellular phone numbers you have provided. Please remember to give advance notice to anyone who might receive the call or pick up the answering machine recording at home (e.g., family members). To update or add your contact information, go to www.sfsu.edu/~upd/emergency/emergency-notification.html
This has historically been a very safe campus and I want you to know that a great many people continue to work together to keep it so. We cannot provide absolute protection against disaster, either natural or man-made, but we can promise you that your safety will remain our highest priority. Should you have further questions or concerns about safety awareness and preparation, please visit the Emergency Preparedness website at www.sfsu.edu/emergency
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Corrigan, president
