You are here: American University President Announcements November 14, 2022

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AU Memo Letterhead

Dear AU Community,

We awoke this morning to the terrible news of a (UVA). It is deeply unsettling when these too-frequent tragic acts of violence happen in a close-knit university community in our region that is like ours in many ways. Members of our AU community have friends and family in the Charlottesville area. We hope for the safety of the UVA community, and we share in the grief for those who were killed last night.

The safety and security of our community is our priority. While I understand that focusing on the UVA tragedy can increase people’s fears, I believe it is important for you to know about the resources and protocols that we use to keep our community safe. Our AUPD team has close relationships with federal and local law enforcement and there are currently no threats to our campus. The team will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Campus safety services, including the Rave Guardian Safety app and campus escort services, are available to support the community. Last month, AUPD sent a regular update about safety services to the community. I recommend reviewing that information. We are all safer when we all actively participate in these programs, including using your AUID swipe/tap when entering the residence halls and locking residence hall rooms and office doors. We encourage everyone to take the safety courses offered by AUPD.

In an emergency, the AU Alerts system will send information via text, email, social media, and university computers. These messages will provide updates on a situation, instructions, and links for additional information. If anyone has further questions about campus safety, please contact AUPD at 202-885-2527.

Different members of our community may have different needs, so our campus resources are available to anyone following the heartbreak at UVA. Students can contact the 24-hour AU ProtoCall line at 202-885-7979 or the Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services at 202-885-3500. Faculty and staff can contact the BHS Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 800-327-2251 or on the .

Our friends and colleagues at UVA are hurting and our thoughts are with them. Here in our AU home, we are here to support any community members affected by these events and we are focused on keeping our community safe.

Sincerely,

Sylvia