Tragic Events in Oregon a Painful Reminder for Campus to Be Prepared

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Scene from U of A video "Avoid, Deny, Defend"

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The most recent fatal shooting at a college campus left 10 people dead, including the gunman, and another nine seriously injured at Umpqua Community College, near Roseburg, Oregon.

“This tragedy is compounded by the fact we have to refer to it as ‘the most recent,’” said Dean of Students Melissa Harwood-Rom. “We grieve with the survivors of this latest senseless violence. We know such tragedies are rare, especially on a college campus. But we have also been forced to recognize that such violence can happen anywhere – even here. There is no way to predict it, but we do have a duty to prepare ourselves to respond.”

That is the reason the University of Arkansas Police partnered with the Division of Student Affairs to produce a video for the U of A community – Avoid, Deny Defend – to show how to respond if someone with a gun opens fire in a campus building.

The video is a realistic and graphic simulation, intended to give a sense of what might happen in such an “active shooter” situation. It also serves as a training video – demonstrating the three essential responses in this kind of crisis.

“We hope everyone on campus will take the time to watch this video,” said Capt. Matt Mills, campus emergency manager. “We hope no one ever needs to use this information, but in a worst-case situation, it could save a life.”

Additional emergency procedure information for the University of Arkansas can also be found at the university’s website with emergency information. Other questions about Avoid, Deny, Defend can be sent to UAPD Capt. Matt Mills at mrmills@uark.edu.