While it has been over a year since the events of Oct. 1, campus safety is no less of a priority. Currently, internal national tension is exceptionally high within the U.S., and this tension affects every town and city. U.S. presidential campaign promises specifically regarding immigration from President-elect Donald Trump, have led to marches around the state and worries locally about violence.
In order to meet the ongoing security concerns on campus monthly threat assessment meetings have been held. The latest meeting was held Nov.14. Jess Miller, Facilities Director for UCC, is the leader of our campus Threat Assessment Team. Along with these monthly meetings, the Threat Assessment Team has undergone a number of training sessions to continue increasing their ability to prevent and respond to emergencies.
On campus training for the UCC Threat Assessment Team was provided Nov. 9 to 10 by threat assessment specialist, Rebecca Bolante, PhD of Chemeketa Community College. The training held late last week ranged from case studies and risk factors prior to incidents to strategies for appropriately approaching domestic violence and mental health emergencies.
Mental Health First Aid Training was also presented earlier this year to campus staff on May 19. “The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders,” stated Mandie Pritchard in a campus email. In another campus email regarding May 19, Pritchard announced the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) discussions on sexual orientation, inclusion of gender identity and expression, namely as it pertains to our community college campus.
According to the US Department of Education campus security report for UCC, there were no on campus arrests from 2012 through 2014. In both 2012 and 2013, five incidents of burglary were reported, and there was a single burglary reported in 2014. Statistics for the UCC’s campus security are not currently listed for 2015. However, when the 2015 report is completed, the Clery Act will require the report to refer to the school shooting incident of Oct. 1, 2015.
In the meantime, Students that believe another student to be a threat can fill out a Student of Concern Form, available from the college website under the Resources and Services tab, Student Forms and Publications link. If a student has already violated student conduct, a Student Conduct Incident Report Form should be filed with the Vice President of Student Services. Staff members can access these forms as well. Both of these forms can be found under Student Forms and Publications within the website’s Resources and Services tab. Concerned students can also bring up an issue at the monthly threat assessment meeting. “Anyone on campus can bring a concern to the group. It is 100% confidential,” Miller said. Threat assessment meetings are held in Room 8 of the Library, also known as the Moody Room.
Miller also confirmed that campus security is still available to walk students and staff to their cars in the evening. However, if a student is in present danger, “immediately go to counseling,” Miller said. Students can also reach the Security office at (541) 460-7777.
Physical safety should always be given attention, but currently, extra prudence is hard to criticize. While a physically threatening person should be avoided, even many incensing comments may be better left alone. In addition, taking action to report is not only encouraged, but a legal obligation in some circumstances. As stated it rule 21 of the Student Code of Conduct “failing to report a fire or other dangerous condition,” is a breach of conduct.