Campus message: Coping with the threat of violence
A message from UWPD and UHS leadership to the members of the UW–Madison community:
Recent acts of violence around the country and abroad can make us all pause and wonder if something will happen on our campus. Prompts to think about what we might do in the event of an active shooter can make the possibility of violence on our campus seem more real. It is important to have a plan, recognize your own reactions and build coping skills so that you can be effective in the face of violence.
First and foremost: UW-Madison is prepared. We want you to know that if the unthinkable should happen here, UW–Madison and partnering agencies are ready to act. The UW–Madison Police Department is continuously training for active shooter scenarios, as are law enforcement partners with the City of Madison and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Every year, drills are conducted to enhance the campus response to an emergency situation.
Prevention is critical. If something seems or looks strange, it probably is. Tell us. You and other members of the campus community play a valuable role in maintaining our shared safety, speaking up when something doesn’t seem right. When campus officials ask you to report suspicious activity, the intention is to create a community that looks out for itself!
Always trust your gut instincts; you are the best expert on your own environment. Don’t worry about “bothering” the police or the Dean of Students Office; that’s why they’re here. Don’t hesitate to contact a faculty member, a staff member, a house fellow or housing official.
If you know of or hear about a potentially threatening situation on campus – a person who makes written or verbal threats, shows an unusual fascination with weapons, obsession or stalking, or any other actions that seem odd or out of place – contact the UW–Madison Police Department at (608) 264-2677. For immediate threats, dial 911.
Preparation can go a long way towards feeling in control – even if these situations are difficult to think about. Here are some ways to look ahead.
Make a plan for yourself and the people you care about. UWPD encourages the campus community to take time and make a plan. Having thought even once about what you would do in an emergency may be critical in an actual emergency situation. We encourage you to watch this video to help in your plan. (A warning: the video includes a simulation of an active shooter situation, and may be difficult for some to watch.)
Make sure that you have emergency response information with you, such as on your phone and ID. Make a Contacts entry labeled EMERGENCY or ICE (In Case of Emergency). Identify how you and your loved ones will connect if an event occurs.
Work on managing fear and anxiety. Thinking about potential violence may cause many reactions: increased anxiety, fear, worry, suspicion and hypervigilance to your surroundings and the people in them. You may also notice difficulty sleeping, irritability, and poor concentration. This is normal, especially in the immediate aftermath of an event. These reactions may be exacerbated if you have experienced violence in the past, know someone who has, or feel overwhelmed with other life events.
Take care of yourself. Stress causes increased levels of cortisol in the body that can contribute to a suppressed immune system, weight gain, gastrointestinal problems, and trouble sleeping. The good news is that exercise, eating healthy foods, and relaxation strategies such as deep breathing or meditation will help reduce cortisol levels. Even when feeling bad, make a point of engaging in activities that make you happy. Getting support from others through talking can help you feel less alone. This is solid advice for anything stressful in your life.
Focus on becoming more resilient in the face of adversity. Recognize the situations that make you most nervous, collect information and make plans.
Keeping perspective is also important. Remember that university campuses are one of the safest settings in our country. UW–Madison has trained professionals to help keep us safe. As mentioned above, you play an important part in keeping this campus safe, too.
We deeply appreciate your willingness to address these difficult topics. Our intention is to create a community that looks out for itself. Together, we can stay strong in the face of tragedy – on campus and around the world.
Additional resources
If you think additional support could be useful, please reach out.
Students can seek services at UHS by dropping in at 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call (608) 265-5600, option 9.
You can also reach out to someone in the Dean of Students Office, with drop-in staff ready to assist Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling (608) 263-5700.
Faculty or staff can access the Employee Assistance Office at http://eao.wisc.edu/. You may also decide to seek help through your health insurance company by following instructions on the back of your benefits card. Local HMOs can be reached at the numbers below:
Group Health Cooperative (608) 441-3290
Unity/Physicians Plus (608) 233-3575
Dean Clinic (608) 252-8226