KU News Release

Vice provost issues message to parents of KU students

LAWRENCE — The following message was sent April 17 to the parents of University of Kansas students.

Dear KU Parents:

Monday’s tragedy at Virginia Tech University touches all of us. In the wake of this horrible event, I am writing to let you know how the University of Kansas is responding. I also want to take this opportunity to provide an update on the security that is in place at KU. Please know that the safety and well-being of your sons and daughters are our highest priorities.

On campus today, students and staff are donning ribbons of remembrance and writing messages of concern and prayers to be sent to the Virginia Tech University community. In addition, a vigil is planned at 7 p.m. this evening to allow members of our university community to come together for a time of reflection and to show support for the Virginia Tech community. Counseling professionals are available at these events to provide assistance as needed. To learn more about Counseling and Psychological Services and read about tips for responding to this crisis, see the CAPS Web site.

In general, my observation is that KU students are responding with care and concern for the families of those who were murdered and those who were injured. There is a sense of quiet on campus today, but certainly not an atmosphere of fear or alarm. There also is a healthy heightened awareness among all of us regarding safety procedures and emergency response plans. As a community, our commitment is to learn from this tragedy to improve the systems already in place.

Both practically and statistically, the University of Kansas is a safe place. There are appropriate safety procedures in place, an emergency management plan that is current and a well-trained crisis communications team. There is a commissioned police force on campus that works closely with both the Lawrence Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, there are highly trained personnel in various campus offices and residence halls.

Our Department of Student Housing operates according to a set of comprehensive safety procedures that provide a secure environment for students living in our facilities.

— Residence halls have 24-hour front desk operations and residence life staff on duty 24/7.
— Perimeter doors are locked from 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
— Guests are registered with their photo IDs by Security Monitors from 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
— Security Monitors also perform walking rounds of the facilities between 11p.m.-7 a.m.

The campus is well lit and includes 70 emergency “blue” phones all over campus that dial directly to the Office of Public Safety. For additional information, see the public safety Web site.

Future plans include the deployment of a text-messaging system that will enable us, at a moment’s notice, to broadcast emergency information. This system is currently being tested and will be functional before the end of this semester. A story about this new service is available on the Oread Web site. Please note that users do not have to purchase the Sprint plan to be included in the emergency texting system — virtually all major cell phone service providers are included.

In closing, let me assure you that my colleagues and I are committed to keeping KU as safe as possible. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Virginia Tech community. Closer to home, our top priority is the safety of our students. If I may provide additional information, please contact me at roney@ku.edu or (785) 864-4060.

Sincerely,

Marlesa A. Roney,
Vice Provost for Student Success

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.