UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the country continues to grapple with the horrifying act of violence committed May 24 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Penn State joins with the nation in expressing its deepest sympathies for the victims, their families and friends, and the entire Uvalde community.
As we mourn this and other senseless acts of violence committed this month in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California, the feelings of fear, anger, grief and sadness weigh heavy on our own University family. As we try to process the heartbreaking events that have gripped our nation in recent weeks, Penn State is sharing information and resources as a reminder to community members to care for one another, and seek support when needed.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, loved ones, first responders and extended Uvalde community impacted by this unspeakable tragedy,” said Charlie Noffsinger, Penn State associate vice president for University Police and Public Safety. “We rightfully expect our schools and classrooms to be safe places, and it shakes us all when that sense of security has been breached. We are all hurting, and it is important that we stand as one community in support of one another, and in opposition to hatred and violence.”
Counseling support
The following resources are available to Penn State community members in need of counseling and mental health support:
For students
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for students at the University Park campus can be reached at 814-863-0395. Contact information for counseling services at each Commonwealth Campus is available here.
For employees
- Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential mental health and counseling resources for employees and eligible family members.
In addition, the Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and noncrisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about someone else. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
Penn State’s Active Attacker Response Program
Community members should reach out to police immediately if there is an emergency, by dialing 911. University Police and Public Safety at the University Park campus can be reached for nonemergencies at 814-863-1111. Contact information for University Police at each Commonwealth Campus is available here.
While Penn State police officers train regularly for potential active shooter scenarios, Noffsinger said it is imperative that community members familiarize themselves with the University’s Active Attacker Response Program, which follows the Run, Hide, Fight model, as it provides options that can help to save lives in the first crucial moments of an attack.
Run, Hide, Fight is based on three action steps that are designed to be easy to remember and act upon in an emergency: run if you can, hide if you can’t, and fight as a last resort.
In the event of an active shooter or attacker, a rapid response by law enforcement to the scene and communication to the community by email, text, telephone and social media using Penn State’s PSUAlert system would occur. Initial alert messages would be followed by critical information and regular updates for the community.
All students and employees with a Penn State email address automatically receive PSUAlert emergency notifications by email. Students and employees are encouraged to visit psualert.psu.edu to sign up to receive PSUAlerts by text message and/or phone call as well. Users also can choose to receive alerts for multiple Penn State campuses.
University Police and Public Safety offers in-person Active Attacker Response Program training to campus groups. Training sessions can be requested on the University Police and Public Safety website.