How to Respond to a Threat of Violence on Campus

Recommended By
Administration and Finance
Approved
Ruben Armiñana, President
Issue Date
Monday, August 21, 2006
Current Issue Date
Monday, August 21, 2006
Effective Date
Monday, August 21, 2006
Contact Office
Police Services
Policy number
1998-5

How to Respond to a Threat of Violence on Campus

Sonoma State University has instituted a policy regarding violence on campus. Please see policy titled "Violence-Free Campus," dated September 15, 1998. The purpose of this memorandum is to advise members of the campus community on appropriate procedures to follow in responding to a threat or incident of violence on campus.

Every situation is complex, and it is not expected that students, faculty, or staff will be experts in the assessment of threatening behavior. If there is any threatening or bizarre behavior which may indicate possible danger, there are resources on campus to help in assessing the level of danger, designing an intervention if appropriate, and choosing appropriate safety measures. These resources include the University Police, the Threat Assessment Team and Workplace Violence Training.

It is the responsibility of students, faculty and staff to take seriously any threatening behavior and/or violent act and to report it to, and seek the immediate assistance of, the appropriate university authority (i.e., University Police, department chair, supervisor, residence life coordinator, or other administrative personnel).

To seek assistance, contact:

  1. University Police: Dial 911 from any campus phone or 707 664-2143 from a mobile phone.
  2. For reporting non-emergencies to Police Services, call 707 664-2143 (or x4-2143 from a campus phone).

Police Services offer training in preventing workplace violence. Call 707 664-2143 for more information.

To be prepared to respond quickly to potential violence on campus, supervisors should discuss the issues of violence in the workplace with all employees. Departments are encouraged to consult campus experts on Workplace Violence Training.

If There is Imminent Danger Call 9-1-1 From any Campus Phone or 707-664-2143 From a Mobile Phone

Updated August 21, 2006 by SSU.policies@sonoma.edu