Safety

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:16:42 +0000

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/23/2025 - 12:16

CU �鶹ӰԺ's campus is home to, or frequented by, raccoons, deer, squirrels, beavers, prairie dogs, and dozens of species of birds. Foxes have also been making a rebound in the area. On rare occasions, we even get visits from larger animals such as coyotes and bears.

Hawk on campus. Photo by Craig Levinsky.

It’s important to remember, however, that wildlife is wild for a reason and should be treated as such for the well-being of both the animals and our people. CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders for students, faculty and staff about interactions between people and wildlife.

Do not approach or feed wild animals on campus, even squirrels or birds.
If you are bitten by a squirrel or other animal on campus, clean the wound thoroughly and contact Medical Services at Wardenburg Health Center. They can provide information about wound care, signs of infection and next steps. While squirrels do not pose a risk for rabies, they can transmit other diseases that may require a tetanus booster.
Do not feed the turtles or fish living in and around Varsity Lake, the Kittredge ponds, or other ponds around campus.
If you come across an injured or dead animal, report it to the CU Facilities Management (FM) service desk at 303-492-5522 so that designated campus employees can properly assist or remove the animal.
Problems or human contact with squirrels, rodents, birds, or other animals can likewise be reported to the FM service desk at 303-492-5522 at any time of day or night.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website includes several resources and tips, including how to avoid wildlife conflicts and why feeding wildlife is a bad idea. Websites for the city of �鶹ӰԺ and �鶹ӰԺ County also include valuable information related to local wildlife.
If a bear does come on campus, wildlife managers want to remove it safely, and without tagging it unless absolutely necessary. A tag will show that it has been to the city once. If a bear gets two tags, it will need to be euthanized by state law. More information about bears from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

“CU �鶹ӰԺ’s setting provides ample opportunities for observing wildlife, enhancing our enjoyment of campus and the outdoors,” said Wildlife Manager and Integrated Pest Manager Troy Muller.

CU staff works together with wildlife specialists, �鶹ӰԺ Animal Control and Colorado Parks and Wildlife when dealing with wildlife issues on campus, Muller said, and wildlife is handled with the utmost care to ensure the safety of the animal.

“CU also invests in an Integrated Pest Management department to make sure that when animals find their way to campus, they are cared for properly and when necessary safely removed from campus, ensuring the campus populace and the animal are safe,” Muller said.

“What makes CU �鶹ӰԺ such a special campus is the staff, faculty and student body can observe the wildlife and we can all coexist with each other. I feel very fortunate to work on such a beautiful campus and be around all the beautiful creatures that call this place home."

Bears are sporadically seen in the �鶹ӰԺ foothills and, on rare occasion, campus during the months they are active, which is typically mid-March through November. Learn how to safely co-exist with bears.

CU �鶹ӰԺ's Environmental Services team offers a few simple reminders about interactions between people and wildlife on campus.

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Test of alert system set for Jan. 28: What you need to know

Megan Maneval — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:16:54 +0000

Test of alert system set for Jan. 28: What you need to know Megan Maneval Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:16

As part of the continuous assessment of our emergency notification protocols and procedures, campus officials will test the CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts system at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

The annual testing, required by a federal law known as the Clery Act, involves checking the university’s systems for sending text messages, emails, social media posts, computer desktop alerts and website announcements. CU �鶹ӰԺ conduct alert tests each semester to ensure the university stays current with best practices and maintains readiness to respond in case of emergencies.

Before the Jan. 28 test, students, faculty and staff members should check their portal accounts to make sure their contact information is up to date.

The below information outlines how to ensure you receive emergency notifications, the types of emergency notifications the campus provides, and how to stay informed about off-campus incidents.

How to receive CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts

Students should consult the student alerts step-by-step guide. Faculty, staff and others with university email accounts (colorado.edu) can consult the employee alerts step-by-step guide. CU �鶹ӰԺ employees can now opt to receive alerts in languages other than English. This service is also available to students.

CU �鶹ӰԺ partners who have cu.edu, cufund.org, cusys.edu, ucdenver.edu or cuanschutz.edu email domains must register and maintain their information on the CU �鶹ӰԺ Rave webpage.

Affiliates who are not students, faculty or staff and do not have a CU email domain can opt in to receive CU �鶹ӰԺ text alerts by texting “cuaffiliate” to 67283. Your registration will expire one year after you opt in, and you will be required to reregister each year. You may text “STOP” at any time to 67283 to be removed. As a member of CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts, you will receive text notifications for campuswide events.

If there is a true ongoing campus threat to personal safety or a campus closure, a campuswide alert will be sent using one or all of the communication methods available. Text messaging is the preferred method of the system, since this mode reaches the most individuals in the least amount of time.

After the scheduled test, if you think that you should have received an alert and didn’t, or if you need help signing up for the system, please email the Emergency Management team.

What are CU Emergency Alerts?

CU �鶹ӰԺ issues emergency notifications, called CU Emergency Alerts, to the campus community when there is a confirmed immediate threat to the safety of those on our campus or near campus in areas of high student populations.

Such threats may include an active harmer, a natural disaster, severe weather or other time-sensitive life safety concerns. CU Emergency Alerts can also be used in the event of campus closures or delayed starts.

Other notifications: CU Safety Alerts and CU Advisories

As a reminder, the university has three levels of emergency notification.

Along with CU Emergency Alerts, campus also issues CU Safety Alerts (timely warnings) in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).

For nonimmediate threats or other incidents that may impact the daily lives of our university community, CU �鶹ӰԺ has a tier of notifications called CU Advisories.

What about off-campus emergencies?

For campus community members who live off campus or who are off campus frequently, it is natural to want to know what is happening nearby and how to stay safe. This article explains how the university responds to off-campus incidents in areas of high student populations and has valuable information on how to stay informed of emergency notifications.

The city of �鶹ӰԺ and �鶹ӰԺ County emergency responders distribute emergency alerts via a system called BOCOAlert, also referred to as Everbridge. Community members with �鶹ӰԺ addresses are automatically opted-in to the Everbridge system. Those who live outside of �鶹ӰԺ but want to be aware of emergency notifications in the area must sign up.

The university encourages all community members to follow @CU�鶹ӰԺAlerts and @CU�鶹ӰԺPolice on X (formerly Twitter). The CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department is part of the Division of Public Safety.

The �鶹ӰԺ Police Department and �鶹ӰԺ Fire-Rescue also maintain social media channels for nonemergency information. Local news media is also a great resource, especially in situations in which rumors are spreading on social media.

If you have questions regarding emergency management at CU �鶹ӰԺ, visit Emergency Management website or email the team. Emergency Management provides a list of common emergency definitions on their website, which is also linked on the CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts website.

Campus officials will conduct a CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts test, checking the university’s systems for sending text messages, emails, social media posts, computer desktop alerts and website announcements in the event of an emergency. Learn more.

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Multidisciplinary teams redefining public safety as shared responsibility

Megan Maneval — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:43:14 +0000

Multidisciplinary teams redefining public safety as shared responsibility Megan Maneval Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:43

A group engages in a multidisciplinary team training at the CUPD Training Center, Jan. 6, 2025.

Members from CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Threat Assessment, part of the Division of Public Safety, kicked off the spring semester by hosting a collaborative training. Sponsored by CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Institute of Behavioral Science through a grant from the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program, the training explored the role threat assessment plays in identifying and assessing targeted violence.

Participants took deep dives into case studies that facilitated discussions of commonly recognized but often overlooked pathways to violence, strengthening existing partnerships to foster a more holistic approach to safety on campus.

Stanley Ly, director of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), said the training helped illustrate the importance of streamlining referrals for mental health support for employees to form a more consistent pipeline and reduce redundancy.

“Together, we’ve improved our capacity for rapid response to distressed employees. Emergencies tend to beget chaos and unpredictability. So, the more layers of reliability, trust and order that Threat Assessment is able to impose in response will enable employee resources, such as FSAP, to more rapidly and effectively support those who are most in need during distressing scenarios,” Ly said.

Licensed counselors at FSAP are available to connect with CU �鶹ӰԺ employees going through difficult situations to offer resources, validation and nonjudgmental mental health support during times of distress. All FSAP services are confidential and made available at no cost to employees of the university.

Since the Division of Public Safety was formed in spring of 2024, Ly said he’s noticed significant growth in resources and protocols when it comes to appropriate sharing of information and collaboration across campus units. “These changes enable an ease in cross-pollination of ideas and collaboration between our various disciplines,” he added.

Threat Assessment Director Montelleo Hobley said trainings like this continue to foster a culture of sharing concerns. “As we move into 2025, we remain dedicated to advancing the integration of Threat Assessment practices, protocols and procedures into the mindset of individuals at CU �鶹ӰԺ,” Hobley said, adding, “We believe that our continued collaboration with the campus and wider �鶹ӰԺ community will be essential in strengthening our collective efforts to prevent targeted violence.”

CU �鶹ӰԺ has several robust processes for individuals to share concerns and request support, including several reporting options through CUPD, the Don't Ignore It website and anonymously through CU �鶹ӰԺ Safe2Tell. When concerns are reported, they are evaluated and addressed through tailored processes depending on the involved populations.

The training also featured guest speakers from the Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression and the University of Southern California.

Members from CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Threat Assessment, part of the Division of Public Safety, recently held a training exploring the role threat assessment plays in identifying and assessing targeted violence.

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Reminders about building access—spring semester 2025

Megan Maneval — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:10:25 +0000

Reminders about building access—spring semester 2025 Megan Maneval Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:10

Our campus building access emphasizes safety and building security while providing convenient access for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Most academic buildings with scheduled classes will be open and unlocked between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to allow nonaffiliates access to scheduled events and other activities.

Doors unlocked between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. are electronic doors only. Manual-action doors will remain locked at all times and be available for exit only.
CU students, faculty and staff will continue to have extended access (from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.) to these same academic buildings via Buff OneCard swipe.
A few buildings may maintain slightly different hours based on class schedules and staffing.

Prior access preferences established on Buff OneCards for students, faculty and staff remain in place. Students, faculty and staff who normally have weekend and after-hours access to specific buildings will still have access to those buildings.

CU affiliates needing special access to a specific building are asked to contact their building proctors, C-CURE operators or department chairs to request the authorization/access needed on their Buff OneCards.

University Libraries, the Recreation Center, the UMC and Health and Wellness Services publish their respective hours on their websites.

Tips for accessing a building with your Buff OneCard

Always have your Buff OneCard.
Depending on the type of card reader, make sure you are either:
- Swiping with the stripe on the back of your card facing to the right
- Or tapping the card on the proximity reader with your photo facing toward you

Review the full building access page, including details on getting help entering a building and other questions.

Campus building access is about safety, building security and convenience. Get reminders about academic building open hours, Buff OneCard entry and more.

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Party smarter: 7 tips for navigating parties

Anonymous — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:00:03 +0000

Party smarter: 7 tips for navigating parties Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/16/2025 - 14:00

During your time at CU, you may find yourself at social events or parties that have alcohol or other substances. This guide offers practical tips and advice to help you navigate parties and stay safe.

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4 tips to prepare for extreme cold and snowy weather

Greg B Swenson — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:59:18 +0000

4 tips to prepare for extreme cold and snowy weather Greg B Swenson Thu, 01/16/2025 - 09:59

�鶹ӰԺ is expecting snow and freezing temperatures for the next few days. Whether you're staying in town or leaving for the weekend, here are some tips to be prepared.

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Campus delays and closures: What you need to know

Anonymous — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 23:05:27 +0000

Campus delays and closures: What you need to know Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 01/13/2025 - 16:05

Winter and springtime along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains can bring volatile weather conditions. CU �鶹ӰԺ’s campus closure policy clarifies delays and closures caused by extreme weather, power outages and other emergencies. Here’s what campus community members need to know.

Knowing operational status

Campus officials are typically able to announce delays or closures by 5:30 a.m.
Notifications of delays and closures are sent out via CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts, campus social media channels and, often, local broadcast media.
You can also view the university’s website for any change in operating status or call Buff Info at 303-492-INFO (4636), as well as read complete information on campus closing procedures.

Class cancellation and administrative closures

In the event of a campus closure due to severe weather, the alert will specify a class cancellation, administrative closure or both.

When a class cancellation is issued, all in-person and remote (synchronous) classes are canceled for the day. Asynchronous online classes, which don’t have meeting times, will continue without cancellation.

When an administrative closure is issued, administrative functions of the campus are closed, which may include campus events, facilities and venues. Essential services, unless otherwise noted, will continue to operate.

Administrative closures without course cancellations would be rare but may be issued during weekends or academic breaks when there are no regularly scheduled classes.

Are you signed up for CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts?

CU �鶹ӰԺ students, you are automatically registered using your @colorado.edu email address. We ask that you add a mobile number during course registration periods and update as needed in Buff Portal. Get instructions on how to do so.
CU �鶹ӰԺ faculty and staff, you are automatically registered using your @colorado.edu email address. Manage your mobile alerts number, and update as needed in your MyCUInfo portal. Get instructions on how to do so.
CU �鶹ӰԺ partners with @cu.edu, @cufund.org, @cusys.edu, @ucdenver.edu or @cuanschutz.edu email domains must still register and maintain their information.

Delayed start

Sometimes, due to adverse conditions judged to be hazardous to normal campus operations, the campus will delay its opening.

For example, if the campus were to have a delayed start at 9:45 a.m., this would mean all in-person or remote (synchronously taught) classes, recitations, labs, etc. scheduled to begin before 9:45 a.m. would be canceled. Faculty would take steps to make up material and assignments missed during that time in a later class period. All classes, labs, recitations, etc., scheduled to begin at or after 9:45 a.m. would be held as normal. Students with questions about making up assignments should talk to their instructor.

How does a delayed opening apply during the 2024–25 academic year?

Any in-person or remote (synchronously taught) class or lab scheduled to start at or after a delayed start time will meet as usual.
In-person and remote (synchronously taught) classes and labs that begin before the delayed start time are canceled, including those continuing past the delayed start.
Online classes taught asynchronously, without a specific start time, are not affected by the delay.

Employee guidance

Administrative leave is granted to all regular employees for their scheduled work hours during the period of administrative closure. Employees may reference the Inclement Weather Guidance from Human Resources for more information, including requirements and guidance for essential and critical services employees who may be required to work during a delay or closure per the updated Campus Closure Policy.

Most faculty and staff are not expected to work during an administrative closure or delayed start regardless of work modality. In the event that multi-campus, virtual meetings not pertaining to the closure are scheduled, communication will be sent to impacted employees as early as possible. All other meetings are canceled, regardless of modality (i.e., virtual).

Secure connection from anywhere

CU �鶹ӰԺ's VPN service provides a secure connection to the campus network from any location, as long as the device has an internet connection.

Safety tips

Plan ahead, give yourself sufficient time and plan your route. Traffic moves slowly in snowy conditions; leave early to arrive on time. Rushing can lead to accidents or slips and falls.

Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. Opt for boots or shoes with a sturdy and slip-resistant outsole.

Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, entering or leaving buildings. Hold on to a handrail on stairs, and hold on to your vehicle while exiting and entering it.

Walk on designated walkways. Don’t take shortcuts over snow piles or areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible. You may have to use different routes than usual.

Walk safely on snow or ice. Take small steps: Keep your steps small and shuffle your feet rather than taking long strides. This helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of slipping.

Walk flat-footed. Instead of walking with your weight on your heels or toes, distribute your weight evenly across your foot with each step.

Resources

CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Division of Public Safety, the city of �鶹ӰԺ and the Colorado Department of Transportation offer several helpful resources and reminders for when freezing temperatures arrive and snowflakes start flying.

Buff Bus riders should check the Transit app for campus bus updates and reroute alerts. Commuting students, faculty and staff riding to/from campus via RTD bus routes are encouraged to sign up for RTD Rider Alerts.
CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Department of Emergency Management, part of the Division of Public Safety, features several weather safety tips on its website.
The city of �鶹ӰԺ’s snow and ice response page features key things you can do to stay informed and be prepared for a snow event.
The Colorado Department of Transportation includes winter driving safety tips, reminders and road-condition updates on its website.
The latest �鶹ӰԺ weather forecast information can be found on the National Weather Service website.

Extreme weather conditions, power outages and emergencies can cause changes in campus operating status, including class cancellations. Be prepared in case a campus delay or closure comes up this semester.

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4 ways to look out for each other

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:46:15 +0000

4 ways to look out for each other Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/09/2024 - 07:46

As the semester comes to an end, here are some tips to help you and your friends stay safe.

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How to get ready for game day

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:21:21 +0000

How to get ready for game day Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/13/2024 - 05:21

The Buffs take on the Utah Utes on Saturday at Folsom Field. Whether you’re on campus for the game, attending a watch party or cheering from home, here are some tips to get ready for game day.

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Measuring community satisfaction with first-responder responses

Megan Maneval — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:51:28 +0000

Measuring community satisfaction with first-responder responses Megan Maneval Mon, 11/04/2024 - 08:51

The CU �鶹ӰԺ Police Department launched a text survey tool last fall, allowing community members who speak with a 911 dispatcher and receive service from a police officer, residential service officer or community safety official to answer a survey asking about their experience, from the convenience of their phones.

One year on, the department is sharing results with the campus community.

By the numbers

1,543 surveys sent
30.2% response rate
93.6% positive satisfaction score
82% highest rating (5)
2% lower rating (1–2)

“The opportunity to provide feedback while response is still fresh in the minds of those who’ve received help has been invaluable,” said Interim Chief John Monahan. Previously, satisfaction surveys were sent by mail. “The new tool garners more responses and enables CUPD to more quickly gauge community satisfaction,” he added.

The text survey tool also allows CUPD to improve the feedback loop, which can positively impact communication among first responders, improving response and community engagement. Feedback is also provided to first responders themselves.

Four short survey questions ask about the call-taking process and the service delivery. Survey respondents can provide numerical responses (with 5 being the highest rating) via text message and can add a short comment.

A sampling of comments shows appreciation for call-taking as well as response:

“She gave me very clear instructions on how to help the person injured, that was appreciated. She was also able to help locate where we were, that was also helpful.”
“The police officer showed up very quickly and proceeded to handle the situation immediately.”
“They were quick to respond and assess the situation. They took control and resolved the situation with compassion.”

The feedback is also provided to first responders themselves. The satisfaction survey is sent for lower-level crimes including non-violent crime, property crime, traffic accidents or other service-related calls. Officers, RSOs and CSOs who respond on-scene let community members know to expect a survey via text, and explain that feedback is important and appreciated.

CUPD was the first police agency in �鶹ӰԺ county to launch this type of satisfaction survey. “We are always looking for new ways to engage with our community, and this has proved to be extremely effective,” said Deputy Chief Mark Heyart, who was involved in the implementation of the tool.

At the one-year mark of using a text-message satisfaction survey tool, CUPD is sharing the positive results.

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Safety

Tips for co-existing with campus wildlife

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Test of alert system set for Jan. 28: What you need to know

How to receive CU �鶹ӰԺ alerts

What are CU Emergency Alerts?

Other notifications: CU Safety Alerts and CU Advisories

What about off-campus emergencies?

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Multidisciplinary teams redefining public safety as shared responsibility

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Reminders about building access—spring semester 2025

Tips for accessing a building with your Buff OneCard

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4 tips to prepare for extreme cold and snowy weather

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Campus delays and closures: What you need to know

Knowing operational status

Class cancellation and administrative closures

Delayed start

Employee guidance

Secure connection from anywhere

Safety tips

Resources

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4 ways to look out for each other

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How to get ready for game day

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Measuring community satisfaction with first-responder responses

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