Message to the Brandeis community from President Ron Liebowitz
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As you may be aware, we received a bomb threat early this morning and out of an abundance of caution we decided to close the Brandeis campus until public safety personnel could inspect our facilities. Those early-arriving students living in residence halls were moved to secure facilities and fed during the day. Now that the “all-clear” has been sounded, residence halls have been reopened and we will resume full campus operations tomorrow. Orientation for new students and returning student programs will continue as planned. An active investigation is underway, and police will continue to be visible on campus.
I want to say how proud I am of how our community handled this situation. Our police officers responded instantly, firmly and professionally, and worked closely with Waltham officials. Our facilities personnel helped to ensure that all faculty, students and staff were notified and that buildings were emptied in an orderly but prompt manner. Our residential life and other pre-orientation staff were responsive and responsible and took care to ensure that early-arriving students were cared for. Food service workers provided water and lunch and dinner and couldn’t have been more proactive. The Athletic Department hosted students and provided a welcoming and safe environment until the residence halls reopened. Faculty and staff who were asked to depart from campus did so quickly. Students remained in good spirits, were mutually supportive, and generally handled the day in a simply exemplary way. In short, we came together as a strong, united, caring, and competent Brandeis community.
As we prepare for the majority of our students moving in for the fall semester this weekend and next week, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of all members of our community is our highest priority.
While it would be inappropriate to share all our multiple safety protocols and procedures, I thought you would want to be aware of some of the many ways that we ensure the safety of our community and also learn about resources available to students.
Best regards,
Ron
PUBLIC SAFETY OVERVIEW
Brandeis has a police force of more than 20, all of whom are trained and accredited by the Massachusetts State Police, with experienced, seasoned law enforcement professionals in all major leadership positions.
The police are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
There is a 24-hour police dispatch to coordinate all public safety needs on campus.
Brandeis police have instant response connectivity with Waltham Police Department. Brandeis public safety has a strong and collaborative working relationship with Waltham Police Department, Waltham Fire Department and Waltham Emergency Medical Services. It also has professional relationships with state and federal law enforcement agencies, which includes cooperative programs and information exchanges.
Each officer receives further specialized training through various federal, state and local agencies.
Our campus police contacts with local, regional, and national law enforcement includes monitoring of potential threats, and during any period of heightened tension and transitions, including move-in, orientation, and commencement, our campus police present an even more visible presence across campus and at our main entrance.
The Brandeis Emergency Notification System (BENS) provides instant and redundant notification via multiple communications platforms, including email, voice and/or text message. Alert messages are also placed on the Brandeis homepage, http://www.brandeis.edu.
More than 100 closed circuit cameras in public spaces on campus are monitored by a police dispatcher and recorded, to facilitate and enhance public safety response in the event of an emergency.
There are more than 70 emergency call stations distributed across campus that provide 24-hour direct connection to Brandeis police dispatch.
All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and require key card access.
OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES
Understanding the reasonable anxiety that many students have, we are also increasing our communications about campus support services, and adding additional events and messages across campus reinforcing our founding values of respect and inclusivity.
Health Center
Tel: 781-736-3677
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Walk in hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
After-hours Urgent Calls: 781-239-1948
http://www.brandeis.edu/
Counseling Center
Tel: 781-736-3730
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Walk in hours: 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
After-hours Urgent Calls: 781-736-3785
http://www.brandeis.edu/
Crisis Text Line
Text Go to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
ULifeline
Offers useful information about a broad range of mental health issues for college students. It also offers a self-assessment tool.
http://www.ulifeline.org/
Academic Services
Tel: 781-736-3470
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Drop-in hours: Monday - Friday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
http://www.brandeis.edu/
Providing academic advising, tutoring, and support managing academics.
International Students and Scholars Office
Tel: 781-736-3480
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
https://www.brandeis.edu/isso/
Providing a variety of resources related to immigration and adjustment to life in the United States and at Brandeis
The Brandeis Rape Crisis Center
Usdan G-108, open from Monday through Friday 12:00 pm – 5:00 p.m. For emergency after-hours assistance, please call our hotline at 781-736-3370.
The RCC is a confidential space that is open for any students who are feeling overwhelmed and would like a quiet space in which to rest and relax
The Brandeis Intercultural Center
Tel: 781-736-8580
Swing Center, next to East Residence Hall
Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
http://www.brandeis.edu/
The Brandeis Intercultural Center is dedicated to creating a haven of respect, education and celebration that aims to foster growth and awareness of the myriad cultures of Brandeis University. The Center fosters a welcoming community, where diverse experiences and perspectives are valued and dedication to the understanding of cultures and ethnicities is essential.
The Brandeis Department of Spiritual and Religious Life/Chaplaincy
Tel: 781-736-3570
Usdan Student Center
https://www.brandeis.edu/
Brandeis encourages and supports all expressions of spiritual and religious life on campus
The Gender and Sexuality Center
Usdan Student Center
http://www.brandeis.edu/glbtq/
Tel: 781-736-8583
Provides resources, positive visibility, an affirming space, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, same gender loving, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual students, staff, and faculty at Brandeis University.
The Department of Community Living
Tel: 781-736-6780 24 hours a day to reach an Area Coordinator except:
Sunday - Thursday, 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. and
Friday and Saturday, 8:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. call Brandeis Police at 781-736-5000
https://www.brandeis.edu/
Dean of Students Office
Tel: 781-736-3600
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
https://www.brandeis.edu/
Categories: General
