An Update on Creighton Alert and Safety Information

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Recently, during an update of message templates for the Creighton Alert system, an errant alert reporting an active shooter on the Phoenix campus was sent out to those in our community. While there was no ill intent, the situation was understandably terrifying and traumatizing for many.

In a follow-up response, I explained immediate action steps would be taken to implement corrective measures, improve our processes, and achieve positive as well as productive outcomes. I am continuing a thorough investigation into the incident; however, in the interest of continued open communication and transparency, I want to provide an update on these efforts, including next steps and the ways in which you can engage going forward.

First and foremost, please know that stricter failsafe protections regarding maintenance of our Creighton Alert software have been implemented. Additional recommendations are currently being assessed as part of a comprehensive review and analysis.

Second, Public Safety will directly engage with Phoenix students, faculty, and staff in multiple ways this fall. These will include in-person trainings offered this August, an updated Active Assailant course offered through Bridge tailored for the uniqueness of the Phoenix campus, and condensed refresher sessions offered for those who have already completed the Bridge training.

More details including time, place, and how to attend these offerings will be shared through Creighton Today Phoenix when available. However, on both campuses, it is highly recommended that everyone complete the Active Assailant and Stop the Bleed trainings offered through Bridge.

Finally, easily accessible Emergency Response Guides will be made available this fall on both the Omaha and Phoenix campuses. These documents, which will be placed in highly trafficked locations and made available online, detail response actions for a variety of emergency scenarios, and include campus-specific information on relevant topics.

To reiterate my June 14 follow-up communication, the safety and well-being of our Creighton community continues to be the top priority and the above-mentioned steps are the initial actions being taken to apply important lessons learned to move forward with a clear and unified goal in mind.

Please take time to ensure your information is current in Creighton Alert and monitor your email for any updates to our safety procedures or educational materials. And, as a reminder, additional support resources remain available through Student Counseling Services, Mission and Ministry, and our Employee Assistance Program.

It goes without saying that, across our entire Creighton community in all environments and settings, the realities of the world today require vigilance, care, and concern. The situations we face remain ever evolving, but our commitment to each other remains steadfast. Thank you for your continued patience, involvement, and valuable insights throughout the past month, as well as your partnership moving forward.

Sincerely, 

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
President, Creighton University