Ducks prepare for safe spring: a message from the UO chief and dean

Dear UO Students,

We hope you had a safe and relaxing spring break and are looking forward to the new term.

As you return to campus, we want to again share information on additional resources to increase safety near campus, and to share several safety tips. Nothing is more important than the safety of our students.

The University of Oregon continues to work with the Eugene Police Department (EPD) as it investigates several incidents near campus in recent weeks.

Area police made two arrests and the suspects have been charged with robberies in Springfield and north Eugene. Possible connections to campus-area robberies are under investigation. Following an investigation, Eugene police said an incident reported at 1304 Hilyard Street on March 11 is now considered a fight and not a robbery.

Although previous incidents occurred off-campus and within the jurisdiction of Eugene police, we continue to work closely with EPD and to step up patrols, including:

  • UOPD has officers dedicated to patrolling city streets near campus. UOPD and the Oregon Department of Justice have installed cameras in neighborhoods near campus. Additional Eugene police officers are patrolling the area during evenings and overnight.
  • EPD has substantially increased patrols near campus and has pledged to coordinate information and tactics with UOPD.
  • UOPD is working with private security to provide four unarmed, non-sworn security officers to patrol city streets near campus until further notice.
  • The UO Campus Shuttle has expanded its hours and is running 5:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. daily. New routes to serve more areas are being developed for spring term.

We urge every member of campus to protect themselves. Consider these safety tips from UOPD:

  • Students are encouraged to use the UO safe rider programs like Safe Ride (541-346-RIDE, ext. 2); Designated Driver Shuttle (541-346-RIDE, ext. 1); UO Campus Shuttle; call a taxi; or contact UOPD for an on-campus escort (541-346-2919).
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone in distress, make yourself available and offer assistance if it is safe to do so. Seek immediate help from police or security personnel.
  • Every situation is different; those who are involved must decide for themselves what actions are safest in the moment. If someone attempts to touch you against your will, you should yell "NO!" loudly or do whatever is necessary to get the person to let go, and then run to a safe place and seek help.
  • Once safe, try to retain as much as possible about the person's appearance and behavior. Regardless of the incident, you have the right to report the crime and to receive services and accommodations.

Below is a list of self-defense classes available in the coming weeks:

  • Custom, two-hour workshops for students, faculty, and staff are being offered by the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. Workshops focus on physical, verbal, and emotional techniques to help participants recognize and thwart perpetrator tactics. Cost ranges from $50–$100. Groups can submit a request to schedule a workshop on the PE and Rec website.
  • UOPD hosts self-defense classes at the EMU, weekdays 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m., April 2–13, in EMU Suite 213 (Center for Student Involvement). Classes are free to students and employees; pre-registration is not required but prompt arrival is appreciated). Active clothing is recommended.
  • UOPD will stage a special session of the two-day "Rape Aggression Defense" self-defense class for women from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., April 7-8, in EMU Suite 213. Registration required; the class is free and open to students who identify as female.

The UO provides extensive resources to students affected by crime. The Office of the Dean of Students is available to ensure students receive advocacy, counseling, medical help, academic support, and other aid.

Among the resources:

  • Survivors have a right to report crimes to police and have crimes investigated and/or prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.
  • Survivors and victims of crime seeking support should call the Office of the Dean of Students: 541-346-3216.
  • For support related to sexual assault, harassment, and gender-based violence, call the SAFE hotline: 541-346-SAFE (7233).
  • Personal counseling and other support services are available to students through the University Counseling Center, 541-346-3227 (available 24 hours); counseling.uoregon.edu.
  • Medical and sexual assault examination services are available to students at University Health Center, 541-346-2770; healthcenter.uoregon.edu.
  • The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, 541-346-3123, and Office of Human Resources, 541-346-3159, can assist employees in connecting to resources.
  • Other community resources include Sexual Assault Support Services, 541-343-7277 (24-hour crisis line) or 541-484-9791; Womenspace, 541-485-8232 or 541-485-6513 (24-hour crisis line); and White Bird Clinic counseling, 541-342-8255 or 541-687-4000 (24-hour crisis line).

Campus safety information related to these incidents is available at dos.uoregon.edu/help. Please reach out to any of the staff members listed above if you need support or just want to talk. Again, please call police immediately if you see a crime or suspicious activity, or have information about an incident. Report criminal activity (such as a break-in or intruder, robbery or assault) immediately to 9-1-1, or for non-emergency situations on campus, to UOPD at 541-346-2919.

Welcome back to campus. Let’s help each other be safe and successful this term, and beyond.

Sincerely,

Matt Carmichael
University of Oregon Chief of Police

Kris Winter
University of Oregon Dean of Students