The University of Utah Department of Public Safety has determined the safety concerns impacting the Union Building with an early closure on Friday, Sept. 9 have been resolved. Business operations and events in the building will resume as of 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.
In an effort to proactively respond to a possible threat of violent activity involving unlawful weapons on campus, Public Safety leaders recommended closing the building and increased University Police patrols across campus Friday night.
With the threat passed, routine campus activities and events will continue. The Rice-Eccles Stadium lot and other campus parking lots open at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 for tailgating. Stadium gates open at 9:30 a.m. before the 11:30 a.m. football kickoff against Southern Utah University.
Prevention and safety tips
This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember:
- Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
- If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
- Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
- Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
- If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.
Support and resources
- Additional support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center.
- Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus:
- American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019
- Black Cultural Center 801-213-1441
- Center for Disability and Access 801-581-5020, info@disability.utah.edu
- Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA): 801-581-8151
- Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training):801-581-7776
- Dream Center: 801-213-3697
- Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
- Housing and Residential Education (available 24/7): 801-587-2000
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute crisis line (available 24/7):801-587-3000
- Independent Review Committee complaints about public safety personnel may be reported to the Independent Review Committee at irc@utah.edu
- International Student and Scholar Services 801-581-8876, international@utah.edu
- LGBT Resource Center 801-587-7973
- MH-1 385-321-5356
- Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX 801-581-8365
- Office of the Dean of Students 801-581-7066
- Office of Inclusive Excellence 801-587-7580
- University Counseling Center (students only):801-581-6826
- Veterans Support Center 801-587-7722, vetcenter@sa.utah.edu
- Women’s Resource Center 801-581-8030
Updates will be posted at alert.utah.edu.