Our Hearts Are with Northern Illinois University

February 15, 2008

Members of the Rutgers Community:

As a university community, we grieve for the students killed or wounded in yesterday's shooting at Northern Illinois University. We struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

I want you to know that Rutgers takes the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff very seriously. In addition to their daily patrols, our public safety personnel train regularly to prepare a rapid response to acts of violence and other threats to our community.

You can help keep Rutgers as safe as possible. If you witness suspicious activity, please report it to the Rutgers University Police Department at 732-932-7211. If you are in need of psychological counseling, or know someone who needs these services, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 732-932-7884. And if you have not already done so, please visit https://personalinfo.rutgers.edu and add your emergency contact information.

We pledge to do all we can to maintain the safety of our campuses, to identify and assist individuals in need of counseling, and to communicate as effectively as possible in emergency situations. With your help, we will continue to prevent and prepare for threats to our communities here and on our Camden and Newark campuses.

I know I speak for all of us in saying that our hearts are with the people of Northern Illinois University.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey