Over the weekend of Aug. 25–27, reports of violent acts on and near our campus left many of us feeling shaken and concerned. Safety is our highest priority, and UI Police are working closely with Iowa City Police to provide as safe a community as possible.
The shooting on the Pedestrian Mall remains under investigation by the Iowa City Police Department. At this time, police believe this act of violence was an isolated incident and that those involved were known to each other and had an ongoing feud. Two people have been arrested in connection with this incident and University of Iowa Police and Iowa City Police will continue to work together to enhance safety downtown by increasing their presence in an effort to prevent a second incident or escalation. See this Iowa City Police Department website for more information.
Faculty, staff, and students should check their Hawk Alert preferences at hawkalert.uiowa.edu to ensure they are receiving timely emergency notifications. Text message is the fastest way to receive an alert. Several additional programs and tools are offered by UI Department of Public Safety to help enhance safety.
We are particularly disappointed in two crime alert warnings regarding sexual assault—there is absolutely no place for these actions on our campus. We have a committed team working collaboratively to prevent violence, provide support to survivors, and hold offenders accountable.
We’re all Hawkeyes—a community grounded in respect for others, and one that believes we should take care of each other, not hurt one another. Please check on one another and advise anyone needing assistance to contact Student Care and Assistance in the office of the Dean of Students, by phone at 319-335-1162, via email at dos-assistance@uiowa.edu, or through one of the additional support services listed below:
- University Counseling Services, 319-335-7294
- Center for Diversity and Enrichment, 319-335-3555
- Rape Victim Advocacy Program, 319-335-6000
- Women’s Resource and Action Center, 319-335-1486
- Office of Graduate Inclusion, 319-335-2147
- Office of the Ombudsperson, 319-335-3608
- UI Employee Assistance Program, 319-335-2085
A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on the Office of the Sexual Misconduct Response Coordinator’s website. The only person responsible for a sexual assault is the perpetrator. It takes all of us working together to create a safe and healthy community. Get more information about prevention programs at the UI.
As an institution, we will continue to be available to any student to learn more about your concerns and needs.
Melissa Shivers
Vice President for Student Life
Scott Beckner
Assistant Vice President and Director of Public Safety