Aloha Yellow Jackets,

The tragic mass shooting that took place earlier this month on September 4th at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia – just outside of Atlanta – continues to weigh heavily on many hearts and spirits. Knowing that any school or campus could be vulnerable to gun violence, a number of students and colleagues have shared anxiety and concern about safety at Georgia Tech. 
 
In addition, other issues have arisen related to both physical and psychological safety concerns. As the students at Apalachee HS return to school next week, this newsletter issue will examine the actions each of us can take to promote the welfare and well-being of the Georgia Tech community. We will cover:

• Responding To An Active Threat
• Pardon the Mess! Navigating Construction Around Campus 
• October 7th Anniversary of Hamas' Attack on Israel

Responding To An Active Threat
According to the US Department of Homeland and Security, 
“An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation” (2008, October).

Source: FBI (see https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/active-shooter-safety-resources) 

Upon hearing shots fired or witnessing an armed individual threatening others, quickly choosing between run, hide, and fight can reduce harm to oneself or others and increase the likelihood of survival. This Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) webpage and the FBI video below summarize the importance of these three survival tactics. 

Warning: Some of the content you are about to see may be triggering or stressful. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) offers a range of free courses to educate students and student organizations about safety and crime prevention. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) class provides advanced preparation, while Stop the Bleed offers training to help treat a bleeding emergency before help arrives. 

All GTPD courses are free to Georgia Tech students. Access these courses by using this form. For additional information or follow-up questions, please email Outreach@police.gatech.edu. 

Lastly, download the LiveSafe app to send an anonymous tip, call GTPD, report suspicious activity, and/or access emergency phone numbers. To receive a phone call or text about campus emergencies, please opt-in at https://passport.gatech.edu. Visit Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) to learn more. 
 
Pardon The Mess! Navigating Construction Around Campus
It’s virtually impossible to avoid a renovation or construction project while traversing campus. Georgia Tech is humming with sounds of work being done to enhance, expand, and improve our campus facilities and infrastructure. 
 
The anticipation of new buildings and renovated spaces is exciting and a boon to our environmental wellness in the future. However, students have shared that getting to classes and around campus has been challenging. It sometimes takes longer than expected, and one often has to confront various barriers to get to their destination, whether walking, cycling, scootering, or driving. Students have also shared concerns that parts of campus are not accessible for students with disabilities. 
 
We apologize for the inconvenience that all the construction around campus has caused. To help you navigate campus more comfortably and safely, please refer to the Infrastructure & Sustainability construction updates page.
 
In addition, students with disabilities who need assistance with physical accessibility around campus can contact one of the following departments:

• Office of Disability Services
• Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Conflict Management – ADA Compliance

Team members from multiple departments and divisions across campus strive to identify and rectify pedestrian and/or road hazards; however, we recognize that we are not catching everything, so we need your help. Using the LiveSafe app mentioned above, students can alert us by opening the app, clicking on the “+” button at the bottom of the screen, selecting the appropriate non-emergency tip category, and making an entry. The app allows students to attach audio, photo, or video files to help describe problems. Once a tip is submitted, Georgia Tech will receive the info and address the issue as quickly as possible.

October 7th Anniversary of Hamas’ Attack on Israel
October 7th marks the one-year anniversary of the attack on Israel by Hamas militants; at least 1,200 people were killed, and an estimated 250 hostages were taken. The ensuing conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians. 

Significant numbers of Israelis and Palestinians who call this region their home have been displaced and had their lives disrupted. The ongoing violence in the Middle East, as well as political activism in response here in the US, have affected many members of the Georgia Tech community – students, faculty, and staff – often in deep and painful ways.

For some, acknowledging anniversaries can facilitate grieving and healing. For others, marking such milestones can trigger distress or reopen wounds that are not fully healed. 

Please know that it’s okay not to be okay during these times. Moreover, it’s important to ensure one is surrounded by loved ones, trusted friends, and a caring network. 

Georgia Tech has many resources that offer support to help process trauma and grief.

• The Wellness Empowerment Center provides relevant prevention programs, initiatives, and events that help foster a health-promoting culture to support students’ holistic success.  
• The Center for Mental Health Care & Resources (CMHCR) offers individual and group counseling for all Georgia Tech students. To speak with a counselor or schedule an appointment, please call 404-894-2575 during or after business hours and select the appropriate option. Students are also invited to visit the CMHCR, which is located at the Smithgall Student Services Building, Suite 238. 
• Intercultural Student Programs (ISP), recently established in August 2024, also provides educational dialogue and events for students and student groups. To reach ISP, please visit the Smithgall Student Services Building, Suite 210, or call 404-894-2561.
• Students who may require flexibility in meeting their academic course requirements can submit an online request to the Dean of Students Office or call (404) 894-2565 during regular business hours. In the event of an after-hours emergency, individuals should contact GTPD at (404) 894-2500 and request that the “Dean on Call” be contacted.

As always, the staff across Student Engagement & Well-Being are ready to actively listen as well as offer support, guidance, resources, and referrals as needed. We want to ensure that Georgia Tech remains a safe and resilient community. 

Please continue to take care of yourself and each other and reach out to us as needed. #StrongerTogether #TheHiveSurvives