In light of the terrible tragedy that occurred Tuesday at Bridgewater College we would like to remind everybody to take a moment and review our campus safety protocols. Virginia Western knows that when it comes to safety, we as individuals cannot do it alone.  Safety requires our students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant in reporting items and behaviors of concern.

The college maintains eight fully sworn law enforcement officers who are ready to respond and serve you at a moment’s notice.  Please look to these officers for any issue or unease you may have.  The Campus Police website offers a number of links that our community may find useful. 

Knowing what to do during an emergency is everybody’s responsibility. We ask that you take a few moments to view the college’s Campus Safety Video. This video provides valuable critical incident response information for our Virginia Western community.

Virginia Western fields a proactive CARE and Threat Assessment Team who meet regularly to assess issues of concern and/or need.

The college maintains a rather robust emergency notification system which includes; siren, text alerts, classroom and office phone messaging, email, and television displays on campus. If you are not signed up for our VWAlert text alerts, we ask that you please take a moment and do so by following the link.

Please know that the college maintains a Behavioral Health and Wellness Advocate located in Student Life Center, suite S207. If you find that you or somebody you know are; stressed, overwhelmed, or just in need of talking to somebody; please contact Intervention Services by calling 857-6711 or by following the link provided.

Finally, we sincerely ask for your help and partnership in order to maintain a safe and secure campus. If you see or hear something that causes you concern, even if at the time it seems trivial, please contact Campus Police at 857-7979, for immediate need emergencies dial 911.

Thank you, we appreciate you, and please stay safe!

Craig S. Harris, Chief of Police