This information is based on best practices provided by Homeland Security and other Universities, following actual events.

An “Active Shooter” is an individual(s) actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and/or populated area.

Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Because active shooter situations are often over within minutes before law enforcement arrives, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with this type of event.

As explained, this is an event of unpredictable movements and circumstances. While this is a best practice guide, based on past events of this type, YOU MUST STILL BE PREPARED TO MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU GIVEN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS IS NOT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REFLECT THAT PURPOSE.

ANY COMMUNICATION THAT YOU RECEIVE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OR CAMPUS SECURITY THAT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENT IS TAKING PLACE MUST BE TAKED SERIOUSLY. NEVER IGNORE ANY SUCH COMMUNICATION AND FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTION PROVIDED THROUGH CU ALERT SYSTEM.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT – Remember that these three actions may save your life and the life of others.

If an active shooter is outside or inside of your building you should:

Try to remain calm and take cover.

Call 911 or Campus Security at 615-476-3061.

Warn others as discreetly as possible.

If you safely can, move to a room and lock or barricade the doors and windows.

Turn off the lights and close the blinds.

Silence cell phones or devices that emit sounds.

Keep yourself out of sight, away from windows and take adequate cover, i.e. behind concrete walls, under desks, etc.

Voices unfamiliar to you may be an active shooter attempting to lure you out in the open. Do not respond to such communications.

Wait until a Law Enforcement Officer, Campus Security or other Campus Official “known to you” tells you that all is clear and will use the CU alert system as well for this.

If evacuation is NOT possible and an active shooter enters your room, you should:

Try to remain calm and keep others calm as well.

Try not to do ANYTHING that might provoke an active shooter.

ONLY as a last resort, when there is NO possibility of hiding safely or escaping the area AND if you fear that your life is in imminent danger, should YOU MAKE A PERSONAL CHOICE to attempt to negotiate with or overpower the individual(s).

There have been particular circumstances where this behavior has proven successful, BUT REMEMBER, this is a personal choice depending on your circumstances.

IF you choose to attempt this, Homeland Security recommends the following:

Act as aggressively as possible with against individual.

Throw items and improvise weapons.

Yelling and fully committing to your actions.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT – Remember that these three actions may save your life and the life of others.

Following the event, once the area is secure and the threat of danger is resolved, Law Enforcement, Campus Security and Campus Officials will move as rapidly as possible to move you to a safe area. There may also be text alerts or a campus broadcast to notify you that the event is ended.

Remember, events of this type happen quickly and many times without notice or warning. Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of buildings close to you to provide shelter or a safe haven if escape from the area is not possible. Think, try not to panic. Make the best possible decisions based on YOUR particular circumstances.

If you are ever aware of a student or anything behaving in a manner that reflects possible violent behavior or posting things of this nature on social media, PLEASE make Campus Security or the Dean of Students aware.

Campus Security– 615-476-3061           Dean of Students – 615-547-1387

Unauthorized possession, use, consumption, transportation, or distribution of drugs and alcohol BY ANY STUDENT on University property or at off-campus, University-sanctioned functions is strictly prohibited. No student shall be in an intoxicated condition at any time on campus, as made evident by boisterousness, rowdiness, obscene or indecent conduct or appearance, or by vulgar, profane, lewd, or unbecoming language. Violation of this policy will result in student misconduct sanctions and/or may result in arrest by an appropriate law enforcement agency.

Firearms and other weapons including, but not limited to, tasers, air soft guns, bows, BB or pellet guns, blowguns, martial arts weapons, paintball guns, etc., are strictly prohibited in all university residence halls and on the Cumberland University Campus. These items will be confiscated. Possession of such items will result in disciplinary action and may result in removal from campus housing. Possession of such items may result in arrest. Only duly appointed law efforcenment officers in uniform or with badge displayed can carry a weapon on Cumberland University’s property.

Students are permitted to carry pepper spray for protection in emergency situations.