January 24, 2023 - Update on Today’s Threat to Campus

To: Campus Community
From: President Gayle Hutchinson

Thank you for your cooperation during today’s brief lockdown as the University worked to understand a potential immediate threat. When Chico Police Department notified University Police Department this afternoon of a reported person with a gun at Chico High School and called for a lockdown of all nearby schools and residences, we responded immediately out of an abundance of caution. Thankfully, within minutes, Chico Police Department was able to determine the threat was unfounded, and we lifted the lockdown as quickly as possible.

Still, our lockdown was upsetting and alarming to many people, especially with two instances of mass gun violence in our state this week. For those who need support resources, students should contact WellCat Counseling Center, which has 24/7 counseling available by calling 530-898-6345. Employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program.

This is the first time in recent memory a lockdown has been issued for our campus. We want to use the opportunity to remind campus what to do during such situations, as well as when a shelter-in-place order is issued.

A directive to shelter in place is warranted when a portion of or all of campus is threatened by the potential of a hostile and/or armed intruder(s). This may include when the threat is in the vicinity of campus, the threat is near a specific building, in the area of several buildings, or is occurring inside of a building. In such situations:

• All campus community members should shelter in place. Do not open doors, windows, or come out until you are notified by campus officials of an “all clear.”
• Those outside should seek indoor shelter immediately.
• If outside, take cover immediately. If safe to do so, go into the nearest building. (Note: Residence Halls are locked 24/7. Only students and authorized staff have card access).
• If you have just arrived at campus, stay in your vehicle and consider leaving campus or driving to a safer location.

Depending on the potential threat level, a lockdown may be issued instead. In a lockdown, all of the above steps should be taken, and the University will remotely lock all campus exterior doors as an added safety measure.

I appreciate the seriousness and speed with which Chico Police Department responded to this potential threat and the caution they demonstrated in issuing lockdown orders. Together, with University Police Department, we encourage the campus to familiarize themselves with the University’s Emergency Response Guide (PDF). The University Police Active Shooter Training is also another important resource to know.

Again, this was deeply upsetting to many. Please reach out to your colleagues and peers to check in, and seek support services if you need them. Campus safety will always be our highest priority, and we will continue to use these moments to improve our knowledge and practices.