In the past year, there have been over 350 mass shootings in the U.S., one of them being the Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado Springs on Nov. 27.
“There have been so many shootings, but this was close to home, so that was hard,” said Colorado College first-year Emily Carlson.
International student Julian Hammann commented on how she felt the day of the shooting. “I didn’t really feel safe on campus and was really irritated by the mail that said we were out of danger.,” she said. “How could we not be in danger when the shooter was 15 minutes away?”
A certain level of distress has affected some of the students on campus.
“The Counseling Center has responded to a number of urgent requests for counseling,” said CC’s Counseling Center Director Bill Dove.
Up to six counseling sessions, free of charge, are available for students to take advantage of—an opportunity that many undergrads never utilize throughout their careers at CC. You are encouraged to go to the Counseling Center, located in Boettcher Health Center, if you are feeling uncomfortable in light of the recent local event.
In addition, Dove tells us that there have been a few discussions and gatherings on campus in support of the victims of the Planned Parenthood shooting, and there have been a number of similar events hosted around town.
Actions taken at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs have been even more significant, as they lost one of their community members, Officer Garrett Swasey, who entered the Planned Parenthood crime scene that Friday morning to help fellow policemen and was subsequently killed in the gunman’s attack.
UCCS’s Health Services Department has sent out an email entailing a list of resources available to students, faculty, and staff, should they need to talk to anyone.
UCCS has also reached out directly to the student Resident Assistants, providing specific times for each of them to speak with counselors, as they worked closely with Officer Swasey.
“We will continue our efforts of support for all students moving forward and will continue to offer special outreach events on campus as the need arises,” said UCCS’ Executive Director of Health Services.
Students haven’t noticed a significant change in security levels on the Colorado College campus since the event, but for the most part, claim that they still feel safe.
“I trust our Campus Safety, but of course tragic events like this are scary when it is so close to where you live,” said Carlson.
The shooter is being taken to court this week, and for the time being, all students are advised to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior or strangers that they see.
Colorado College Health and Safety Resources
Colorado College offers a wide variety of professional Wellness Resources accessible to students, staff, and faculty alike. The first six counseling sessions at the Counseling Center are free. All resources on campus offer confidential services to students in need.
Campus Safety
• Non-emergency: 719-389-6707
• Emergency: 719-389-6911
• CSPD Non-emergency: 719-444-7000
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
• 219 Worner Campus Center
• Office: 719-227-8101
• On-Call/After Hours: 719-601-0960
Counseling Center
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays
• Office: 719-389-6093
• On-Call/After Hours: 719-389-6707, ask for Counselor-on-call
CSHP at Boettcher Health Care Center
• Appointments: 719-389-6384
• After Hours, Non-Emergency: 719-636-2999
Chaplain’s Office
• Bruce Coriell, Chaplain: 719-389-6638
• Kate Holbrook, Chaplain: 719-389-7986
Wellness Resource Center
• Heather Horton: hhorton@cc.edu