August 30, 2019
Dear Spelman Community,
The Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. As the Spelman community prepares to enjoy the holiday, I write with the latest updates on recent events and additional security briefings.
Before I share the security updates, I am pleased to report that the four students who were shot — two enrolled at Spelman and two who attend Clark Atlanta University — are all recovering.
This week, the College finalized the following new policies and protocols for our emergency communication process. In the event that a crisis occurs on or near our Atlanta University Center campuses:
1. All faculty, staff, students and parents enrolled in Spelman Alert will receive timely
notifications via text, email and voice message that include a brief description of the situation and any immediate instructions that should be taken.
2. Parents who wish to receive alerts must sign-up to do so. If you are not already part of the Spelman Alert notification system, please follow this link -
Spelman ALERT - to opt in.
3. Spelman will make use of frequent updates and instructions via Spelman Alert until we judge that any threat is no longer imminent.
4. After initial alerts are sent, timely emails with more details will be sent to the Spelman community.
Again, to ensure that you receive emergency communications, please sign up for
Spelman ALERT. If necessary, you can also update your contact information if it has changed.
Discussions are continuing with our Atlanta University Center Consortium partners about long term solutions, including a written agreement between the AUC and the Atlanta Police Department for increased security throughout the AUC, especially, the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. While those solutions are being developed, we are identifying alternative locations on and near campus where students can study if they choose not to visit the library. Those will be circulated next week.
We are continuing to cooperate with the Atlanta Police Department as they investigate last week's shooting. They encourage
anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 if you have any details regarding the incident. Your call and the information you provide will remain anonymous.
As you enjoy Labor Day festivities around the AUC and beyond, we encourage you to use caution and be aware of the level of security at off-campus events, should you and your friends decide to attend.
Have a great weekend,