Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
The fund has paid for expenses incurred to date such as travel. funeral, groceries,
medical, and memorial (eg obituaries) expenses.
For all:
r Full time family advocates to assist
MESSAGE:
"The families of victims and the injured remain our highest priority. Our family liaisons
are in almost daily contact. We share some of the frustrations."
The university has never actively solicited filnds. It was set up to respond to thousands of
requests from concemed individuals who wished to contribute to help the healing
process. The projected use of firnds was clearly articulated. It said the furds will be used
for assistance to victims and their families, grief counseling, memorials, and comfort
expenses.
The university has NEVER solicited funds in the names of the victims.
The wriversity produced memorial publications and a website to honor the victims. All
the information and the images were cleared with each family through the liaisons and
the dean of student's office.
The fund is HIGHLY accountable. We have been in daily contact with one of the
premier accounting firms, KPMG, and with the IRS to advise us on how the funds can be
disbursed.
;.
"We fully appreciate the stress and frustration among the families and many of us share
those frustrations. We are working hard to ensure that HSMF is available but also that
the families have access to other resources such as Virginia Victims Crime Fund.
Talking Points forthe 10 a.m. press briefing
d. These kinds of reports are not uncommon in the wake of what has
taken place in the past 48 hours on the Virginia Tech
campus...which is one reason why we are maintaining high police
visibility throughout the university.
2. Contact the Virginia Tech Police has had with the Norris Hall gunman,
CHO Seung-Hui (SOONG-WHE).
a. Potentialstalking
i. Once his identification was confirmed, records were
reviewed and it was determined that there was contact with
Cho in the fall of 2005.
ii. ln November, Cho had made contact through phone calls
and ih person with a female student. There was never any
direct threat made to the student. The student notified
Virginia Tech Police Department and officers responded.
The student declined to press charges and referred to Cho's
contact as "annoying."
iii. However, the investigating officer referred Cho to the
University disciplinary system, which is the Office of Judicial
Affairs. The outcome of that referral is handled within the
university and outside the scope of the police department.
iv. In December, Cho instant messaged a second female
student. Again, no threat was made against that student'
She made a complaint to Virginia Tech Police and asked
that Cho have no further contact with her. Officers followed
up the next morning and spoke with Cho concerning this
matter.
b. Mental Health Concems for Cho
i. Laterthat day police received a callfrom an acquaintance of
Cho's who was concerned that Cho might have been
suicidal. Officers again met with Cho and talked with him at
length.
ii. Out of concern for Cho, officers asked him to speak to a
counselor. He went voluntarily to the police department.
iii. Based on that interaction with the counselor, a temporary
detention order was obtained and Cho was taken to a mental
health facility.
d. Other incidents
i.Since those contacts in December of 2005...more than a
year ago...we are not aware of any additional incidents or
,repofts made to the Virginia Tech Police Department for
Cho.
Panel Report Briefing by Larry Roberts
1. Summaryofkeyfindings
3. Time line of events back to 1984 birth, year to year, month to month, and minute by minute
4. Mental health issue of Cho - health history and discussion of Virginia mental health laws
Findings a nd conclusions:
The Governor is going to accept this report tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. and they want the main focus on the
Governor making the presentation.
University officiais oi jucjicial affairs, campus police, Cooks counsgling, a1d student aff,airs di{
noi cqmmunicate to Cho's parents citing FERPA. In fact, law does permit information sharing.
ianel's view that laws don't need'to be read as resirictively as they have been on coilege
cdrllpuSPS;
zi. cook counseiin!''ienter and trie ie;;T;iEd to'riiciliileii'iiii6if6d snijFoittd Ch'ffi fEin iiiii!'a';ii
spring 2006. System failed for lack of resources and incorrect interpretation of privacy laws,
passivity, rggQrcis of Cho are missing at counseling center
5. Commonwealth's mental health laws are flawed and services are inadequate. Involuntary
commitment process challenged. Gaps in mental health system relative to short-term
stabilization and comprehensive outpatient services. Barriers to open information between key
professionals. lack of critical psychiatric data. short interview sessions don't reach out to
roommates or campus police to gain information about the person
5. Widespread confusion about what privacy laws allow at federaland state levels. Federal laws
governing health care records in an educational setting are confusing.
7. Gun purchases- Cho purchased two guns in violation of federal law and his treatment had made
him ineligible to purchase gun under federal law.
9. Some VA colleges and University are uncertain as to what to do about guns on Campus. VT has
one of the most strict policies (viewed favorably by Panel).
10. On 4/16 the W and Blacksburg police and rescue squads responded quickly and were well
coordinated.
Sroup noflry campu
13. Senior university administrators faiied to notify campus of the West AJ shootings - may have
co nflicted with written procedures.
1A The presence of large number of police at West AJ led to a fast response to the 911 call at Norris
15. Cho's motives of the shootings are unknown and the video and writings do not indicate motive.
16. The police response at Norris Hall was fast and so were the triage units. There could have been
better care some of the people hiding in closets, who were frightened by police actions of force
t7. Emergency medical care was provided timely onsite and off. An Emergency Communications
Center at W could have improved communication.
18. Chief medical examiner properly responded but communication to family not handled
19. Stateresources...
20. Universid esiablished a famiiy assistance center at the Inn but feii short. iack of leadership and'
onsite coordinators. Lack of service providers. University volunteers stepped in but could not
luide famiiies
There were 70 recommendations to follow, but they are not discussed here.
6:00 am tomorrow the report will be made available on web through back channel.
Will be posted on
website at 8 am to the
the review panel website at 11 and there will be information on the Governo/s
public.
Larry Hlnkcer indicated that V| will remain silent until 2:30 and then wlll respond in a press
conference format.
Chapter 2:
Recommendations:
should do a risii anaiysis and tirreat assessment and choose appropriaie aciion.
2. Tech shouid update emertency response plan - bring into compliance with federal and state
laws.
3. Tech and other institutions should have an emergency threat assessment team. Should be
empowered to investigate and obtain additional information if necessary
5. University and colleges must comply with the Cleary Act. 'Timely notification" not defined.
7. Emergency messages should be sent immediately and have clear information - greater sharing
of detail about what took place so individuals can decide how to respond. Some discussion of
interplay between Morva and April 16'
Campus Police and administration officials should have ability to send emergency message
9. The head of campus police should be a part of threat assessment team and emergency response
team,
12. Mission statement of campus polices should give primacy to law enforcement and crime
prevention.
10. University to report all temporary detention orders to threat assessment team, counseling
center, Parents.
1.2. State should study what level of outpatient services needed and costs'
Time constraints -VA standards for involuntary commitment concern that the code does not lack of
commitment between St. Albans and Cook.
Recommendations:
2I Virginia health records should give a safe harbor-protect mental health providers when
disclosing information in good faith.
22 Health records privacy should be amended to provide full authorization to share information in
involuntary commitment Process.
25 Clerk of court should immediately send commitment info to federal criminal records exchange
Key find
Participation of parents, court systems, groupeffortis need. Lacks of understanding about law,
laws do need amending and clarification.
Recommendations:
2. Privacy laws should have safe harbor for good faith disclosure
3. Amend to explain application to medical records and explicit exception for treatment
FERPA
recom mendations.
5. Schools should ensure that Law enforcement and medical staff are designated as school
officials w an interest in school records.
7. National of Higher Education Association should develop best practice protocols for
information sharing
Gun ourchase:
Key findings:
;.8-" ..
to purchase two guns with mental health history, Confusion on college campuses as to
Cho was able
what rights they have in setting policies.
back ground
1. All states should report specified mental health information to data base for use in
checks for gun Purchases.
4. Existing attorney general's opinion regarding gun bans on campus should be clarified
5. General assembly in 2008 - adopt legislation to enable colleges and universities to regulate guns
if so desired.
Chapter 7
Double murder at West AJ. Decision not to cancel classes or lock down and the impact of lock down or
close down.
Police departments responded and carried out in professional manner, but lead was not accurate. Police
did not have ability to use alert system. University administration failed to notify in timely manner.
Recommendations:
1. Police should resist focusing on a single theory and leave to decision makers
whaf they shoutd do (e.g.,
Chaoter 8
What Cho did, barricading, shootings, 91-1, continued shootings, police response, university
messages, other actions on 2 and 3 floors, action on first floor and the toll.
Overall the police from Tech and others responded quickly and cleared Norris Hall. Joint training
of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Police helped save lives.
cif'.lbt:rait io;'iWil teum'to to use iilst respon{ers (as wts done:in trris
a'ssemble; need
instance). Sound of shotgun blast by police probably caused Cho to take own life. Cho had half
Police did great job in assisting wounded. Several faculty members died heroically saving
students while some students jumped out of windows.
Recom mendations:
1. Campus police everywhere should train with local police on shooting incidents
2. Dispatchers should be cautious giving advice by phone. Without knowing situation, cannot
dictate appropriate action
AJ, Norris Hall, EMF, Triage, Treatment following triage, treatment, transportation of deceased, hospital
response, critical incident stress management.
Emergency management the need for coordination, the need for a unified command center. Lack of
interoperability of radios.
Key findings:
Positives: EMF occurred in timely manner, a number of life saving events, managed in a safe manner,
local hospitals were ready, all patients who were alive at Norris Hall survived. EMF response was overall
excellent many lives were saved.
Areas for improvement: 4 minute delay in real life system on police radio and dispatch, stop duplication
of efforts, lack of radios, inappropriate means of transporting deceased, failure to open command post.
Recom mendations:
4. Emergency Op center
7. Triage tags
8. Hospital lists
Positives: Medical examiner disaster plan as designed. Completed mandated tasks. Forensics
services good. Performed duties well under stressful event.
Public information poor and did not bring in outside help. Process of notify families was
ineffective and not handled well--insensitive. Should have brought in outside help. Inadequate
training of PlOs gave stress to families. No one in charge of families who was trained.
Recom mendations:
7. Drills
Meetings visits and other communications with families, ceremonies, and memorial events,
communication with medical office.
Findings:
Time is critical in putting effective response. Meeting with family members need to communicate with
quickly. Grief of the loss, and wounded spirit. Post traumatic stress for survivors and first responders.
Family members have unique situations--co nfusion and frustration on communication.
Recom mendations:
L, Emergency management plans include victims services to address homicide or other disaster in
overall Plan, effect on survivors
2. University and colleges should ensure adequate plans for joint info center with PIO during major
events on campus
3. When the family assistance center is created, victim advocates should be called immediately to
assist families
5. Short- and long-term counseling available to first responders, staff, students, faculty, university
leaders.
Law enforcement agencies should ensure have a victims services section to respond to victims
of crime within department
10. Universities should create victim assistance capability either in-house or in community to assure
victims are made aware of rights
DMFr 8/30i07
lulaza ?d d,a- 9D
Q&A ,PP-/>4 /eza 7
Overall
3. Do you agrce tlrat the actions of polie and the unlverclty may have mst lives?
The reporfs language about what"mighf'have happened under othercircumstances accurately reflecG the
fact that hindsight requires a great deal of speculation. The report acknowledges that police followed standard
protools for a homicide investigation and securing the campus on the morning when the first two shootings
were discovered. While it wouldn't be appropriate to go into all of the details, the situation at AJ had all the
hallma*s of a domestic violene event. I am not aware of anything they learned that would have indicated a
mass murder was imminent. Indeed, the report notes that there was no similar event in U.S. history.
The approach to alerting the campus was based on a reasoned judgment about the best interests of public
safety. Nobody can say what would have happened if a different decision had been made - and indeed the
outcome could have been even worse. As the panel recognized, there is no plausible scenario in which actions
by the university could have prevented this horror once it began.
'a
5. Do you agree with the panel's conclusion that W missed number of warning signs? Did he fall
through the crad<s?
There were signs that Cho was troubled, even suicidal, and those signs were identified, communicated and
acted upon by our system. A number of steps were taken, and he did receive treatment. The key is that
there was no indication that Cho was homicidal or a threat to others. Cho successfully concealed that from the
people who were trying to help him, and we had no access to the treatment records from his high school years
that would have brought it to light. We agree with the repoft that there is a larger systemic issue here at the
state level that the legal and legislative system has to come to grips with and resolve.
6. What about the paper that Cho wrote, about a student shooting up a school? That clearly
telegraphed his inten$ didn't it?
Cho wrote a number of disturbing pieces with various themes. They were flagged by faculty and that's part of
what led to some of the steps that were taken to try to help him - but as clear as it seems to be in hindsight,
disturbing or violent writings typically don't lead to a conclusion that the wrlter is homicidal.
ffi*k't"ffi{'2"'-
Expectations have changed. We will be more rigorous in interdepartmental exchange of information regarding
students at risk, And, communicaung imminent danger to the university community is paramount. We have
already invested in communications technologies and protocols and likely wlll add more communications
vehicles. We believe the o<pectation will be for near-instantaneous communicaUon with the community,
despite some justifiable @ncern over the potential to communicate incomplete or premature information. That
said, W as an instihrtion has not changed - and if anything is stronger for the tragedy that brought this
community together.
11. At his press confelence tlre Governor said that if some of the prcblems at VT hadn't existed, the
tragedy might have been averted. Do you disagree with that?
I think the report is very clear that Cho was an intensely troubled person who was intent on committing
murder, who had suffered frcm serious mental illness his entire life, and who had concealed his homicidal
intentions. It is incumbent on us to learn from this and to do whatever we can to keep such a horrific act from
happening on another crmpus, but I don't believe the evidence tells us that different actions would have
avoided a tragic outcome.
12. Do you agree tfiatVT's ultra-sHct interpretation of FERPA contributed to the lack of ability to
manage his situation?
Inconsistency in interpretation and understanding of privaey laws is an issue at Virginia Tech as it is around
the country. In our own internal review we discuss the need for better training of our faculty on privacy laws,
At the same time, it would be a mistake to conclude that this situation led or contributed to the tragic outcome
in the Cho case; the facts don't support that.
13. Did Ws misinterpretation of these laws keep Cho's parcnts from being informed that he had
been admitted to a psychiatric hospital?
That would have been the responsibility of the hospital rather than Virginia Tech - but also understand that
Cho was 21 years old at the time and legally an adult. We support the report's call for a re-examination of
privacy law to better balance privacy and public safety/welfare.
14. The repoft criticizes VT for "sugarcoating" its communications to the campus even after the full
scope of the tragedy was clear, possibly to avoid panic. Should you have sent stronger language
at that pointn especially since there could have been a second shooter?
We had every intent of being stnightforward in those communications and I think they were quite strongly
worded. The email in question stated that there had been a multiple shooting with multiple victims, that police
were searching for a second shooter, that everyone was required to stay inside until further notice and that
.Tames A. Hyatt
Executive Vice President &Chief
Operating Officer
August 22,2007
PROCESS
.TheGroupwaschargedwithexamininotheuniversity'sexistingsecurity
' university's
systems and recomm-ending changes ttiat would
enhance the
abilitytorespondquicklyandeff.ectivelyinsituationswherethesafetyof
the campus community is jeopardized'
decrease the
r The Group was also directed to identify strategies th"t i'glL
consider not only
probability of such situations occuning anO to .
the behavior of individuals with
technologicar ,rp".t" oiina i""u", but alsj
regard to camPus securitY'
in turn aPPointed the
. I was aPPointed as Chairman of the Group and t
following core members'
for Information Technology
) Earving L. Blythe, Vice Presidentof campus
F Wendell R. Flinchurn,birector
- security and chief of Police
'Vice
F Lawrence G. Hin;il;;, Associate President for University
Relaiions
> .fa*"s V. McCoy, Capital ProjectCounsel
Manager
served as an advisor to the
F Kay K. Heidbreder,-Uniu"oiiy
Group'erorp
> ih" was staffed by Heidi McCoy' Director of Administrative
Operations and Assistant tothe Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer'
.lnaddition,theGroupanditsadvisorsconductedsitevisiistotwomajor
two private sector.corporations
research universities and the campuses of
tne'irivJrsiiv,s-i"futitv infrastructure with other
national
to benchmarr<
leaders.
. While the commissions and panels established by President Bush and
Govemor Kaine r.,ere formed to consider security issues from a State and
National policy perspective, this Group's focus was to exarnine security
issues frcm the perspec'tive of a large research university.
I The Group also looked at how to address emergency situations that might
arise in the future.
It is important to note that in order to meet the August 17, 2007 report
deadline to the President, the group focused its analysis on the main
Blacksburg campus.
. Mutual aid agreements with local, regional and state law enforcement
agencies and rescue squads enable the campus to respond in a prompt
and coordinated manner to emergency situations.
o ln response to the events of April 16, 2007 over 30 police and law
: enforcement agencies and 20 rescue units came to the aide of our
campus police and rescue squad.
- r Ongoing joint training exercises with other law enforcement and
emergency units allow the campus to prepare for possible emergencies.
The campus benefits from the engagement of the president and key
campus administrators in addressing campus emergencies (e'g. Policy
Committee).
' ln the event of an emergency the campus benefits from the strong support
of faculty, staff and students and the surrounding community.
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
COMMUNICATION
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
' Preparing for potential emergencies by increasing the use of annual table
top' or simulation exercises by key campus units'(e-9. police, rescue
squad, physical plant, building coordinators, etc). Where appropriate these
exercises should involve faculty, students and staff as well as law
enforcement and public safety units from surrounding jurisdictions.
PROTOCOLS
' Enhancing security protocols that will explicitly highlight what to do in the
event of an emergency. This will include posted signs in all classrooms
and student services facilities, as well as inclusion of such material as part
of new employee and student orientations.
' Creating a security master plan for the campus and establishing a campus
security planning committee.
IMPLEMENTATION
FINAL WORDS
Q&A
Overall
Z. These repofts seem yety carcfully woded to avoid blaming anyone or anything. Isn't
there a need to idendfy things that truly went wrong and to hold the appropriate people
accountable?
The purpose of these reviews was [insert language]. The reviews can't change what happened, but
they can draw leamings from the tragedy and propose steps to make Virginia Tech better and
stronger. I think these documents are o<tremely thoughtful and helpful, and the university will
ultimately be better for them'
3. Did \/f make mistakes? Wha! if anythlng, should you have done dlfferently?
The actions taken on the day of the event were based on what all of those involved felt were best
practices and appropriate response at the time. Even law enforcement expefts caution about the
iimitations of hindsight. It is fair to say that ocpectations for campus security and communication
witl now be different in wake of this tragedy, not only for us but for the entire higher education
community. [And there will be lower thresholds and tolerances for certain behaviors which we
believe we've addressed in some of these reports.] At the same time, the review has shown us a
community of people who acted responsibly and appropriately in light of what was known. The
evidence does not suggest that different actions would have avoided this tragic outcome'
(adding interior door locks, changing door mechanisms for octernal doors) and the new state'of-the-
art WAlerBsy*em that we were already pursuing before 4/16. We will be considering others based
on a variety of factors. Remember, every measure has a tradeoff of some type - cost,
inconvenience and so-on - so ifs impoftant to look at each on its own merits.
2. Would you say that if some of the changes proposed in this report had been in place on
4/16, lives may have been saved?
We knew we couldn't have that kind of crystal ball. Even law-enforcement experts warn against the
limitations of hindsight. Our goal in these reviews was to look at what was in place and actions that
were taken, learn from it and recommend any steps we felt would be prudent moving forward.
s. The repoft noEs that on 4lL6 the school was in the midst of hiring a Directorof
Emergencry Management Do you think it would have made a differcnce had that peron
been in place?
No, I don't think so. This is an important position, though, and will be a focal point for the various
changes in procedures and infrastructure as they are made.
The repoft recommends charging students a "life and safety fee" to pay for security
measures. Do other schools do that? Don'tyou think parcnts and students assume "life
and safety" are paft of the basics that come with their tuition?
We're not aware this specific approach at other schools, but it was proposed as a solution that
particularly fits the situation in Mrginia and here at W. Under state law ceftain costs must be
recouped through earmarked fues - bus service, sports, etc. - separate from tuition. The idea is
that the proposed fee would assure a revenue stream for a crucial area of need, and I would hope
studeng and their parents would find that reassuring.
q The report strongly urges better emergency preparcdness and training, noting that the
school;s emergency plan didn't include this type of situation. Why wasn't that plan fixed
afterthe Morua incident?
First let me assure you that we did make changes after the Morua incident in terms of our policies
and procedures for dealing with this type of situation. As for the revieu/s recommendations
regarding the emergency response plan, we will certainly be considering those. Keep in mind that
tha W emergency response plan doesn'tjust address specific scenarios; it lays out an overall
structrre and process for managing a wide range of emergencies. The review noted that this
structure and process worked well during the Cho incident. It also notes that our police force
actively train for this type of shooting situation, so they were well prepared for it.
One of the appendices to the repoft is Ws Campus & Workplace Violence Prevention
policy. It clearly states that'any individual who believes there is an immediate danger
to the health or safety of any members of the university community should call the W
police at 911." Clearly the faculty member who found Cho's note did not do that. Will
action be taken against that person?
TBD + '''r,au' f # d''4 3
AL,,\r""4 4*E'
<''- u
7. Why don't any of these reports address the 2-hour gap in alefting the campus to the AJ
shootings?
I think they do. The reviews [and the after-action repofts] include a close look at the decisions that
were made surrounding the response to both the AJ and Norris situations. I expect Governor
Kaine's panel will have some additional perspecfive and we welcome that, What we're seeing is a
collection of reasoned and appropriate decisions made on the basis of the best available knowledge
at the time. Moving forward and engaging our new WAlerB st1*ern, our security committee and
Police department are working together
-It to determine the procedures that will be used to aleft the.
6aenrpus in a variety of scenarlos. seems clear the expectaUon is now for near-instantaneous -l
some justifiable concem over the potential to communicate incomnlete or
I
b"rmrua;;*rffiBi,:
8. Isn't it possible that an earlier aleft to the campus would have saved llves?
We knew we couldn't havelhat kind of crystal bell, Even law-enforcement experb warn against the
-llfriiiffis of hindrfht. Alertlng a campus, for e---xample, can create other issues of concern, so you
can't simply draw a cause-effect relationship. After the police anived on the scene at AJ it took only
about an hour for them to apprehend the most likely person of interest, and it was only another 30-
40 minutes before it became apparent that person may not have been involved and an alert was
needed. Our goal in these reviews was to look at what was in place and actions that were taken,
learn from it and recommend any steps we felt would be prudent moving forward. Ifs fair to say
that expectations have changed as a result of the tragedy, and instantaneous communication is
going to be a given.
9. Why don't any of these rcpofts address the issue of the faculty member who found Cho's
note but didn't rePort it?
TBD
t. How much of an issue was the lack of interoperability among first responderc? What
impact did it have?
We have no indication that it had any tangible impact on emergency response. But it is a concern
overall (as it has been in 9/11 and in other situations around the country involving cooperative
effofts among first responders) and as the review notes, it would be prudent to address it'
The report notes that cell phone circuits and land lines werc jammed during the initial
response and calls were blocked. What impact did that have on emelgency response?
We have no indication that it had any tangible impact on emergency response. But it is a concern
and as the review notes, it would be prudent to address it.
lnterface'nternal Co--s
1. You seem to be conceding that some of your people wer€ too strictly interprcting FERPA
and/or HIPAA Is that accurate? What impact did that have on Cho's case specifically?
Did it prevent actions that would have made a difference?
The review clearly demonstrated some confusion among faculty about the application of privacy laws
regarding patient records. And in fact, the IG's repoft refers to a survey of psychiatric professionals
qr:l:;,:t
generally that showed the same issue, so clearly it is not confined to us; these are complex laws
open to various legal interpretations. We need to address that in terms of our own faculty and we
will. At the same time, it would be a mistake to conclude that this situation led or contributed to the
tragic outcome in the Cho case; the facts don't support that.
Did \rrt misinterpretation of these laws keep Cho's parcnts from being Informed that he
had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital?
ffBD - C. Flynnl The individuals who made those decisions at Virginia Tech followed the law with
regard to Cho, who was 21 years old at the time.
The repot seems b support some of your critics'claims that VT let Cho through the
cracks. Would you agnee with that?
No. lThafs a very simplistic assessment of what is a much more complex story'] He was an
*FeheV troubled young man who needed help, and he got that help. Somehow, during and after
that counseling he continued to hide his homicidal urges. It is true that, as recommended in the
review, we at W must be more rigorous in interdepartmental exchange of information regarding
students at risk. As the review indicated, "silos" are an issue throughout academia and we need to
show leadership in addressing it. At the same time, it would be a mistake to conclude that this
situation led or contributed to the tragic outcome in the Cho case; the facts don't support that.
4. The repoft talks about'information silos" preventing a full picture of Cho's satuataon to
emerge. If that hadn't been the case, might this tragedy have been plevented?
Clearly we must be more rigorous in interdepartmental o<change of information regarding students
at risk. As the review indicated, "silos" are an issue throughout academia and we need to show
leadership in addressing it. At the same time, it would be a mistake to conclude that this situation
led or contributed to the tragic outcome in the Cho case; the facb don't suppoft that.
The repoft says that the information about Cho that was plesented to the specialjustice
at the commitment hearing was incomplete. Why was that?
TBD?
6. Itis not clear whether or not Cho received follow-up treatment after the judge's
evaluation; the IG report says Cho did request an appointment but that's where it leaves
off, Was he trcated and if so, what were the findings? -
FBD-c. Flynnl Z/*: .*A7r*2*.2 T a4q /Lr+
7. The report quotes the IG repoft as saying Ws system may be insufficient for handling
high-risk students who need serious mental heatth seruices. Do you agree with that and'
if so, can you fix it?
W counseling center is no different from [the vast majority of college and university counseling
centersl in that it is not intended to be the kind of frcility that can handle severely-mentally ill
people, just as our health clinic, for o<ample, is not equipped to treat cancer or other serious
diseases. We want to be the best facility possible for the level of treatment that is appropriate to
provide our students, and we want to improve our intemal interface to be sure we are aware of
studenb with more serious problems so we see that they are treated at a facility designed to serue
their more acute needs.
\W fZ.t4t-^
Comments Charles W. Steger
August 22,2007
Good afternoon and thank you for coming. As you know, it's been a bittersweet week for
us at Virginia Tech: First, the very moving dedication of a memorial, which will forever
remind us of our profound loss and of the 32 souls who will always be a part of this
university... In the midst of that, a frightening off-campus incident that sent more than 20
ofour students to hospitals - although I'm happy and relieved to say no lives were lost
[need to update].
But at the same time, we've seen the retum of ow students to campus, and all Of the
enthusiasm, joy, and promise that comes with each new school year. I challenge anyone
to spend a day on this campus and not come out an optimist -
The reports that we have released today are also grounds for optimism - because they
reconfirm the abiiity of this institution to examine itself, to leam and to evolve.
As you may recall, after April l6 I called for the creation of two different, but concurrent
review processes.
One is an external review - essentially an investigative analysis ofthe hagedy from its
genesis to its management and response. From the beginning, I felt this needed to be
done by an objective, outside panel, backed by significant resources and expertise. I was
very pleased that Govemor Kaine was of the same mind, and we look forward to seeing
the results of his independent Virginia Tech Review Panel in the coming week.
The other review is internal in structure and focus. This review is not intended to be an
investigation or a forensic analysis, but rather a close look at the university's existing
policies, processes, systems and resources through the new prism ofthe 4/16 tragedy.
In fact, many colleges and universities around the country are commencing similar
intemal reviews, a recognition ttrat ttris type of senseless tragedy can happen anylvhere.
But it didn't happen just anywhere, and it is certainly incumbent on us to extract any
lessons that could make Virginia Tech stronger, safer, better equipped to fulfill our
mission
We established three committees to undertake our review, and today you will hear brief
presentations by each of the three committee chairs. As you've seen, the reports and their
appendices are rather voluminous, so we felt these presentations would be helpful in
distilling the findings. I thank all tlree of the committee chairs for their diligence and
Ieadership.
- Jim Hyatt, executive vice president and chiefoperating officer, led the review
committee looking at campus security;
- Erv Blyttre, vice president for information technology, led the committee on
communications infrastructure;
- Jerry Niles former dean of the college of liberal arts and human sciences, led the
committee reviewing the interface and exchange of information across
departments, including the intersections between the academic enterprise,
counseling, our disciplinary system, the legal system, and the police.
have also provided the report to the Govemor's panel this week, although I would
'We
add that virtually all ofthe information contained in them had already been discussed
with the panel during the course of its review.
The reports you received today are the same documents that were transmitted to me by
the committee heads, but with some very limited redactions. These include proprietary
business information that was given to us by vendors, and a few redactions that were
necessary for safety and security reasons. For example, it would be inesponsible for us
to publicly discuss the locations of critical communications infrastructure, or operation
and placement of certain security systems.
The redactions are indicated by X's, so it will be very clear to you where they occur. Let
me emphasize that none of the redacted language had any significant impact on the
findings or recommendations that are made in these reports.
Before our committee chairs make their presentatronr, t", *" take the liberfy of making
some overall observations.
There is little doubt that 16 has changed public expectations of the entire higher
April
education community. The adjusnnents in procedures, policies and resouces that are
proposed in these reports reflect Virginia Tech's commitment to meet those expectations.
The recommendations for change can be divided into t}ree primary categories that
conespond to the three review areas:
The first part might be called physical secwity -- changes in facilities and procedures that
are designed to protect the physical safety of everyone in our campus community.
For example, we have all heard about the concept of"lockdown" - the suggestion that a
campus can be buttoned up instantaneously in an emergency. Our review-reflects the
consensus of law-enforcement experts such as the Virginia Association of Campus Law
Enforcement Administrators that such a "lockdown" is simply not feasible on a campus
the size of a small city. However, it is certainly feasible to secure or "harden" individual
buildings and other facilities, and the review addresses that approach.
The second part relates to improving emergency communications - the ffiastructure that
facilitates communication into and out of the campus, directly to students and faculty,
and among emergency responders. For example, the new WAlerts system, which was
already being developed before April 16, is now firlly operational.
You will also hear discussion of a new, state-of-the-art "information architecture" that
has great promise if implemented in coming years, This type of integrated, internet-
protocol system was envisioned initially as a way to enhance the learning environment,
but in fact it can enhance campus security as well.
Of course, these communication tools must be coupled with protocols that guide their
use, while allowing enough flexibility to respond to each situation. The experts remind
us that each emergency is unique and careful judgment must be applied in determining
when and how campus alerts are issued.
The third category involves the flow of information across departments with regard to
students. Simply put, we must have a more coordinated system for managing the needs
of students at risk. This includes betGr interdepartmental communication and more
consistent interpretation and applioation of privacy laws.
The next steps will be for the university to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the
recommendations, including a cost-benefit analysis, to determine which
recommendations will be adopted and whether there are other worthy recommendations
that have not been identified; prioritized the recommendations; identify funding sources;
and develop a timeline for implementation. Those we felt were immediate imperatives
are already being implemented. We will be considering the others based on a variety of
factors. Every good idea involves a tradeoff of some type - whether that's practicability,
cost, or some type of unintended impact - so we have to look at each on its own merits.
What the intemal reviews do not atlemptto do - and I urge you to bear this in mind - is
to draw any conclusions about potential relationships between the actions taken or
systems in place on April I 6 and the cause or outcome of the tragedy itself. Again, this
process was not designed for that purpose.
We at Virginia Tech have been forever changed by the crimes of one severely disturbed
young man. He was determined to commit murder, planned his crime meticulously, and
managed to conceal his homicidal urges from all of the law-enforcement authorities and
the mental health experts who tied to help him and presumably even from his family.
The reviews before you propose a credible framework to help us meet the demands and
expectations of our new reality. We will take whatever steps are needed to maintain the
safefy, confidence and peace of mind of our students, faculty and tle entire Hokie
community.
As I invite our committee chairs to make their presentations, let me ask that you please
hold your questions until all three presentations are complete. | rcalize this will mean a
lot of information up front, but we feel it is the best way to lay out the key findings.
w#
*"
I\E,WS Vireinia
-" T
lmlTedl
VIRCINIA POLYTBCHNIC INSTMUTE
Offic€ of Univcrsity Relatioos AND STATE UNTVERSTTY
314 Burruss HaU (0253), Blacksbug, Virgints%Ml
(540) 23l-5396 Fax: (540) 231-t885
httD :/lwvw.udrcl.vt.cdu
A tenibly deranged young man.. ..one of our own students. . .visited unimaginable honor
upon our university, our bright young minds, our rising stars, and our caring and learned
faculty.
He took 32 precious lives and then his own. He worurded 25 more. In the process, he
seriously injured an entire nation.
As we have noted many times tlroughout this terrible ordeal, the fanilies of those who
lost their lives and the injured have remained our highest priority, followed by the needs
of our greater university community. We will do everything possible to assist with their
recovery.
I have said time and again, that Virginia Tectl our commonwealth, atl of higher
education, and indeed, the world must leam from this tagedy. I personally asked the
governor foryou work.
We have been and will continue to cooperate frrlly with your review and findings. I have
appointed a lead individual, a retired university executive with experience in many
sectors including audit, to assist you with yow data gathering and be your liaison with any
office on campts.
Each one ofus and each sector ofour society that has been touched by this tragedy must
welcome the inspection, intospection, and the scrutiny of a thorough analysis.
In our own case we have underway after-action reviews, which can inform your data
!utft.ri"g. in addition to understanding the incidents, we will
be looking at three broad
ireas: tjecommunications infrastructrue, the physical infrastructure as it relates to safety
*d s""urity, and most importantly, the intemal protocols for information exchange' I am
putti"of*fy interested in tlose intersections between the academic enterprise, counseiing,
our disciplinary systerq the legal systen, and tle police'
Or.npreliminary schedule calls for those reviews to be complete by late August, which I
understand is within your study time-frame to be of use to you'
at the broad
in addition to our incident response, I know that you wili be looking
spectrum of issues including policies, protocols, and the law'
could
I have read and heard other university presidents and plndits say that thistragedy
have happened on any campus in America. We draw no solace from such
observations'
My hope is that we - and every campfis throughout the nation:- can leam in the months
un*a *itut happened and why...to the extent that rational conclusions can be drawn from
irrational violence. we will leam and the world will leam from this.
we need to know how well our mental health system is performing. Is this country
devoting the time, resources, and energy to helping those in need?
We need to know if privacy laws can or should change so that school administrators,
court officials, or thJ mental health profession itself, has the information it needs to treat
and handle those with mental illnesses on college campuses'
versus the
Certainly, you will bump into ttre nexus of individual rights and privacy laws
harm
rights oia;ociety, a community, or a university to protect itself against possible
from the mentally ill...or anyone else, for that matter'
procedwe in its
We need to know if the university reacted in accordance with accepted
response to the murders within our residence hall. Our university
police and rescue squad
from a bed within a
reqponded within tluee minutes of a report that someone fell
resid"nr. hall. within minutes thereafter, the police, then knowing of a gunshot fatality
*J irrj"ty, seoured the residence hall, began investigating, andwithin one hour had a
;p;tr* oiinterest." Your analysis of this and the tenible events following is of crucial
importance'
Page 3
My campus has 19 miies of public roads on its 2,600 acres and 153 mostly accessibie
buiidings, On aay given day, we have about 35,000 people coming and going. How does
an organization secure a university campus during an emergency? Or for that matter, what
ievels ofsecurity are appropriate for norrnal operations?
We need to know about the preparedness - to the degree that any institution can prepare
for horrible and irrational mass violence - of my university and other schools like ours for
violence or other mass events that require an institutional response to protect the health,
safety, an{ welfare of a campus community.
Tomonow, Virginia Tech will celebrate its annual spring commencement. This is our
time for celebration. Commencement" of course' means't}te beginaing." For our
graduates, it is and will be the beginning of the next phases of their lives. We know that
they will carry with them not only those treasured memories rurique to the college
experience, but aiso the searing memory of the tragic events of April 16.
We owe it to them, we owe it to the injured we owe it the famiiies of the fallen... indeed,
we owe it to all other schools and canipuses in this country to examine all these issues in
I theirtotality....and findwaysofpreventinganythinglikethiseveragain.
-end-
August 15' 2007
Kenneth R. Feinberg, Consultant to the Mrginia Tech Administration for the design,
implementation and administration of the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, today announced the Final
Protocol to be used in the distribution of approximately $7M dollars to the families and victims of
the April 16 tragedy :"1 am grateful to the families and victims of the April 1 6 tragedy' and to
President Charles Steger and other officials at Virginia Tech, for assisting me in designing a Final
Protocol for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. During the past few weeks, I have benefited greatly
from the input of all interested parties. I particularly thank President Steger for his leadership in
coordinating this intense effort to fashion an appropriate and workable HSMF distribution plan."
The Final Protocol differs in many substantial respects from the draft that was earlier
disseminated to all interested parties:
2. Victims wtro were the most seriously injured will receive both free tuition and a
compensation payment. Free tuition will encompass the number of years needed for a
student to complete his/her existing course of study.
4. All necessary Claim Forms for filing a claim with the HSMF are also attached.
5. The HSMF deadline for contributions has been extended until the end of this year,
December 31 ,2007 .
Claims from eligible families and victims will be processed beginning immediately with a claim
filing deadline of September 15,2007; "l will continue to work with eligible families and victims in
providing assistance during the next 30 days as all claims are processed. lt is very important that
claimants comply with the filing deadline. In order to meet this deadline my staff and I will work
Wth Virginia Tech officials to make sure that all eligible claimants file a timely claim.'
"My heart goes out to the families and victims of this tragedy.'
Update on Recovery Efforts
as of August 7, 2007
Universitv-wide Effoft s:
. New Office of Recovery and Support (1700 Kraft Drive, Suite 1100, Corporate Research
Center)
. Will coordinate universityt communication with internal and external constituencies and
with families, and coordinate on-going recovery and response.
. lay Poole, Director, 231-0065 (office).
. Ellen Plummer, Assistant Provost and Deputy Director, 231-6300.
. Two major grants being submitted to Department of Education and Department of Justice
to provide funds for continued counseling and support for the university community over
next several years.
Norris Hall reopened after extensive cleaning, repainting, and new floors; Department of
Engineering, Science, and Mechanics moved back in. Affected classrooms remain locked
and unscheduled for now.
. psychological assessment survey of all faculty, staff, and students to determine
psychological impact and need for services, summer 2007 (Jones, Kessler, and Hughes).
. $7.1M contributed to 30+ funds, including scholarship funds in the names of deceased
victims.
. plan for disbursement to be finalized by mid-August, with anticipation that funds will be
disbursed by mid-October.
. Dedication of drillfield memorial, Sunday, August 19, noon; open to the public. Families
invited.
. y1 Engage, October 16 special dinner on the drillfield and (tentative) April 16 (1 year
anniversary): The university community will come together to honor the students and faculty
who were committed to service by urging many more people to engage in service to
communities and to individuals in need. Participants will be asked to pledge at least 10 hours
of community service between October and April anniversary. Goal of 300,000 hours of
community service pledged by faculty, staff, students, and members of community. Service
may be to organizations (tocal, national, or international) or to individuals by choice of person
pledging.
Faculty Families:
Anna Beth Benningfield is case manager for faculty families and affected departments, 540-
267-6953 (cell).
. Assisted with accessing life insurance, worker's compensation, social security, and other
be nefits.
Dependent children will have opportunities for funding for college education from a variety
of sources. Some families eligible for tax-deferred college accounts funded by state;
TIM-CREF has specifically donated funds for college accounts for deoendent children of
faculty.
Funeral and travel expenses, counseling or medical treatment, and financial advising have
been covered by several sources.
Modified duties option offered to those eligible as well as other policies that could benefit
those spouses who are also faculty members.
. Funeral, counseling, medical expenses covered by victims'crime fund, Red Cross, and Hokie
SDirit fu nd.
. Case managers will continue contact with families to identify needs that can be met by VT and
maintain on-going communication.
. Hokie Spirit Fund cash payments and/or contribution to scholarship fund.
Iniured Students:
. phone survey of injured students conducted by Victim Witness Assistance Program.
2
Physically injured students: 20 planning to return to campus; 12 will seek individual
counseling; 16 seek group counseling; 10 want tour of Norris Hall'
Students in Norris, but not injured: 71 returning to campus; 68yo seeking either or both
individual or group counseling; 75olo want tour of Norris Hall.
Informal dinner for injured students with Vice President for Student Affairs scheduled for B/18,
and another casual lunch check-in with her during second week of classes.
. National experts on psychological first aid will present programs on working with distressed
students, workshops for faculty/staff on self-care/ and train the trainer programs for mental
health professionals.
. Trainings offered by outside experts on grief/trauma based recovery groups and eye
movement desensitization and reprocessing.
. Wine and Cheese, August 17, 3:00 - 5:00, hosted by CEUT, Honors, and Center for
Undergraduate Education, Hillcrest Hall.
. First days of c/asses - how is it going? August 22,4:00 - 6:00, hosted by CEUT, Hillcrest
Dining Room.
. ValueOptions counseting available for employees, special programs for departments or other
groups can be arranged as needed.
. Three help centers for first two days of cldsses in Squires, chapel, and drillfield tent.
. Extended hours at Cook Counseling Center with walk in services during first week.
With fall sanester rapidly approaching, and with the cenain knowled ge tbx 416 remains fresh in
our collective memory, I wanted to underline some helping services avaiiable on campus.
The university has been in touch with students in close proximity to the tragic events of mid
April. However, due to ties of fiiendship and club associations, even students far from Norris and
West AJ, may have lost someone close and thus are dealing with special circumstances.
People deal with the loss of friends and associates differently. Some tum to family and friends;
some sort out feelings by journaling; and some find meditation heipful. However, as a person
who oversees health and wellness at Virginia Tecb, I believe in the efEcacy of counseling.
Therefore, I write to discuss briefly relevant sewices, and ask you think about what might be
helpful. The range of counseiing services on qrmpus includes:
2. Grouo Counseiins: Some students prefer group counseling, or meeting with a few
other students and a skilled faciiitator, in order to biend professional and peer support.
4. Relaxation Skills: The Counseling Center and Recreation Sports have offerings that
promote relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
6. Academic Counseiurq: if the events of 4/16 might interfere with academic progress,
referral to a peftinent academic advisor can assist.
Please tbink about available resources and any ofyour own needs. Then, when back on campus,
do feel free to call for assistance at one or more of the following offices:
We hope you are having a good summer, and we look forward to your return to campus.
Sincerely,
The university has publicly stated that the university has or/vill incur expenses
approaching $8 million
Pat Burton began the session by sharing experiences at the meeting she had attended during the
day.
Civil Engneering meeting - 55 attended, Story telling, just some, Aff,rrmations of each other and
many questions about What to do when the sfudents return?
Clarity is needed on expectations for these meetings. Need to establish with each department
what they want, what we can offer, etc. and then making sure that the Value Options personnel
have this information before they attend. Amy stated that HR was improving the communication
with departments on tlis level and therefore hoped the process would be moving even smoother
in the days to come.
There were numerous requests from staff and faculty members on how to talk to their young
children about the recent events. Discuss from the group on creating some resources for the
response to children and Cathy will be forwarding that information to Amy.
There were also concerns from faculty & staff of the treatment of our Asian population here on
campus. Discussed about setting up meeting and having a representative from Cranwell
Intemational Center attend.
Pat Burton concluded by saying hats off to the Value Options folks - don't know how you do
this type of emotional response so often - it's exhausting!
Bob Miller reported out on the sessions in Squires Student Center. They had a steady flow of
folks. Some of these counselors were trying to coordinate among themselves to establish a
protocol for faculty to use when refuming to class on Monday. They estimated a fairly even
number of the various group (faculty, students and staff). They also decided to confer with each
other quickly before letting folks leave.
Some discussion and report out on the sessions held at The Inn at Virginia Tech. Therefias
some discussion about the Red Cross involvement and some unnamed persomel who hhd been
difficult. More discussion about the various "helping" agencies getting together themselves for a
meeting at The Inn tomorrow to make sure each agency knew their role and that they didn't step
on each other's toes.
Bob Miller shared with us that he had gotten a phone call from the state police investigator
because of Bob's previous role. Bob said he had never met Cho but commented that this type of
inquiry just signifies they (media and the like) can always highlight the number of lives NOT
saved by therapy but never the numbers of people that are SAVED by counselors. We see these
folks in crisis weekly and monthly without the media at the front door. Hearing that there was a
hospital assessment of Cho 2 years ago creates a suffering of our own trama as counselors!
Jennie Reilly, Director of University ADA services shared that Intepreters are available for deaf
employees in any of these sessions. The Services for Students with Disabilties office will
provide as fast as possible, if a department chair or head has an employee who wants to speak
with a counselor. Call SSD at 231-3788
Cathy Jacobs, Director of Family & Workllife said she is leaving tomorrow and if there are any
additions to the list ofagencies/individuals, etc. who offer their services please forward those to
Gloria Smith who is taking this task in Cathy's absence
ggsrnith@vt.edu. Cathy shared that Montgomery County schools were coordinating services
tonight. Group discussed sharing any information for children with the County. Discussed the
option for counseling on-site for children and Sara from Value Options shared that this was not
the best idea but would be able to come up with direct referrals for any parent concemed for therr
children, etc.
Judy Ridinger shared that someone who just came to work here had already received information
from Radford University's counseling center on talking to your children.
Concerns expressed for Graduate Students . Judy to contact Dean Karen DePauw. Another
suggestion out of this discussion was to suggest department send a full tenured track professor
into the classroom on Monday with any Graduate Student tasked with running a class by
themselves on Monday. Need help to get that done.
Ittt
4.r9.07
Talking points, June 11,2007
The fund has paid for expenses incurred to date such as travel, fimeral, groceries,
medical, and memorial (eg obituaries) expenses.
For all:
r Full time familv advocates to assist
MESSAGE:
"The families of victims and the injured remain our highest priority. Our family liaisons
are in almost daily contact. We share some of the frustations."
The university has never actively solicited funds. It was set up to respond to thousands of
requests from concerned individuals who wished to contribute to help the healing
process. The projected use of funds was clearly articulated. It said the funds will be used
for assistance to victims and their families, grief counseling, memorials, and comfort
expenses.
The university has NEVER solicited funds in the names of the victims.
The university produced memorial publications and a website to honor the victims. All
the information and the images were cleared with each family through the liaisons and
the dean ofstudent's office.
The fund isHIGHLY accountable. We have been in daily contact with one of the
premier accounting firms, KPMG, and with the IRS to advise us on how the funds can be
disbursed.
The university family liaisons have been apprising the university of needs. For example,
it was through this process that we have been addressing the need for educational
expenses of children deceased faculty
"We fully appreciate the stress and frustation among the families and many of us share
those frustrations. We are working hard to ensure that HSMF is available but also that
the families have access to other resources such as Virsinia Victims Crime Fund.
Comments by Zenobia Lawrence llikes, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
tvlay 21,2007
I. Introduction
Chairman Massengill and members of the Review Panel, I un Zenobialawrence Hikes, Vice
President for Student Affairs.
The Virginia Tech community is one of exceptional resilience and compassion. Following the
honific events of April 16, our community of faculty, staff and students mobilized in countless
ways to provide support to grieving families, the injured and hospitalized, emolled students and
the university at large. On behalf of the Office of the President, the Office ofthe Provost, the
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Division of Student Affairs, the
Graduate School, and Human Resources, I would like to share with you some of the collaborative
initiatives, support services, programs, and activities we employed to begin the healing and
recovery of our community.
Ceremonies
In every culture, ceremonies play an important role in the process of healing and recovery. On
Tuesday immediately following the tragedy the university came together in a convocation held in
Cassell Coliseum. Featured speakers included President George Bush, Govemor Tim Kaine,
University President Charles Steger, noted author and University Distinguished Professor Nikki
Giovanni, and leaders representing four major religions. The convocation was televised world-
wide and served to signal the strength and unity of the Virginia Tech community in the wake of
the tragic events of April 16. Approximately 10,000 were in attendance in the coliseum and an
additional 25,000 were accommodated in overflow seatins in Lane Stadium.
On the same evening as the convocation, the students of Hokies United organized a candlelight
vigil on the Drillfield. This event was attended by thousands ofstudents, alumni, faculty, staff,
and friends who came together to moum and pay their respects. It was for this vigil that Hokie
Stones were first placed in a semicircle in front ofthe reviewing stand to honor the deceased
victims. Also initiated at the vigil were message boards on which moumers could write
condolences and expressions of grief. As the number of boards grew over several days, tents were
erected on tlre Drillfield to protect them from the elements. Together with the Hokie Stones, the
message boards have come to serve as the focal point for the collective griefofthe university
community and as the repository for flowers and other mementos symbolizing the loss of students
and faculty who were our dear friends and colleagues.
Throughout the days following the tragedy, the Memorial Chapel served as a place of quiet refuge
where members of the university community could go for a moment of reflection.
Representatives from religious and faith-based organizations made themselves available at the
Family Support
A number of initiatives were directed specifically at meeting the needs of the families of Virginia
Tech students, and I would like to highlightjust a few ofthese. In an effort to respond to the high
volume of calls from families of Virginia Tech students concemed about their safety and welfare,
the university established a 24 hour call center that was staffed by university volunteers as well as
representatives from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). As the
volume of calls diminished, the Dean of Students Office assumed the call center responsibilities.
To support the grieving families who had tost students and faculty, individual family liaisons
were assigned, the majority of whom were from the Division of Student Affairs, the Graduate
School, and the Provost Office. These individuals provided personalized services and information
to assist families with processes such as the retrieval of student effects; removal of student
vehicles; access to benefits available from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, the Red
Cross, and other community agencies; resolution of student accounts; and family participation in
commencement ceremonies.
Individual liaisons were also assigned to injured students and their families to assist them with the
recovery process and reintegration to the academic community for those who were not
graduating. President Steger, joined at times by Govemor Kaine and Attomey General
McDonnell, visited injured students in area hospitals to check on their welfare and let them know
that the university was concemed about them.
Deceased students were honored at the 2007 spring commencement by the awarding of
posthumous degrees. Their families were invited as guests ofthe university to attend
commencement to be recognized and accept their son's or daughter's diploma and class ring.
To remember and honor the victims of the tragic events of April 16, the Virginia Tech
Foundation established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process. The fund
will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to: assistance to victims and their
facilitate the healing process. In the area of student health and wellness, the university's Cook
Counseling Center took the lead in terms ofproviding psychological assistance to students on
campus. To meet anticipated demand for increased services, Cook Counseling Center extended its
hours of operation and offered services both in the evenings and on the weekends. Counselors
worked closely with groups of students with special needs, such as residents of West Ambler
Johnston Residence Hall, surviving students who were in Norris Hall at the time of the incident,
members of various student organizations and programs that had lost members, and roommates of
deceased students. To date approximately 60 outreach presentations have been made to faculty,
staff, and student gloups, and the volume of appointments in the counseling center has increased
at least 50% over this time last year. Knowing that commencement would be an especially
difficult time for students and their families, Cook Counseling Center enlisted 50 mental health
professionals as volunteers to assist the regular staff. Counselors were present at each
Anticipating an increased need for psychological counseling in the upcoming montls and years,
the center staff completed several grant applications in an effort to help finance expanded
services. The center is providing counseling for the students who will remain in Blacksburg
during the summer. For students outside of Blacksburg during the summer, the center is also
facilitating counseling referrals.
Schiffert Health Center
The universiry's Schiffert Health Center also played an important role in the healing and recovery
process. Medical personnel from the center visited hospitals where injured victims were treated
and then provided special follow-up wound care to a student who had suffered gun shot wounds.
To be sensitive to the psychological needs of students who may have experienced traum4
The Services for Student with Disabilities Office has taken the lead in providing accommodations
for any injured students who may need assistance in the classroom and anticipates that there will
be an increased need to provide accommodations for students with psychological disabilities.
Recreational SPorts
Recreational Sports provided a valuable service to the university community by keeping its
fitness facilities open during the week of authorized closing so that students and faculty could
exercise and engage in stress relieving activities. In addition, they opened fitness classes to all
Concem for the health and wellness ofthe campus was not focused solely on student needs.
Human Resources took the lead in addressing the needs of faculty and staff. Immediately upon
learning of the shootings on campus, Human Resources (HR) contacted ValueOptions, our
employee assistance provider, to request assistance and crisis counselors were on campus by mid-
aftemoon. Both small and large group employee sessions were scheduled to provide information
related to common reactions to trauma and stress, as well as tips for self-care and recovery
support. Squires Student Center was designated as the location for individual meetings with
employees, with severat counselors assigned to that location throughout the day. Information was
provided to employees who are parents to assist them in communicating with their children. To
date,l27 group information sessions, reaching 2,980 participants, have been held with colleges'
departments, and workgroups and over 800 individual sessions have been held as of May 15,
2007.
Numerous support resources were developed by ValueOptions and made available through group
sessions as well as one-on-one sessions including self-care tips and coping with trauma. This
material was disseminated to employees through University Relations and the university
websites.
Training programs are being developed, with the assistance ofexperts in the field, to help
supervisors effectively manage employee issues that may emerge from the events. Additional
resource information focused on resilience and rebounding from trauma has been developed and
To meet our sfudents' needs and to provide a less stressful end to the semester, a number of
measures were taken that involved collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.
ClassesresumedonMonday, Apt'.l23,andstudentshadtheoptionofdesignating,onacourseby
course basis, how they wished the semester grade to be assigned by the faculty. Grades could be
The material already submitted plus any other assigned material which the student chose
to submit
. All the material which otherwise would have been submitted
In support of the flexible options and to ericourage students to continue their educational
experience, the Division of Student Affairs supported students who decided to remain in their
residence halls. Housing and dining options were continued despite the student's choice of
completing the semester. The college deans and the faculty were very helpful in advising students
and in facilitatins a successful end to the semester.
Deferred Academic Suspensions
To support our students further, the Office of the University hovost decided that there would be
no academic suspensions in the spring of 2007 . Students in academic difficulty were allowed an
additional probationary term without requiring academic appeals. This change will impact the
number of available residence hall rooms for the fall semester; however, the Division of Student
Affairs is in full support of this decision.
Classroom Support
When students retumed to classes, the university activated the largest known deployment of
mental health practitioners in U.S. history. The schedules of the victims and injured were
researched through the registrar's office and approximately 305 counselors attended these classes
to provide support for the faculty and students. Counselors were identifiable by purple arm bands.
Others who were available to provide general assistance and support were identifiable by yellow
arm bands.
The Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (CEUT) held a number of workshops
through the period of Wednesday, April 18, to Friday, April 20, to help faculty prepare for
resumption of classes on Monday, April 23. Among the workshop topics were: engaging the
students in conversation surrounding the tragic events, responding to students who experience
difficulty with the discussions, and describing the grading options the faculty made available to
students for completing their individual courses.
Deferred Judicial Cases
During the days following the tragedy, Judicial Affairs also provided options for students with
pendingjudicial hearings. The office's most immediate focus forjudicial hearings was graduating
seniors and students with serious offenses.
Other students were given the option of resolving their cases before the end ofthe semester or in
the fall.
distributed to students who needed to contact their families abroad to assure them that they were
safe. To address the unique concems of Korean students, staff made telephone contact with each
undergraduate and many graduate students from Korea to offer assistance. In addition, the center
requests from the press. The students were assured ofthe university's concem for their safety.
Residence Life
Residence Life has played a key role in the efforts to promote healing and recovery on campus.
Immediately following the events of April 16, resident advisors were deployed to personally
speak with each resident student on campus by Tuesday aftemoon and offer counseling resources.
As reports from concemed faculty and families were received, the professional stafffollowed up
appropriately with individual students and met with student groups to facilitate their discussions
about lost friends or roommates. As residents returned to campus, counselors toured through the
buildings and were on call for staffto contact for residents. Exterior doors to all residence halls
remained locked to help ensure a sense ofsafety and well being among residents.
academic needs of graduate students, and assisting graduate assistants to carry out their teaching
and research responsibilities. The Graduate School maintained regular communication with all
graduate students and opened the multipurpose room in the Graduate Life Center as a place for
graduate students to gather and to take advantage of on-site counseling services. Specific outreach
efforts were directed at supporting Korean graduate students as well as those from other Asian
countries.
Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets participated in a number of ceremonial events related to the April l6
tragedy. The cadet regiment provided the band, color guard, and ushers for the convocation and
then provided buglers for Echo Taps during the candlelight vigil. In addition, the cadet regiment
served as honor guard for the memorial wreath at War Memorial Chapel and then at the cenotaph.
displayed memorial tributes from around the world. Squires Student Center and the Graduate Life
Center remained open throughout the entire week following the incident to provide counselors
and community support to assist those in distress. In addition, the various union facilities were
used as venues for memorial services and commemorative events. Plans are currently underway
for a fall healing concert that will bring the campus community together to remember the victims.
Ilokies United
We are especially proud of the work of Hokies United, a student-driven volunteer effort
organized to help respond to local, national, and intemational tragedies. As mentioned previously,
Hokies United banded together immediately after the tragedy occurred and was able to pull
together a candlelight vigil held on the Drillfield the evening of April 17. In addition, they
organized a series of unifing activities intended to bring the community together. These included
a casino night in War Memorial Gym and a picnic on the Drillfield that was attended by an
estimated 15,000 people. And on the first day back to classes, Hokies United organized once
VII. Conclusion
Finally, the Virginia Tech campus community remains committed to the process of healing and
recovery as evidenced by the combined efforts ofour students and employees from across the
university in such departments as Physical Plant, Athletics, Human Resources, Student Affairs,
the Graduate School, the Provost Office, and academic departments, to name just a few.
NOR'RIS HALI- GUNMA'N IDENTIFIED
ScENES
tsALLlsrlcb-MniCrr AT Bo'rH cRIME
the
The Virginia Tech Police D-e:artment has confirmed
BLACKSBURG - y',irnurtiple fatalities at Norris t-lall on
identification ot tne gu#X; ;J*qi#ior
16' 2t)07'
tie Virginia Tech campus Monday' April as Clro Seung-Hui' 23' Cho was
The individu"' n" i"ln"ioLnt#iuO major at
as an undergt;;;'t" student in nis siniory"il'T 1i Ery^l?h
enrolled as a resident aliien
Virginia Tech' Cho' Korean native' wi's in the U'S'
".So'tn ch;Mlle' Va cho was living on campus in
with a residen""
H a rper Resrd;l:?J
"rruoi'i'il;;';
regoY?red f rorn
?: un and Z2-catiber.t o,nd g un werg. the
"as sei::ed fr-om the Norris Hall and
Norris Hall. Ballistic t".i, Jn in" evidence U'S'
scenel; were conducted at the
West Ambler Jonnston R"=iO"n"" Hall in Maryland' Lab
Bureau of Alcohol, T";;;;, Fi;;;;; ano exptosives (ATF) lab
in Norris Hall was u:;ed in
resurts confirmed that one of the two *""poniir"ized
both shootings. identify .hr
- -,. .^:. ,^r,, i.r^nrir' Cho Seung-Hui
"At this time, the evidence does not corrclusively
Colonol W' Steven Flaherty'
r"t"tt"t,' saidpolice.
as tne gun;".
"ii"in "\vith this newfound ballistics
superintendent of the virgri" si"r"
;l';'i;;lceeo to the rext level of this complex
evidence, we are
investigation ""* ^^^-+ +ha
srent the nighi collecting, pro(lesslng
'.,inhr r:ollectir
state, local and federal investigators
ffeif. fne decLased were recovered
and anatyzing Norris Hall'
from at least four"uiO"n""JiJ;*itnin seconolioor and a stairwell of
on'tr" ^6nis
"tur"iof-rr by police in a classroom among
The gunman, wno took nil fiiu was discovertd
,n" u'"[Tt;, to the Medicar Examiner's
the deceased have been transp.rted
identi:ication'
Office in Roanoke for examination and
ti"li o"""ased studerrts and faculty will be releasetd once
The names
"i
all victims are positiveiy iJentified and
next o: kin notified'
Blacksburg Poilce Departmernt'
The Virginia tecf' Police Department'
Virginia St"tu potii", FBl, ATF and
rnultiple
Monigomery County i"n"iitf," Otfice, at both
state and ]gJ;"i"r ;r" lnu-otu"*in the ongoing investigatiorr
other "tt natt'
'ocat Ambler Johnston
Norris Hall and West
Ft rac,gttl TuE,
.,
I also want to follow up on the discussion from
yesterday about the r'person of interestt from the first
shooting at the residence hall.
That individual was an acquaintance of the female
victim killed at West Ambler Johnston Hall.
He was stopped in his vehiele off campus and
detained for questioning.
As officers were interwiewing him, the shootings at
Norris Hall were reported
We are still looking to him for information as the
i nvestigation continues,
We also have no information at this time to retate
the on-campus bomb threats made in the last two
weeks to either of yesterdayts events.
Comments by Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
May 21,2OO7
l. lntroduction
Chairman Massengill and members of the Review Panel, I am
Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, Vice President for Student Affairs.
Geremonies
In every culture, ceremonies play an important role in the process of
healing and recovery. on Tuesday immediately following the tragedy
the university came together in a convocation held in Cassell
Coliseum. Featured speakers included president George Bush,
Governor Tim Kaine, University President Charles Steger, noted
author and University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni, and
leaders representing four major religions. The convocation was
televised world-wide and served to signalthe strength and unity of
the Virginia Tech community in the wake of the tragic events of April
16. Approximately 10,000 were in attendance in the coliseum and an
additional25,000 were accommodated in overflow seating in Lane
Stadium.
To support the grieving families who had lost students and faculty,
individual family liaisons were assigned, the majority of whom were
from the Division of Student Affairs, the Graduate School, and the
Provost ffice. These individuals provided personalized services and
information to assist families with processeg such as the retrieval of
student effects; removal of student vehicles: access to benefits
available from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, the Red
Cross, and other community agencies; resolution of student
accounts; and family participation in commencement ceremonies.
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States. FERPA also provides a quirky privacy provision that places a wall between the
educational records at an institution and the law enforcement records maintained by the campus
police department. To put this in concrete terms, educational records cannot be freely disclosed
by the administrative offtces with the police department. To give an example, a student is charged
in the University's disciplinary system with a violation ofthe acceptable use policy that prohibits
sending harassing e-mails to a fellow student. The University's hearing officer is precluded from
sharing the outcome of the hearing with the campus police. Another example is that police are not
informed when students are treated for psychiatric problems. In the same vein, the police are not
given health information when a patient is released from a hospital. This latter example actually
In addition to the federal statutes, state law also restricts the University's ability to disseminate
student records. The General Assembly has articulated the privacy concems in the Virginia
Freedom of Information Act by exempting from mandatory disclosure a student's scholastic
records. While the Freedom of lnformation Act permits limited disclosure of records at the
University's discretion, FERPA and other state laws preclude disclosure. ln particular, I would
draw your attention to the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, Section
2.2-3800 Code of Virginia, as amended. Specifically, that statute authorizes the University to
collect, maintain and share information with third parties only to the extent necessary to
accomplish the University's mission of educating the student. It does not provide for unlimited
disclosure in the law enforcement context to third parties.
The protections afforded by federal and state laws to the individual are most absolute in the
medical context. For example, a medical screening is not part of the University's admissions
process. The Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.5, requires that each prospective student provide a
health history, but this history is not all encompassing. The health history is really a listing of
diseases against which the student has been immunized. The purpose of this code requirement is
to guard against the potential outbreak of controlled diseases in the close confines ofa residence
hall. Even this modest requirement is not absolute as the General Assembly has waived the
immunization requirement on a student's religious grounds.
Given the legal framework, let me tell you what I can about Mr. Cho based on police records.
There was a narrow window in late 2005 to early 2006 that his behavior was called into question.
The Virginia Tech Police made a referral to the University's disciplinary system for an incident in
which he sent an unwelcomed e-mail to a female student in late 2005, or approximately sixteen
(16) months before April 16,2007 . The disciplinary system contacted the e-mail recipient to
determine whether she wanted to pursue the matter. She declined to do so. Therefore, there was
no cause for action on the part of the University. Since Mr. Cho's enrollment in Fall 2003, he had
As has been reported publicly, the Virginia Tech Police Department also received an inquiry
during the 2005-2006 academic year from the Chair of the English Department conceming Mr.
Cho's classroom behavior based on the content of some of his writings and the fact that Mr. Cho
took pictures of other students with his cell phone camera. The Chair of the Department did not
share the specific writings with the Police, nor did she file a formal police report. As determined
by an informal review conducted by the Police Department, the behavior was not criminal in
nature. The Police offered to provide any necessary assistance. Instead of further Police
involvement, the Chair talked to M-r. Cho and the Chair and he agreed that he would attend
private tutoring sessions that would allow him to complete the class assignments without the
necessity of his retuming to the class. Records show no further class based complaints related to
inappropriate behavior. Further, no referral was made to the student disciplinary system about this
event.
An additional contact on December 13,2005, between Mr. Cho and the Virginia Tech Police has
been documented. According to public records maintained by the Montgomery County General
District Court, the Virginia iech Police brought Mr. Cho to the attention of the Department of
Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services as a result of a concem raised
by a fellow student who knew Mr. Cho. In tum, Mr. Cho was brought before the General District
Court Special Justice, who ordered Mr. Cho to undergo evaluation at the Carilion St. Albans
Behavioral Facility. On December 14,2005, the Special Justice for the General District Court
ordered Mr. Cho to follow-up out-patient treatment because of the danger he presented to himself
as a result of mental illness. No follow-up report was made to the Virginia Tech Police.
In summary, the impact of these laws that I have outlined is to limit what can be shared about
students publicly or with third parties, within the organization, and even with the police
department. Given the constraints imposed by the law, there are restrictions on what Virginia
Tech can share about Mr. Cho publicly. This was the reason why Virginia Tech did not release
Mr. Cho's academic records to the F.B.I. until the F.B.I. had obtained a subooena. It is also
Remarks to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
My name is Kay Heidbreder. I serve as the University Legal Counsel and Assistant Attomey
General assigned to Virginia Tech. In this capacity, I provide legal advice under the direction of
the Attomey General to the University. Given my position, Dr. Steger has asked me to provide an
overview ofthe legal mandates under which Virginia Tech operates with respect to the protection
of student information. This overview is not meant to be legal advice to this panel. Rather, Dr.
Steger believes that it is crucial for this Panel to have some context ofthe legal landscape for
institutions ofhigher education. In addition, he has asked that my remarks center on the interplay
between the Counseling Center, the student disciplinary system, faculty interaction with students
and the police department. He has also asked me to share the constraints that the University faces
At any institution of higher education in Virgini4 there are a number of laws protecting the
privacy of students and student records. These laws include The Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. A. 312329, HIPAA 42 U.S.C. Section 1320, the Virginia Freedom of
Information Act, Section 2.2-3700, Code of Virginia, as amended, and the Government Data
Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, Section 32.2-3800, Code of Virginia, as amended.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (aka FERPA or Buckley Amendment) sets forth
criteria for the dissemination of information to protect a student's rights ofprivacy.
The University is restricted in its ability to share a student's educational records with third parties,
extemal to the University, absent a properly executed release or a court order. While it is
debatable whether the FERPA protections end at the student's death, the other laws contain no
such limitation. Exceptions to these non-disclosure requirements include sharing records with
employees within the University who need the information to do their job. For example, an
instructor can share grade information with the Registrar. However, there is never permitted a
disclosure for medical or counseling records. This absolute prohibition tracks the restrictions
covering disclosure of medical records as provided in HIPAA or the federal legislation that
protects health information for every individual treated by a medical professional in the United
.1 , .
important to stress tlrat it is not just Mr. Cho's records that are protected by these laws. Virginia
Tech would be precluded from releasing similar information about any of the victims ofthe
events of April 16. Furthermore, any complaints filed by third party students about Mr. Cho could
not be shared publicly, notjust to protect Mr. Cho, but also to protect the identity of those third
Thank you for your time today. Next David Ford, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will
speak with you about the events of April 16, 2007 .
Comments by Charles W. Steger, President of Virginia Tech,
to the Virginie Tech Review Panel
llfiay 21,2007
Colonel Massengill and distinguished members of the panel. I am pleased to have this opportunity to
welcome you to the campus of Virginia Tech. During the past week, we have been working with
representatives of Tri Data Corporation. to develop our portion of the agend4 which I hope will be
helpful to you as you pursue this most difficult task. I might note that your visit to our campus coincides
with our first day of summer school. Although our student population over the summer is only about one-
fourth of what it is during the regular year and our teaching faculty who are on g-month appointments are
not here, you can get some sense ofthe vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow on a typical Monday
moming at Virginia Tech-as April l6 was before the shootings began.
To begin, I would like to introduce to the Panel Mr. Lenwood McCoy, who has agreed to serve as the
liaison between the university and the Review Panel to ensure that the Panel receives a thorough response
to all requests for information. Mr. McCoy retired several years ago after more than 35 years with the
university, during which he served in a variety of roles, including Director of lntemal Audit and
University Controller. He will ensure that all your requests are met.
As you will hear during the presentation, we have devoted our energies over the past month primarily to
helping those families who lost their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, as
well as the victims who survived. Let me note here that out of respect for these families, the university
has denied requests by the media and others to enter Norris Hall. We made an exception to enable the
Panel to tour the building this morning because of its relevance to your work. We will continue to restrict
access until the families who indicate a desire to do so have had an opportunity visit the building. At the
appropriate time, access will be provided to the media and other members of the public.
incident.
Let me take a moment here to explain that disclosure of certain information is complicated by the laws
that relate to what information can and cannot be shared with the public, as well as what can be shared
between various units within the university.
As many of you know, the Attomey General's Office serves as the university's legal counsel. Ms.
Heidbreder is our University Legal Counsel and a Special Assistant Attomey General. As such, she is
charged with providing me legal advice on behalf of the Attomey General. We will provide all
information we can within the law.
3. What transpired in the Emergancy Policy Group when advised of the first shootings in West Ambler
4. What is being done for support and healing of the families as well as the broader university
community.
In addition to the Emergency Policy Group, there is also an Emergency Response Resource Group, which
works in parallel to ensure necessary resources are deployed to whatever group or part ofthe university is
in need. They were able to respond in hours, and in some cases minutes, to provide counseling, meals for
the 500 increased security personnel, etc. We will provide some detail as to what has been done later this
moming. I have also appointed a task force to provide to me by the end of this month a recommendation
for an interim memorial that can be put in place in a short time. Subsequently, a proposal for a permanent
memorial will be developed.
As we work to recover from the events of April 16, we also want to leam from them. Two After-Incident
Reports are being developed for each ofthe shooting incidents. And as noted in my comments to you in
Richmond last Thursday, we have established three working groups that will focus on: 1)
telecommunications; 2) security infrastructure- locking systems, alarms, etc.; and 3) the interface between
counseling services, judicial affairs, academic affairs, and the legal system.
This is being said to note that what we will sharc with you today is what we know to the best of our
knowledge at this point in time, but as our own intemal review and examination continues, other facts
.i
z
may come to light. Therefore, what we offer today is preliminary in nature and might be revised based on
the emergence of additional information. We will certainly keep you apprised as additional information
becomes available.
That concludes my introductory remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions the Panel might
have.
If there are no (further) questions, I would like to call upon Mr. Iim McCoy, from our Office of Capital
Design and Construction, to provide an overview of the systems in place.
The Virginia Tech Emergency/Weather Line recordings were also transmitted and a broadcast
telephone message was made to campus phones, The Policy Group remained in session in order
to receive additional updates about the West Ambler Johnston case and to consider further actions
ifappropriate.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., the Policy Group received word from the Virginia Tech Police of a
shooting in Norris Hall. Within five minutes a notification was issued by the Policy Group and
transmitted to the university communiry which read:
"A gunman is loose on campus. Stay in buildings untit further notice. Stay away from all
windows."
Also activated was the campus Emergency Alert system. The voice message capability ofthat
system was used to convey an emergency message throughout the campus. Given the factual
information available to the Policy Group, the reasonable action was to ask people to stay in
place. The Policy Group did not have evidence to ensure that a gunman was or was not on the
loose, so every precaution had to be taken. The Virginia Tech campus contains 153 major
buildings, l9 miles ofpublic roads, is located on 2,600 acres ofland, and as many as 35,000
individuals might be found on its grounds at any one time on a typical day. Virginia Tech is very
much like a small city. One does not entirely close down a small city or a university campus.
Additionally, the Policy Group considered that the university schedule has a class change
between 9:55 and 10:10 a.m. on a MWF schedule. To ensure some sense of safety in an open
campus environment, the Policy Group decided that keeping people inside existing buildings if
they were on campus and away from campus if they had not yet arrived was the right decision.
Again, we made the best decision we could based on tlte information available. So at
approximately l0:15 a.m. another message was transmitted which read:
"Virginia Tech has cancelled all classes. Those on campus are asked to remain where they are,
lock their doors, and stay away from windows. Persons off campus are asked not to come to
campus."
At approximately l0:50 a.m., Virginia Tech Police Chief Flinchum and Blacksburg Police Chief
Crannis arrived to inform the Policy Group about what they had witnessed in the aftermath of the
ChiefFlinchum reported that the scene was bad; very bad. Virginia State Police was handling the
crime scene. Police had one shooter in custody and there was no evidence at the time to confirm
or negate a second shooter, nor was there evidence at the time to link the shootings in West
Ambler Johnston to those in Norris Hall. The police informed the Policy Group that these initial
observations were ongoing investigations.
I am David Ford, and I serve the university as Vice hovost for Academic Affairs. One of the
responsibilities I have by virtue of my position is to be a member of the university's Emergency
Policy Group. It is in that capacity that I share with you today my account of the processes used
and actions taken by the Policy Group related to the shooting incidents in West Ambler Johnston
Residence Hall and in Norris Hall on the moming of Monday, April 16' 2007.
Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16, I was informed that there had been a shooting in
West Ambler Johnston Hall and that President Steger was assembling the Policy Group
immediately. By approximately 8:30 a.m., I and the other members of the group had arrived at the
Bumrss Hall Board Room and Dr. Steger convened the meeting. I leamed subsequently that as he
awaited the arrival ofother group members, President Steger had been in regular communication
with the police, had given direction to have the Govemor's office notified of the shooting, and
had called the head of University Relations to his office to begin plaruring to activate the
emergency communication systems.
When he convened the meeting, President Steger informed the Poticy Group that Virginia Tech
"Virginia Tech has closed today Monday, April 16, 2007 . OnTuesday, April 17, classes will be
cancelled. The university will remain open for administrative operations. There will be an
All students, faculty and staff are required to stay where they are until police execute a planned
evacuation. A phased closing will be in effect today; further information will be forthcoming as
Tomonow there will be a university convocation/ceremony at noon at Cassell Coliseum. The Inn
at Virginia Tech has been designated as the site for parents to gather and obtain information."
A press conference was held shortly after noon on April 16, 2007, andPresident Charles W.
Steger issued a statement citing "A tragedy of monumental proportions." Copies of that statement
are available on request.
The Policy Group continued to meet and strategically plan for the events to follow. A cnmpus
update on the shootings was issued at another press conference at approximately 5 p.m.
University employees began immediately to provide counsel and care for the families of the
deceased and injured victims. Before Dr. Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, Vice President for Student
Affairs, briefs you on those ongoing activities, do you have any questions?
Comments By: Jim McCoy,, Capital Design and Construction Department
Good moming. My name is Jim McCoy and, as hesident Steger indicated, my presentation this
moming will focus on the university's building security infrastructure, mass notification systems
and emergency procedures that were in place prior to April 16, 2007. While other presenters will
speak in detail later this morning about the events of April l6s, this presentation is intended to
provide Panel members with a brief overview of the pre-existing framework and operational
procedures that relate to those events.
Building perimeter security for campus facilities is primarily confined to lockable exterior doors.
With minor exceptions, building access is controlled by electronic card readers or conventional
locks and keys. Access to interior spaces is controlled in a similar fashion. For discussion
purposes, it is useful to categorize campus buildings into two groups, Student Housing facilities
There are forly-four Student Housing facilities on campus which house 9000 students. For these
facilities, perimeter building access is controlled by electronic card readers which are managed
and maintained by the Hokie Passport Office. The Hokie Passport, which serves as a student's
identification card, is a magnetic stripe card that can be used for multiple purposes such as to
purchase meals and services, to gain access to recreational sports activities and to obtain tickets to
athletic events. With respect to building security, the card allows a building resident to access
only their particular building during such times that the exterior doors may be locked. The
electronic system can iock exterior doors on a scheduled or an as needed basis. Typically, Student
Housing facilities are locked between the hours of 10:00 pm and l0:00 am each day. During all
other times, the buildings are unlocked and fully accessible. It should be noted that entry doors to
Student Housing facilities are not monitored at any time. As such, even during times when the
doors are locked, non-residents can gain access by "tailgating" when an actual resident enters or
leaves the buildine.
Access through interior doors within Student Housing facilities, including doors to resident
rooms, is typically controlled by institutional locks and keys. Key issuance and control is
managed by the Offrce of Student Programs.
continues through I l:00 pm to accommodate evening classes, a university security crew locks the
exterior doors of these buildings. Most buildings remain locked throughout the weekend.
Building occupants, who may need to access the building during such times that the exterior
doors are locked, may be issued exterior door keys from the Key Control Office within the
Physical Plant Department.
Depending upon the function of the space, interior doors may or may not be lockable. Many
classrooms and public areas have doors that can be locked, but only from the public/corridor side
using an appropriate key. Typically, these doors remain unlocked because of the constant use of
these types of spaces. Classrooms, for example, also serve as meeting rooms for a multitude of
student organizations during "off'hours. Continuous use by multiple parties for a variety of
functions makes controlling access to classrooms impractical. Private offices, building support
spaces (Mech,/Elect Rooms, Telecommunications Rooms, etc.) and laboratory spaces are also
lockable. Conventional locks and keys are typically used to secure and access these spaces. In
some buildings, certain interior spaces are secured with electronic card readers or biometric
devices. These particular spaces have a heightened level ofsecurity which reflects the need to
control access more tightly.
There are currently two systems on campus which provide for mass notification. The Emergency
Alert System consists ofpole and roof mounted speakers at six locations throughout the campus.
This system allows for an audible message, either voice or tone, to be broadcast from the
controller which is located in the Virginia Tech Police Department. When activated, this systern
allows for emergency messages to be conveyed to individuals who are on campus, but not within
a building. On April 16ft, four ofthe locations were operable and the other two locations were in
the process ofbeing installed.
Depending upon which building they are in, building occupants may receive an emergency
message through the building's fire alarm system. There are currently over one hundred buildings
on the Virginia Tech campus, including all Student Housing facilities, that are equipped with a
fire alarm system. The systems serving forty-one ofthese buildings also provide voice alarm
capabilities if delivered from the building's fire alarm panel. While enhancements are needed to
centralize this function which will make it a more viable altemative for mass notifications, much
of the infrastructure is already in place to noti$ a significant ponion of the university community
in the event ofan emergency.
For many years, the university has maintained an Emergency Response Plan. The current plan,
which has been in place since May 2002, provides a set of protocols for dealing with campus
emergencies of varying degrees. The priorities of the plan are 1) to protect life safety, 2) to secure
critical infrastructure and facilities and 3) to resume teaching and research programs. This plan
provided the framework by which university officials mitigated, responded to and began
recoverins from the events of Aoril l6th.
At the cnrx ofthe plan are the actions and interactions ofthe two pre-established functional
groups. The Policy Group, made up of senior administration, creates the policies and procedures
needed to support emergency operations. The Emergency Response Resource Group, comprised
ofthe leaders ofvarious university departments whose services are responsive to the event,
implements the procedures set forth by the Policy Group.
Once activated, the plan encompasses many activities. including the timely dissemination of
accurate information. As it becomes available, information about an event is gathered by the
appropriate plan participants and channeled back to a command center where the Policy Group
establishes a plan ofaction based on the information being provided. At the appropriate time or
times, other plan participants communicate applicable information about the event to the campus
community and beyond. As prescribed by the plan, these communications can take many forms
including broadcast email, broadcast voicemail to campus phones and updates to the university
homepage. Where appropriate, communications through the Emergency Alert System and
available building fire alarm systems may also be enacted.
As the events of April 16tr are detailed in a later presentation, I am confident that the Panel will
see the correlation between the actions ofuniversity officials that day and the Emergency
Response Plan that was in place at the time.
With that, I'll conclude the presentation. If, however, there are questions from Panel members
regarding the university's security systems or emergency procedures prior to April I 6s, I'll be
,";. ..- .
Vireinia Tech Review Pannel: DOCUMENTS Page I of2
DOCUMENTS TOP
DOCUITIENTS:
Aterribly deranged young man....one of our own students...visited unimaginable horror upon our university, our brlght young
minds, our rising stars, and our caring and learned faculty.
He took 32 precious lives and then his own. He wounded 25 more. ln the process, he seriously injured an entire nation. As we
have noted many times throughout this terrible ordeal, the families of those who lost their lives and the injured have remained
our highest priority, followed by the needs of our greater university community. We will do everything possible to assist with their
recoverv.
I have said time and agaln, that Virginia Tech, our commonwealth, all of hlgher education, and indeed, the world must leam from
this tragedy. I personally asked the governor for your work.
we have been and will continue to cooperate fully with your review and findings. I have appointed a lead individual, a retired
university executive with experience in many sectors including audit, to assist you with your data gathering and be your liaison
with any office on campus.
Each one of us and each sector of our society that has been touched by this tragedy must welcome the inspection, introspection,
and the scrutiny of a thorough analysis.
In our own case we have underway after-action reviews, which can inform your data gathering. In addition to understanding the
incidents, we will be looking at three broad areas: telecommunications infrastructure, the Physical infrastructure as it relates to
safety and security, and most importantly, the internal protocols for information exchange. I am particularly interested in those
intersections between the academic enterprise, counseling, our disciplinary system, the legal system, and the police'
Our preliminary schedule calls for those reviews to be complete by late August, which I understand is within your study time-
frame to be of use to you.
In addition to our incident response, I know that you will be looking at the broad spectrum of issues including policies, protocols,
and the law.
I have read and heard other university presidents and pundits say that this tragedy could have happened on any campus in
America. We draw no solace from such observations.
My hope is that we - and every campus throughout the nation - can learn in the months ahead what happened and why'.'to the
extent that rational conclusions can be drawn from irrational violence. We will learn and the world will learn from this.
There already is a vigorous national discourse underway on many issues - mental health, the interplay between the rights of
individuals and the rights of societies and communities, the interaction between gun laws and privacy, campus security and the
underlying physical infrastructure, and much more.
We need to know how weli our mental health system is performing. Is this country devoting the time, resources, and energy to
helping those ln need?
We need to know if privacy laws can or should change so that school administrators, court officials, or the mental health
Drofession itself, has the information it needs to treat and handle those wlth mental illnesses on college campuses.
Certainly, you will bump into the nexus of individual rights and privacy laws versus the rights of a society, a communlty, or a
university to protect itself against possible harm from the mentally ill...or anyone else, for that matter.
We need to know if the university reacted in accordance with accepted procedure in its response to the murders withln our
residence hall. Our university police and rescue squad responded within three minutes of a report that someone fell from a bed
within a residence hall. Within minutes thereafter, the police, then knowing of a gunshot fatality and injury, secured the
residence hall. began investigating, and within one hour had a "person of interest." Your analysis of this and the terrible events
following is of crucial importance.
My campus has 19 miles of public roads on its 2,600 acrus and 153 mostly accessible buildings. On any given day, we have about
35,OOO people coming and going. How does an organization secure a university campus during an emergency? Or for that
matter, what levels of security are appropriate for normal operations?
We need to know about the preparedness - to the degree that any instltutlon can prepare for horrible and irrational mass
violence - of my university and other schools like ours for violence or other mass events that require an institutional response to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of a campus community.
We have multiple methods of emergency communications and have In the works implementation plans for more. We all need to
know whether universities such as our can do more to protect and inform its populations and multiple audiences In emergencles.
Tomorrow, Virginia Tech will celebrate its annual spring commencement. This is our time for celebration. Commencement, of
course, means "the beginning." For our graduates, it is and will be the beginning of the next phases of their lives. We know that
they wlll carry with them not only those treasured memories unique to the college experience, but also the searing memory of
the tragic events of April 16.
We owe it to them, we owe it to the injured. y/e owe it the families of the fallen... indeed, we owe it to all other schools and
campuses in this country to examine all these issues in their totality....and find ways of preventing anything like this ever again.
nesfficur nesfficue
' Organize annual Mass Gsualty Drill with Ufe . Determined need for revised Incident Action
Member Assoclation Plan for Large Scale Incidents
- October 2006
. Approved revised Incldent Action Plan
- March 2007
. Process of lmplementing IAP in progress on
April 16
- Annual MCI Drill \,\ras scheduled for early May
nesWue
s/2ol2oa7
nesffiue nrsWcue
7:ZLam
nesfficue
7:24am 7:26am
. WRS Rescue 3 Responding . Rescue 3 arrives on-scene at wAJ
- AIS Crew whh 3 on-board
nesffiue
sl20/2aa7
7:29am 7:3lam
. Rescue 3 crew begins treatint the patients . Rescue 3 requests Second Ambulance for
second oatient
nesWcue nrs\ftFcue
7:32am 7:35am
. Rescue 3 requests All Available Vlrglnia Tech . Rescue 2 Responding to Ambler Johnston
Rescue personnel to respond to WAJ - Baslc ufu Support with 2 on board
- EMT-Enhanced on-'ene
- Virginia Tech Rescue Lieutenant on{cene
nes\Wcue nerffi*t
7:36am 7:43am
. Virglnla Tech Rescue Squad Captain contacts . Rescue 3 en-route to M RH with first patient
- MontSomery Regional Hospital IMRHI wlth 1
traumatlc cardlac arrest and 1 crltl{al trauma alert
patient
. Rescue 3 staffed by
nrs\ffi*e nesfficue
7:48am 7:49arn
. Rescue 2 requests Carilion Lifeguard medevac
. Rescue Z en-rcute to MRH with second patient
nesWue nes\ffiue
nesVffiue
nesffius nesffiue
s/20/2ao7
9:46am 9:46am
9:48am 9:54am
. lnitial Staging Area establlshed at Blacksbu€ . VTPD advises they will have multiple patients
Statisn 1 - lnformatlon ls transmitted to Emergency Services
coordlnstor
. - Emecency SeNices Coordinator resets pages fur
Emergency Servkes Crordinator is advlsed of county unlts and ldentifies MCI situation with
change in Staging location Montgomery County Dispat€h
- ls aslced to supply All Av"llable county units to
Blacksburg Statlon I
nesffiue nesfficue
9:56am 9:55am
. First patients begin movlng out of Norris . staging Area placed at old Turner and Stanger
- Tactical medics from VTRS and BVN ha\€ been Streets once VTPD hes cleared EMS to enter
inside the buitdln6
- Triage has begun inside Norris Hall by Tactical . Treatment Area establlshed at BaBer and
Medics as rooms are deemed safe
Stanger Street
- Mass Casualty Traller is deployed to Treatment
Area
nesWcue nes\ffiue
5/20/2OO7
9:57am 9:57am
. EMS Command advises all unlts operatlng on . Rescue 3 sent to Old Turner and Stanger to
the scene to swikh to Primarv Tactical pick up wounded patients that are being
frequency VrAC1 extricated from Nonls Hall by Police Officers
- Transported to the Treatment Area
REswcuE nesWcue
10:08am
. Primary Triage is taking place in Norris Hall
-Tactical Medics
. Seondary Triage is planned at the entEnce to
Norris Hall
REswcuE
. lnitial Triage Team enters the area on Rescue 3 . Triaged Red(criticaU patients are being
and proceeds lnto Norris Hall with Police
$ansported directly from secondary triage
escort . Triaged Green and Yellow(non-critical)
Patients are being re-triaged at the Treatment
. Secondary Triage established on Norris Lawn Area
nesfficue REsWcuE
Approximately 10:20am 1.0:38am
. Ambulances are transporting patients to . Rescue 2 moves from the Treatment Area to
surrounding hospitals per the capac'rty Norris Hall with equipment and additional
numbers provided by the hospitals. Triage teams.
RESWUE nes\fficuE
10:47am 10:58am
. Triage Teams have cleared the second f,oor of . EMs operations is notified of a thlrd shootlng
Nonis Hall of all viable patients. incident in the tennis court area on
. Transport of cltical patients ls complete. Washington Street.
. FinalTriaged Elack Patient count ls 31.
. Triage Teams are staged in ambulances to
. respond to the tennis court area once VTPD
Triage Teams begin to find patients who had
jumped from second floor windows with clears the scene
injuries,
nss\,ffcue
11:13am 11:18am
. WPD advises EMS Operations there ls no . The Ambulance Staging Area ls relocated to
additional incident at the tennis court area Perry Street.
(the call is unfounded).
nesffcue nesfficus
s/2a12007
L2:22pm 3:47pm
. EMS Command stages six ambulances at the . Units are staged to begin transporting the
top of Barger Street in case of another deceased to the Medical Examiner in Roanoke.
incident
nesWcue nesWue
8:00Pm 8:01Pm
. Afl ofthe deceased have been transported to . EMS Command is terminated and the Virginia
the Mediczl Examiner in Roanoke. Tech Rescue Squad returns to normal
ooerations,
nesVZcue nrsffiue
Summary Summary
. The EMS response was outstanding . The Virglnla Tech Rescue Squad Incident
Action Plan was executed with great success
. All patients were transported within an hour
. Volunteer Rescue Squads exceptional working
. Crltlcal patients were transported lmmediately
relationship
*rrfficu= nesffiue
nesfficue *rsffiut
SUMMARY OF KDY FINDINGS
n April L6,2007, seung Hui cho, an angry and disturbed student, shot to death 32 stu-
dents ancl faculty of virginia Tech, wounded 17 more, and then killed himself.
The incident horrified not only Virginians, but people across the United States and throughout
the world.
Tim Kaine, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, immeiliately appointeal a panel -to
review the events leading up to this trageal.y; the handling ofthe incidents by public safety ofE-
provided
cials, emergency servi"es'providers, andthe university; and the sewices subsequently
to families, survivors, care-givers, and the community'
The Virgiinia Tech Review Panel reviewed several separate but related issues in assessing
events leading to the mass shootings and their aftermath:
r The Life and mental health history of Seung Hui Cho, from early childhood until the
weeks before April 16.
a Feiteral and state laws concerning the privacy of health and education records.
a Cho's purchase of guns and related gun control issues'
a The clouble homicide at West Ambler Johnston (WA.I) resitlence hall and the mass
shootings at Norris Hall, including the responses of Virginia Tech leailership and the
actions oflaw enforcement ofhcers and emergency responders'
Emergency medical care immediately following the shootings, both onsite at Virginia
Tech and in cooperating hospitals'
a The work of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia'
a The services provided for surviving victims of the shootings and others injured, the
families and loved ones of those killed and injured, members of the university commu-
nity, and caregivers.
The panel conducted over 200 interviews and reviewed thousands of pages of records, and
reports the following major findings:
1. Cho exhibited signs of mental health problems during his childhooil. His middle and
provided
high schools responded well to these signs and, with his parents' involvement,
,"t ri"ua to address his issues. He also received private psychiatric treatment and coun-
seling for selective mutism and depression.
In 1g99, after the Columbine shootings, Cho's middle school teachers observed suicidal
and homicidal ideations in his writings and recommended psychiatric counseling, which
he received. It was at this point that he received medication for a short time. Although
Cho's parents were aware that he was troubled at this time, they state they dirl not spe-
cificaliv know that he thought about homicide shortly after the 1999 Columbine school
shootings.
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
2. Durhg Cho's junior year at Virginia Tech, numerous incidents occurred that were clear
warnings of mental instability. Although various individuals and departments within
the university knew about each of these incidents, the university did not intervene
effectively. No one knew all the information and no one connected all the dots.
3, University of&cials in the offrce of Judicial Affairs, Cook Counseling Center, campus
police, the Dean of Students, and others explained their failures to communicate with
one another or with Cho's parents by noting their belief that such communications are
prohibited by the federal laws governing the privacy of health and education records. In
reality, fedeial laws and their state counterparts afford ample leeway to share informa-
tion in potentially dangerous situations.
4. The Cook Counseling Center and the university's Care Team failed to provide needed
support and services to Cho during a period in late 2005 and early 2006. The system
taitea tor lack of resources, incorrect interpretation of privacy laws, and passivity.
Records of Cho's minimal treatment at Virginia Tech's Cook Counseling Center are
missirg.
b. Virginia's mental health laws are flawed and services for mental health users are
inailequate. Lack of suf6cient resources results in gaps in the mental health system
incluiling short term crisis stabilization and comprehensive outpatient services. The
involuntary commitment process is challenged by unrealistic time constraints, lack of
critical psychiatric data and collateral information, and barriers (perceived or real) to
open communications among key professionals.
6. There is widespread confusion about what federal and state privacy laws allow. Also,
the federal laws governing records of health care provided in educational settings are
not entirely compatible with those governing other health records'
?. Cho purchased two guns in violation offederal law. The fact that in 2005 Cho had been
judged to be a danger to himself and orclered to outpatient treatment made him ineligi-
ble to purchase a gun under federal law.
8. Virginia is one of only 22 states that report any information about mental health to a
federal database used to conduct backgrountl checks on would-be gun purchasers. But
Virginia law did not clearly require that persons such as Cho-who had been ordered
into out-patient treatment but not committed to an institution-be reported to the data-
base. Governor Kaine's executive order to report all persons involuntarily committed for
outpatient treatment has temporarily addressed this ambiguity in state law' But a
change is needed in the Code of Virginia as well.
9. Some Virginia colleges and universities are uncertain about what they are permitted to
do regarding the possession of firearms on campus.
10. on April '16, 2007, the virg:inia Tech and Blacksburg police departments responded
quickiy to the report of shootings at West Ambler Johnston residence hall, as did the
Vi"gt*" Tech and Blacksburg rescue squads. Their responses were well coordinated.
11. The Virginia Tech police may have erred in prematurely concluding
that their initial
lead in the double homicide was a good one, or at least in conveying that impression to
university officials while continuing their investigation. They did not take suffrcient
action to deal with what might happen if the initial lead proved erroneous. The police
STIMMARY OF KEY NINDINGS
reported to the university emergency Policy Group that the "person of interest" probably
was no longer on campus.
12. The VTPD erred in not requesting that the Policy Group issue a campus-wide notifica-
tion that bwo persons had been killed and that all students and staff should be cautious
and alert.
18. Senior university administrators, acting as the emergency Policy Group, failed to issue
an all-campus notification about the WAJ killings until almost 2 hours had elapsed.
University practice may have conflicted with written policies'
14. The presence of large numbers of police at WAJ led to a rapid response to the first 9-1-1
call that shooting had begun at Norris Hall,
lb. Cho's motives for the WAJ or Norris HalI shootings are unknown to the police or the
panel. Cho's writings and videotaped pronouncements do not explain why he struck
when and where he did.
16. The police response at Norris Hall was prompt and effective, as was triage and evacua-
tion of the wound.eil. Evacuation of others in the building could have been implemented
with more care.
12. Emergency medical care im mediately following the shootings was provided very effec'
tively and timely both onsite and at the hospitals, although providers from different
had some difficulty communicating with one another. Communication of accu'
"g"o"i"r
rate information to hospitals standing by to receive the wounded and injured was
somewhat deficient early on. An emergency operations center at Virginia Tech could
have improved communications.
18. The Office of the Chief MerLical Examiner properly discharged the technical aspects of
its responsibility (primarily autopsies and identification of the deceased). Communica-
tion with families was poorly handled.
19. State systems for rapid.ly deploying trained professional staff to help families get infor-
mation, crisis intervention, and referrals to a wide range of resources did not work.
20. The university established a family assistance center at The Inn at Virginia Tech, but it
fell short in helping families and others for two reasons: lack of leadership and lack of
coordination among service providers. University volunteers stepped in but were not
trained or able to answer many questions and guide families to the resources they
needed.
21. In order to advance public safety and meet public Virginia's colleges and univer-
needs,
sities need to work together as a coordinated system of state-supported institutions'
As reflected in the botly of the report, the panel has made more than 70 recommendations
directed to colleges, universities, mental health providers, law enforcement officials, emergency
service providers, Iaw makers, and other public of6cials in Virginia and elsewhere'
\
:M84S/OM^ flt't4t--
Comments Charles W. Steger
August 22,2001
Good afternoon and thank you for coming. As you know, it's been a bittersweet week for
us at Virginia Tech: First, the very moving dedication of a memorial, which will forever
remind us of our profound loss and of lhe 32 souls who will always be a part of this
university... In the midst of that, a frightening off-campus incident that sent more than 20
ofour students to hospitals - although I'm happy and relieved to say no lives were lost
[need to update].
But at the same time, we've seen the return of ogr students to campus, and all of the
enthusiasm, joy, and promise that comes with each new school year. I challenge anyone
to spend a day on this campus and not come out an optimist -
The reports that we have released today are also grounds for optimism - because they
reconfirm the ability of this institution to examine itself, to leam and to evolve.
As you may recall, after April l6 I called for the creation of two different, but concurrent
review processes.
One is an external review -essentially an investigative analysis ofthe hagedy from its
genesis to its management and response. From the beginning, I felt this needed to be
done by an objective, outside panel, backed by significant resources and expertise. I was
very pleased that Govemor Kaine was of the same mind, and we look forward to seeing
the results of his independent Virginia Tech Review Panel in the coming week.
The other review is internal in structure and focus. This review is not intended to be an
investigation or a forensic analysis, but rather a close look at the university's existing
policies, processes, systems and resources through the new prism ofthe 4/16 ttagedy.
In fact, many colleges and universities around the country are commencing similar
intemal reviews, a recognition that this type of senseless tragedy can happen anywhere.
But it didn't happen just anywhere, and it is certainly incumbent on us to extract any
lessons that could make Virginia Tech stronger, safer, better equipped to fulfill our
mission.
We established three committees to undertake our review, and today you will hear brief
presentations by each of the three committee chairs. As you've seen, the reports and their
appendices are rather voluminous, so we felt these presentations would be helpful in
distilling the findings. I thank all three of the committee chairs for their diligence and
leadership.
- Jim Hyatt, executive vice president iurd chiefoperating officer, led the review
committee looking at campus security;
- Erv Blyhe, vice president for information technology, led the committee on
communications infrastructure ;
- Jeny Niles former dean of the college of liberal arts and human sciences, led the
committee reviewing the interface and exchange of information across
departments, including the intersections between the academic enterprise'
counseling, our disciplinary system, the legal system, and the police.
/i
We have also provided the report to the Govemor's panel this week, although I would
add that virnratty all of the information contained in them had already been discussed
with the panel during the course of its review.
The reports you received today are the same documents that were hansmitted to me by
the committee heads, but with some very limited redactions. These include proprietary
business information that was given to us by vendors, and a few redactions that were
necessary for safety and security reasons. For example, it would be inesponsible for us
to publicly discuss the locations of critical communications infrastructure, or operation
and placement of certain security systems.
The redactions are indicated by X's, so it will be very clear to you where they occur. Let
me emphasize that none of the redacted language had any significant impact on the
findings or recoulmendations that are made in these reports.
Before our committee chairs make their presentatrot r, t", me take the liberfy of making
some overall observations.
There is little doubt that April public expectations of the entire higher
I 6 has changed
education community. The adjustnents in procedures, policies and resources that are
proposed in these reports reflect Virginia Tech's commitment to meet those expectations.
The recommendations for change can be divided into three primary categories that
correspond to the three review areas:
The first part might be called physical security -- changes in facilities and procedures that
are designed to protect the physical safety of everyone in our campus community.
For example, we have all heard about the concept of "lockdown" - the suggestion that a
campus can be buttoned up instantaneously in an emergency. Our review reflects the
consensui of law-enforcement experts such as the Virginia Association of Campus Law
Enforcement Administrators that such a "lockdown" is simply not feasible on a campus
the size of a small city. However, it is certainly feasible to secure or'oharden" individual
buildings and other facilities, and the review addresses that approach
The second part relates to improving emergency communications - the in-frastructure that
facilitates communication into and out of tle c€rmpus, directly to students and faculty,
and among emergency responders. For example, the new WAlerts system, which was
already being developed before April 16, is now fully operational.
Of course, these communication tools must be coupled with protocols that guide their
use, while allowing enough flexibility to respond to each situation. The experts remind
us that each emergency is unique and careful judgment must be applied in determining
when and how campus alerts are issued.
2
The third category involves the flow of inforrration across departments with regard to
students. Simply put, we must have a more coordinated system for managing the needs
of students at risk. This includes better interdepartmental communication and more
consistent interpretation and application of privacy laws.
The next steps will be for the university to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the
recommenditions, including a cost-benefit analysis, to determine which
recommendations will be adopted and whether there are other worthy recommendations
that have not been identified; prioritized the recommendations; identify funding sources;
and develop a timeline for implementation. Those we felt were immediate imperatives
are alreadybeing implemented. We will be considering the others based on a variety of
factors. Every good idea involves a tradeoff of some type - whether that's practicability,
cost, or some type of unintended impact - so we have to look at each on its own merits.
What the intemal reviews do not allempt to do - and I urge you to bear this in mind - is
to draw any conclusions about potential relationships between the actions taken or
systems in place on April 16 and the cause or outcome of the tragedy itself. Again, this
process was not designed for that purpose'
We at Virginia Tech have been forever changed by the crimes of one severely disturbed
yolmg man. He was determined to commit murder, planned his crime meticulously, and
managed to conceal his homicidal urges from all of the law-enforcement authorities and
the mental health experts who tried to help him and presumably even from his family.
The reviews before you propose a credible framework to help us meet the demands and
expectations of our new reality. We will take whatever steps are needed to maintain the
safety, confidence and peace ofmind ofour students, faculty and the entire Hokie
community.
As I invite our committee chairs to make their presentations, let me ask that you please
hold your questions until all three presentations are complete. I realize this will mean a
lot of information up front, but we feel it is the best way to lay out the key hndings.
####
Jantes A.Hyatt
Executive Vice President & Chief
Operating Officer
Atrgust 22,2007
GROUP
SECUR.ITY INFRASTRUCTUR'E
SPEAKING POINTS
PROCESS
o-n
on the Virginia Tech campul Y"19.?yl
.- ln resPonse to the tragic events
liJritn"a the securiiy lnfrastructure
Ao;il-'-16, 2007, the President
Working GrouP'
with examining the university's exisiing security
r The Group was charged
;;;;#td"i;;i; ;nhance the' universitv's
systems uno
'""o#"u'niiil
q''ii"riv'"""J *
etfe-ctivety -itt'tt"t where the safeiy of
ability to respono jeopardized'
the campus commr-tnity is
to identlfy-straiegies that might,decrease the
. The Group was arso directed
ottu"ing ;nO to conside'r not only
probability of suc-h situations
nut arsJtrl- Jehavior of
individuals with
technotogicar aspects oitn" L"u",
regard to camPus securitY'
the
as Chairman of the Group and t in tum appointed
' I was appointed
following core members'
TechnolooY
Vice Preside"ll"l{::1*ion
Earvins L. Blvthe,
ii'""to' Security and Chief of Police
Wendell R. Flinchum' of Campus'vi"* Fiesident for Universiiy
Lawrence G. nin'rJ''""n"*tJ"i"tt
Relations . -!f,/,^-^^ar
McCoy, Capital Projeci Man-ag"l^-u"o as an advisor to the
iX"i"t v."H"iout"o"t,
ffi; * University Counsel ser
GrouP
staffed by Heidi McCoy' Director of Administraiive
F The Group was
operations""d;;;;;iiotneE*"tiii'LVcepresioentandchief
OPerating Officer'
The Group also looked at how to address emergency situations that might
arise in the future.
ft is important to note that in order to meet the August 17, 2OO7 report
deadline to the President, the group focused its analysis on the main
Blacksburg campus.
. Mutual aid agreements with local, regional and state law enforcement
agencies and rescue squads enable the campus to respond in a prompt
and coordinated manner to emergency situations.
r ln response to the events of April 16, 2007 over 30 police and law
enforcement agencies and 20 rescue units came to the aide of our
campus police and rescue squad.
- r Ongoing joint training exercises with other law enforcement and
emergency units allow the campus to prepare for possible emergencies,
. The campus benefits from the engagement of the president and key
campus administrators in addressing campus emergencies (e.g' Policy
Committee).
. ln the event of an emetgency the campus benefits frcm the strcng support
of faculty, staff and students and the sunounding community'
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOLS
. Creating a security master plan for the campus and establishing a campus
security planning committee.
IMPLEMENTATION
FINAL WORDS
These reviews are internal in structure and focus and not intended to be forensic
in
nature. Says Steger, "I asked for the creation oftwo different, but concurrent review
processes. The external review commissioned by Govemor Kaine is essentially
investigatory in nature, while ours is a forward looking review of university policy,
resources, and infrastructure through the prism ofApril 16'"
The Security Infrastructure Group was charged with examining the university's existing
security ,yrt"-r and recommending changes that would enhance the university's ability
to respond quickly and effectively in situations where the safety of the campus
.o*-rrnityir jeopardized. This group was also directed to identify strategies that might
decrease ttr" pioUaUitity of such situations occurring, looking at both technological
and
behavioral aspects.
The Interfoce Group evaluated the relationships between the university's student
counseling services, academic affairs, judicial affairs, and the legal system. It was
charged w-ith examining the existing systems and the interface between them and
deteinining what constraints, legal or otherwise, hamper effective interactions in order to
respond to and support at-risk students.
Among its findings the security infrastructure group found good cooperation and sound
agreerients betwJen Virginia Tech and local police, fire, and EMS jurisdictions including
oigoing training exercises; sound emergency communications; robust communications
iniastricture; a sound emergency preparedness plan; engagement of the leadership in
campus emergencies; and a nationally accredited campus police department.
Other university systems experienced some loading, which were quickly identified and
rectified, and performed well with no significant problems. For example, the university
website *'w*.ot.edn saw a 3,000 percent increase in traffic on April 16, VTPD dispatch
experienced 450 percent increase, and the university switchboard experienced a 300
percent increase in calls'
Interface Group
Consistent with the national findings of the federal report commissioned by President
Bush, the Interface Group found some confusion about applicability and interpretation of
privacy laws among some offices or faculty. To some extent, this created internal silos
and feedback problems preventing some offices from having salient information on
students at risk. The "system may not be robust enough to provide the kind ofanalysis
that is warranted by more complex, high risk cases... with need for significant mental
health services."
Refinins and expanding the CaIe Team, a key SA group that identifies and responds to
students at risk (among other responsibilities), including addition of VTPD to standing
membership and connecting academic personnel to deliberations where appropriate.
Creating a Threat Assessment Team charged with examining the most complex aases of
distressed students and empowering it to act quickly, when necessary.
Expandine Case Manasement Capacitv by adding case managers to the Dean of Students
office and Cook Counseling Center to improve follow-up with students and to improve
information flow through appropriate units about students at risk.
Improving Communications in the System
on privacy law
Improve communications in the Systems with particular emphasis
ffi*tt* tht""gh""tA" u"i*ttibr, policies for communications with external
"lutifying a clear picture of distressed
agencies, establishing a central university contact with
students.
to the
connecting strategies for Identiffing and supporting at Risk students
Broader University Plan for Campus Safety
in Violence
the campus tufety it the province of all university employees to some extent'
.*"gtrt"*g
to integrate the numerous
university-wide efforts to enhance campus safety'
Virginia Tech
h^ rtt""g, *pp".iirr", il-Lvib.-*t which is essential in creating a safe
" with very good "orn-noity
policies and suppgrt systems' However',it,is,
"u*put ""ii.orilent
recommended that a more sysieiratic-approach be instituted
with campus well-being as a
goal.
###
News Conference Statement
Presidential Internal Review Committee
Interface of Student Systems Working Group
8l22l07
Jerry Niles, Chalr
ln response to the tragic events of April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger requested an
internal review conducted by a working group to examine the interface between the university's student
counseling services, academic affairs, judicial aflairs and the legal system. The Group was charged with
examining "...the existing systems and the interface between them and determining what constraints
legal and otherwise hamper effective interaction among these areas," The Working Group focused its
attention on examining Virginia Tech's capacity and efficacl in identifying, responding to and supporting
at-risk students. The Group was comprised of 17 key personnel from the units in the overall system and
conducted its work through five methods: (1) full working group discussions (2) one-on-one interviews
between the Group Chair and individual personnel (3) participation in a symposium with six national
experts (4) analysis and review of relevant educational policies and procedures at Virginia Tech and
other educational institutions, and (5) analysis and review of relevant state and federal documents.
In general the Working Group found that Virginia Tech has a sound, responsive, student centered
system that it is designed to identifo and assist students in need in a variety of ways and to hold all
students accountable for their behavior withirr in the university community. In addition, a network of
structures is in place to identifo and respond to students who are more acutely distressed, which could
include at risk fior violent behavior. The Working Group also found that number of actions could
strengthen the existing system. The recommendations r€presenting these actions are clustered around
three themes, expanding capacity in the system, enhancing communication and connecting strategies
for identifuing and responding to at-risk students to broader, on-going efforts in the university to
promote a safe campus environment.
There are three recommendations for expanding Virginia Tech's capacity for identifying responding to
and supporting at-risk students. These include modification of an existing structure, the creation of a
new structure and the hiring of additional personnel.
Create a Threat Assessment Team. A new structure is needed to complement the work of the
Care Team for students who may pose a threat to others, lt is recommended that a structure, a
team, be created that has specific responsibility for threat assessment to strengthen the overall
system for the consideration of the most complex cases. The Team would be charged with
conducting a comprehensive fact-based description of a distressed student and empowered
with the authority to act in a timely manner, if necessary consistent with university policy and
applicable law.
Expand Case Manaee{nent CapaciW. Increased capacity for follow up on students who have
been considered by the Care Team or seen by Cook Counseling Center will stfengthen services
to students in need. lt is recommended that two additional case managers be added to the
staffs of the Dean of Students Office and C.ook Counseling Center to improve follow up sewices
to students, as well as facilitate the information flow regarding the case aooss units. The case
manager will maintain a comprehensfue picture of the student and focus on the implementation
of interventions, coordination of services and the monitoring of the effectiveness of the
interventions.
Effective communication among units regarding at-risk students is essential. Effective responses to at-
risk students are dependent on accurate and comprehensive assessments of their status. There are a
number of recommendations intended to enhance communication in the system including:
r Establish a designated university contact person who has a comprehensive picture of distressed
students who have been assessed by the system. The role of this person should be widely
known both internally and extemally by personnel who work with students at risk. The
individual should be available 24/7 .ln addition further clarification is needed and a protocol
developed regarding policies for cornmunicating with external agencies who may request
information about acutely distressed students,
Conduct on-going training for all personnel on the application of the Family Educational Privacy
Act (FERPA) in the discussion of cases.
lmplement a new policy for emergency notification information for students. This policy would
require studefts to update emergency contact information at the time of registration for each
semester.
Connectlng Strategies for ldentifying and Supporting at Risk-Students to the Broader Unive]'lsfi Plan
for Campus safety.
An important feature of any comprehensive approach and plan for campus safety is that the pieces or
key elements form an integrated whole. The Working Group offers a set of three primary
recommendations that link strategies for students to other domains of the university.
Exoand Training of Administrators, Facultv, and Staff in ViolencePrevention. The effort to raise
the level of awareness regarding the considerable resources that are available to members of
the university community in seeking assistance with distressed students is vital' lt is
recommended that additional training programs be directed to all administrators, with special
attention given to newly appointed ones, as they are key participants for bringing others in their
unit up-to-date information related to campus safety. lt is funher recommended that new
strategies be developed to raise the awaren€ss of faculty and staff regarding the availability of
resources for dealing with at-risk students and employees, again paying special attention to
newly hired personnel
Extend the Universiw-wide Violence Prevention Policv. A structure is needed that will help
integrate the numerous university-wide efforts to enhance campus safetythat have been in
existence prior to 4176 and that will be added as a result of the three internal reviews as well as
other efforts. lt is recommended that a university level committee be formed that ensures that
programs are in place to support the Campus and Workplace Violence Prevention Policl. The
Committee would bring oversight from all precincts of the university, including student affairs,
academic affairs, human resources, facilities and administrative services with regard to policy,
operations and resources that aie intended to create a coherent approach to ensuring a safe
campus environment. This is a structure that is similarto the one Mr. Hyatt mentioned earlier
These two structures could well be one in the same.
r Continue to Build Communitv Solidaritv to Promote Individual and CommqniW Well Beine. A
strong vibrant and supportive community is essential in ensuring a safe campus environment.
An environment that promotes civility, works toward the acceptance of others' differences,
strives to include rather than exclude and prcvides assistance to those in need is fundamental to
a safe campus, Virginia Tech has instituted a number of efforts to provide such an environment
and iscontinually adding others. lt is recommended that a more systematic approach be
instituted that specifies campus-well being as a goal and ensures that the various efforts are
connected. The coordination of this effort could be situated with the Committee for Campus
and Workplace Violence Frevention that was recommended elsewhere in this report or some
other appropriate body.
Many of the recommendations made in this report are systemic in nature and will involve deliberation
by those offices directly affucted by them in their day-to-day work to decide how best to incorporate the
3
ideas. Moreover, the Working Group is aware that the recommendations in this report are only a piece
of the larger picture of campus safety and must be linked directly to other efforts that are underuvay to
enhance campus safety. fhe careful coordination and integration of all efforts to promote campus
safety is essential to ensure a comprehensive approach. Finally, the Interface Working Group is aware
that any system needs to be dynamic in nature to adjust to the changes that continually emerge from
the needs of the unive6ity community and new lessons learned from ongoing evaluation of the system
and best practices of our Peers.
President Stegerts remarks
Memorial Dedication
Aug. 19,2007
Thank you, Tom. And I welcome every one here today as we come together still
shaken, still deeply saddened by the collective nightmare ofApril l6th, a day that scarred
our hearts and left us with searing memories of loved ones lost aad wounded.
We come together still seeking answers to the incomprehensible.
We come to remember that which we cannot forget -- for the love of those lost and the
pain of losing them are much too great.
we also come together to remember wonderful, caring teachers and young lives
with great promise, all of whom sought only better lives for themselves and a better
world for others.
We come in the hope that this Memorial to the victims of April 16th will help
each of us as we deal with our heartache and as we continue to tread -- each at his or her
own pace-- upon the slow and difficult path ofrecovery and healing.
As you have heard, this spot and these stones were spontaneously selected and
created by Virginia Tech students, out of their care, comp€rssion and love for tlose lost
and injured that tenible day.
It is most fitting that this tribute is of Hokie Stones -- stones that have been
strengthened by the pressure they have withstood for eons. These simple limestone
rocks, forurd only in the Appalachian Mountains, have been part of symbol of Virginia
Tech for more than a cenflrry. These Hokie Stones represent a foundation and a link from
one generation of Hokies to another.
We come together here at this Hokie Stone memorial to share the cherished
memories of those who the world lost in a rampage of violence. We come to offer our
thoughts, prayers and support to their families, who continue to suffer.
We join together to pay tribute to the young, beautiful minds that crossed this
Drill Field in search of knowledge and their place in the world, and to the wisdom of their
teachers, who devoted years and careers to nurturing generations of knowledge-seeking
students.
They came from small towns here in Virginia and from states across this country
and from the far-flung comers of the globe. They came from diverse backgrounds and
cultures, each seeking, through Virginia Tech, a different path to tomorrow.
But they shared much in common. They shared a love of learning and a love for
this university. They were earnest in their academic pursuits, yet loving and joyful.
Friends and colleagues have described how each was special and how they
wanted to make a difference and to give something back to the world.
Each was gifted and talented and unique. They will be greatly missed . . . they
shall not be forgotten.
We remember them with great sadness, but let us also remember the joy, the love,
and the devotion they brought to this world.
we embrace their loved ones from around Virginia, the nation, and the globe as
cherished members of the Virginia Tech community.
And those injured that cold morning, who, even now in the heat of summer, are
still recovering from wounds, physical and emotional, and the families who continue to
2
worry and struggle - they will forever occupy a special place within the Virginia Tech
family.
Some of those injured have graduated and moved on, while others are retuming to
Virginia Tech to complete their education. But to all, we extend our hands and our arms
to you with a desire to help and support you.
This memorial also is dedicated to you -- we want it to be a momrment to your
courage and determination.
You have endured an ordeal that most will never face. May your wounds heal
quickly and completely.
May you, in time, grow stronger and live your lives to the frrllest and in the
greatest service to others.
Every day since April 16ft people from throughout this community and from
around the world have offered and provided tremendous care and support, in many, many
forms.
We are forever humbled by their care and concem for us-for we were all
victims. And, we are eternally thankful for the overwhelming support. There is no way
we can ever adequately recognize, much less repay, the wonderful outpouring of support
that has honored and bolstered our university community.
I also want to take a moment to express my most sincere and personal thanks to
the faculty and staffof the university. While stqnned and grieving yourselves, you
somehow have mustered the will to keep going. Driven by a depth of compassion and a
personal commitment to humanitarian service that this university had never before seen,
you have worked together, and by serving others added a new dimension to the meaning
of Ut Prosim, That I MaY Serve.
You have worked harder than ever to meet the unique needs of retuming students,
still traumatized but ready to begin anew, and to welcome a new class of students who
are full of enthusiasm and eager to experience all that it means to be a part of the Hokie
Family.
I am honored to work and live among such wonderful people, and I will always
remember your devotion to each other, to this university, and to these families. You have
my highest respect and deepest appreciation.
I hope that each day, the good that you've done and the healing that you've
helped to bring about will, in turn, bring you a measure of peace and some increment of
renewal.
I also recall the words of one of the notes added to the makeshift boards here on
the Drill Field in April. It said, simply, "You have broken our hearts, but you have not
broken our spirits."
lndeed the spirit and the resiliency of the Virginia Tech community have amazed
the world.
Our Govemor, Tim Kaine, spoke at our Convocation about how he was amazed
and proud of what he called, "the incredible community spirit and sense of unity" on this
campus.
"It is not just you that needs to maintain the spirit, the world needs you to," he
said. "In the darkest moment in the history of this university, the world saw you and saw
you respond in a way that built community."
3
He also said that that shong spirit of optimism. ' ' of community. . . of hope, ' '
and of wanting to be together "taught something good to people all around the world, and
the world needs that example put forward."
As the new academic year begins, we must maintain that optimism, that hope and
that sense of coming together. We are reminded that the classroom and the laboratory are
their own special domains and mark that special bond between teacher and student.
Despite our heavy hearts, these must remain sanctuaries of enlightenment, a
domain to overcome intolerance, hatred and ignorance.
Virginia Tech is and shall remain committed to its core missions. Certainly,
- -
-
the events of April 16 have added many new challenges. Yet, I feel and I sense among
many of you -- a renewed comrnitrnent to our leaming, to our discovery, and to how we
reach out to others.
This university is a place for growing and leaming.
And as we grow and move into the future, we must have a vision -- not just a set
of specific programs, but a set of shared commitments -- the duty we owe to ourselves, to
one^anothei, toour nation, and increasingly, to our fellow citizens across the globe.
As we close these ceremonies, allow me to direct your thoughts again to these
Hokie Stones behind me. Today, these Hokie Stones are being dedicated here on the
Drill Field - another Virginia Tech landmark - to remember the past' to memorialize
those slain and injured i1l the tragedy ofApril l6h, and to help all ofus dedicate
ourselves to each other and to the future.
These stones come from the earth in many colors - muted shades of pink, red,
gray, brown and black. May that represent our diverse individuality.
And when connected, as they are in the buildings all around us, they are
incredibly strong and enduring, standing up to stress and storm throughout the years.
And so shall it be with the Virginia Tech Family'
.Though severely battered by the events of April, we must be strong. . . We must
havefaith...Wemustlead...Wemustdowhatwebelieveisright...Andwemustnot
be afraid. . . We areVirginia Tech.
In a few moments, the bell will toll 32 times for the precious lives we lost, and we
will close this ceremony with the symbolic presentation of Hokie Stones to the families
of those whose names are forever etched into ow hearts and into the Stones of this
Memorial. We will reflect silently on those lives and how they have forever changed our
own.
And to those families, our honored suests, it is ow most sincere hope that you
will become more and more like family. You are forever a part of the Virginia Tech
community, and I hope you will embrace us as we seek to embrace you'
Now, this Memorial is officially dedicated. When we depart, let us do so as we
have come together - in remembrance and with renewed resolve. May peace be with
you'
Gomments by Gharles W. Steger, Prcsldent of Virginia Tech,
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
May 21,2007
Colonel Massengill and distinguished members of the panel. I am pleased to have this
opportunity to welcome you to the campus of Virginia Tech, During the past week, we
have been working with representatives of Tri Data Corporation. to develop our portion
of the agenda, which I hope will be helpful to you as you pursue this most difficult task.
I might note that your visit to our campus coincides with our first day of summer school.
Although our student population over the summer is only about one-fourth of what it is
during the regular year and our teaching faculty who are on 9-month appointments are
not here, you can get some sense of the vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow on a
typical Monday morning at Virginia Tech-as April 16 was before the shootings began.
To begin, I would like to introduce to the Panel Mr. Lenwood McCoy, who has agreed to
serve as the liaison between the university and the Review Panel to ensure that the
Panel receives a thorough responsd to all requests for information. Mr. McCoy retired
several years ago after more than 35 years with the university, during which he served
in a variety of roles, including Director of IntemalAudit and University Controller. He will
ensure that all your requests are met.
As you will hear during the presentation, we have devoted our energies over the past
month primarily to helping those families who lost their sons and daughters, mothers
and fathers, husbands and wives, as well as the victims who survived. Let me note
here that out of respect for these families, the university has denied requests by the
media and others to enter Norris Hall. We made an exception to enable the Panelto
tour the building this morning because of its relevance to your work. We will continue to
restrict access until the families who indicate a desire to do so have had an opportunity
visit the building. At the appropriate time, access will be provided to the media and
other members of the public.
2. What the university knew about Mr. Cho prior to the event. What steps were taken
prior to the incident.
U'& d 0'*-&,s
/
As many of you know, the Attomey General's Office serves as the university's legal
counsel. Ms. Heidbreder is our University Legal Gounsel and a SpecialAssistant
Attorney General. As such, she is charged with providing me legaladvice on behalf
of the Attorney General. We will provide all information we can within the law.
3. What transpired in the Emergency Policy Group when advised of the first shootings
in West Ambler Johnston Hall and immediately thereafter.
4. What is being done for support and healing of the families as well as the broader
university community.
As we work to recoverfrom the events of April 16, we also want to learn from them.
Two After-lncident Reports are being developed for each of the shooting incidents. And
as noted in my comments to you in Richmond last Thursday, we have established three
working groups that will focus on: 1) telecommunications; 2) security infrastructure-
locking systems, alarms, etc.; and 3) the interface between counseling services, judicial
affairs, academic affairs, and the legalsystem.
This is being said to note that what we will share with you today is what we know to the
best of our knowledge at this point in time, but as our own internal review and
examination continues, other facts may come to light. Therefore, what we offer today is
preliminary in nature and might be revised based on the emergence of additional
information. We will certainly keep you apprised as additional information becomes
available.
lf there are no (further) questions, I would like to call upon Mr. Jim McCoy, from our
Office of Capital Design and Construction, to provide an overview of the systems in
place.
Kim's Notes:
lmmediately after being briefed by the police regarding what transpired in Norris Hall,
President Steger directed that planning begin immediately for a university convocation to
occur the next day in order to help the entire university community to find some comfort in
gathering together.
ln those early days, in addition to addressing the university community at the convocation,
President Steger attended the candlelight vigil, met with families of deceased victims at The
Inn several times, and visited injured students in the various hospitals. In parallel, he and
Chief Flinchum also provided updated information to the campus community and their
families and the general public through numerous press conferences.
Within days after April 16, President Steger appointed a separate Emergency Response
Resource Group to take care of the myriad issues that arose-ranging from the provision of
counseling to students and employees, to caring foi thousands of tributes and letters
aniving daily, and much more.
President Steger ananged for at least one university representative to attend all funerals or
memorial services (about which the university could obtain information) in the U.S. that he
was unable to attend personally. I and other Board members also attended many of the
funerals.
The President and Provost worked with the Deans to come up with a plan to provide options
to students for finishing the spring 2007 semester.
President Steger consented to the creation of the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund and Hokie
Spirit Scholarship Fund to receive unrestricted gifts and gifts designated for scholarships,
respectively, that were aniving to aid the university community-long before it could be
known how much money would be received.
President Steger appointed a liaison to the Governor's Panel to ensure that the Panel would
receive complete cooperation and thorough responses to all of their requests for information
from the university. President Steger has also met publicly and privately with the Panel
several times.
Under the President's direction, his staff re-worked the plans for commencement to include
a President's address to the university community and a special recognition of the deceased
students and faculty and their families, and enlisted the assistance of family liaisons and a
7
multitude of units across the university to implement the plan. He also made the decision to
grant posthumous degrees to all students who lost their lives on April 16.
On the subject of family liaisons, this group of liaisons did not previously exist. This group
was established and mobilized by the senior administration, who recognized that it was not
humanly possible for any one individual to address personally the needs of the many who
directly suffered losses as well as the rest of the university community.
After meeting with the Dean of Engineering and the faculty of the Engineering Science and
Mechanics Department as well as considering the input of many who sent letters, President
Steger directed that a plan be developed by June 1 to reoccupy Norris Hall. The plan, which
included refurbishing the affected wing plus the first and third floors and the replacement of
the crash bars on exterior doors with flat bars, was implemented immediately. The plan also
calls for increased security and the availability of counseling through part of the fall
semester.
President Steger subsequently directed that a feasibility study be conduc{ed for the affected
Norris wing over the summer and in parallel appointed the Provost to chair a committee to
look at the future programmatic use of the space.
In June, President Steger sent emissaries out to meet with a number of families, including
yours, to assess their needs.
He subsequently held meetings around the state with injured students and their parents and
with deceased victims'families, one of which you and your wife attended.
At those meetings, President Steger reported that he had appointed three internal working
groups to look into and provide recommendations to him about the university's
telecommunications infrastructure; the university's physical security infrastructure; and the
interface between and among Counseling Services, Academic Affairs, Judicial Affairs, and
the Legal System. Those reports were completed in August. A plan has been developed to
evaluate and implement the resulting recommendations.
He sent individual e-mail notes to all students who were scheduled to be present in a class
or lab in Norris Hall on the morning of April 16 asking them to provide a phone number so
they could be contacted by a representative from the university on July 5 or 6 to discuss
how they were, share any thoughts, and provide input on what services would be helpful to
them at the beginning of the new academic year. About 75 percent of the students were
able to be reached by the initial phone calls, and attempts continue to be made to contact
the remainder.
He accepted Mr. Feinberg's draft protocol for distribution of the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
(HSMF). At least six town hall meetings plus numerous private meetings have since been
held in Mrginia and New Jersey by Mr. Feinberg to solicit input from you and others eligible
(according to the draft protocol) to receive a distribution from the HSMF. All of this has been
made possible by President Steger.
He agreed to hold a healing concert early in the school year to benefit the entire university
community. (This occurred September 6.)
He established an Office of Recovery and Support (about which you received an e-mail note
on July 26) and hired a Director, Jay Poole.
President Steger has attempted to make contact with all physically injured- students or
families of deceased students and faculty whom he had not had a chance to meet or speak
with since those first weeks, when he had met many in the hospitals or at The lnn or at
memorial and funeral services.
He directed that planning for the memorial dedication be started and decided to hold a
brunch at The Grove for physically injured students and their families and for families of
deceased victims. (occurred August 19)
He began planning a series of events to occur after the school year begins to recognize
numerous units within the university that provided invaluable service to the university
community.
He began planning a recognition event to be held in September to thank the 150 extemal
organizations that came to the aid of the university on April 16 and in the weeks that
followed. (occurred Sept. 10 and Oct. 23)
Statement by Charles Steger, President
430PM
With me today is the Secretary of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Virginia, John
Marshall and the Superintendent of Virginia State Police, Steve Flaherity. Also present if
the Mayor of Blacksburg, Ron Rordham; the chief of Blacksburg PD, Kim Crannis; the
chief of Virginia Tech Police, Wendell Flinchum.
I want to repeat my horror, disbelief, and profound solrow at the events oftoday. People
from around the world have expressed their shock and extraordinary and endless sadness
that has transpired today. I am at a loss for words to explain or understand the camage
that visited our campus.
I know no other way to speak about this than to tell you what we know'
It is now confirmed that we have 31 deaths fromNorris Hall, including the gunman. 15
other victims are being teated at local hospitals in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.
There are two confirmed deaths from the shooting in Ambler Johnston Dormitory in
addition to the 3l in Norris.
We have not confirmed his identity of the gunman because he canied no papers. We are
in the process of attempting identification.
Nonis Hall is a tragic and sonowfiI crime scene. We are in the process of identifying
victims and in the process of notifuing next of kin. This may take a while. We will not
release any names until we are positive of this notification. We anticipate being able to
release a list sometime tomorrow.
We are asking students to contact their parents to let them know their status.
Our investigation continues into whether there is a corurection between the frrst and
second incidents.
We know that parents will want to embrace their children. We are not suggesting that
you come to campus. However, if parents feel that they must come to calnpus' we are
locating counselors at the The Inn and Skelton Conference Center.
As you can imagine, security, investigation, operational, and counseling resources are
very taxed at the moment. However, we are getting assistance from the state police, the
FBI, ATF, local jurisdictions, and the Red Cross. And we understand the desire, indeed
the compelling need to get information on the part of family, students, and loved ones,
but unfortunately this is all the information we have at the time.
We are posting information to our website as we leam it. Our communications systems
are taxed also and we are also posting information, www.vsp.virginia.gov.
Jeny Niles
Deon-Liberol Arts & Humon Sciences ond Commitiee Choir
Avgvst 22,2@7
ln responseio the irogic events of April 16,2007 , Virginio Tech President Chorles Steger
requesied on iniernol review conducied by o working group to exomine the interfoce
between the university's siudent counseling services, ocodemic offoirs. judiciol offoirs
ond the legol system. The Commitiee wos chorged with exomining "...the exisiing
systems ond the in'ierfoce between them; determining whot constroints legol ond
otherwise homper effective interociion omong these oreos"' The Working Group
focused its ottention on exomining Virginio Tech's copociiy ond efficocy in identifying,
responding to ond supporling ot-risk siudents. The Group wos comprised of l7 key
personnel from ihe units in the overoll system ond conducted iis work through five
melhods: [ ) full committee discussions (2) one-on-one interviews between the
Commitiee Choir ond individuol personnel (3) pqrticipqtion in o symposium with six
noiionol experts (4) onolysis ond review of relevont educoiionol policies ond
procedures ot Virginio Tech ond other educotionol insiitulions, ond (5) onolysis ond
review of relevonl stote ond federol documents.
In generol ihe Working group found thot Virginio Tech hos o responsive, student
centered system thot it is designed to ideniify ond ossist students in need in o voriety of
woys ond to hold oll siudenis occountoble for their behovior within in the university
communiiy. In oddition, o neiwork of siruciures is in ploce to identify ond respond to
siudents who ore more ocutely distressed. The Working Group olso found thoi number
of octions could sirengthen the existing sysiem. The recommendotions representing
these octions ore clustered oround three ihemes, exponding copocity in the sysiem,
enhoncing communicotion ond connecting the opprooches to identifying ond
responding to ot-risk siudent s to the brooder efforts in ihe university to promote o sofe
compus environment
. Refinino ihe Core Teom The Core Teom is o centrol struciure in ideniifying ond
responding to siudents of risk os ii incorporotes members from oll key siudent
offoirs uniis ond other units of the university when opproprioie. li is
recommenoed thot it be o more formolly recognized ond visible structure in the
university system ond thot its Protocol be updoied to reflect impending chonges.
Effectiveness of the operotion of the Core Teom could be enhonced by odding
o Virginio Tech low enforcement officer ond the director for The Office of
Services forStudenis with Disobiiities os permonent teom members ond
Poge 1 of 4
I
Jerry Niles
Deon-Liberol Arts & Humon Sciences ond Commitiee Choir
August 22,2007
conneciing ocodemic offoirs personnel more directly io the dellberoiions. In
oddition, steps need io be ioken to ensure thot of leost one person on the Teom
hos o comprehensive picture of the coses being considered ond is outhorized if
there is need to shore informotion with othen internolly ond exiemolly when
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\J l-., P' v v, ,s I v.
Poge 2 of 4
Jeny Niles
Deon-Liberol Arts & Humon Sciences ond Commitiee Choir
Avgust 22,2007
An imporiont feoture of ony comprehensive opprooch ond plon for compus sofeiy
is thot the pieces or key elements form on integroied whole. The Working group
offers o set of three moin recommendoiions thot link sirotegies for studenis to other
domoins of the university.
Mony of the recommendotions mode in this report ore systemic in noture ond will
involve deliberotion by those offices directly offected by them in their doy-to-doy work
to decide how besl to incorporote the ideos, Moreover, the Working Group is owore
thot ihe recommendotions in ihis report ore only o piece of the lorger picture of
compus sofeiy ond must be linked directly to oiher efforl's thot ore underwoy lo
enhonce compus sofety. The coreful coordinotion ond integroiion of oll eiforts to
promote compus sofeiy is essentiol io ensure o comprehensive opprooch. Finolly, the
Pnrrc ?
,svvvv,- nf .zl
Jerry Niles
. Deon-Liberol Arts & Humon Sciences ond Commitiee Choir
Avgvst 22,20Q7
lnterfoce Working Group is owore ihot ony system needs to be dynomic in noture to
odjust to the chonges thct continuolly emerge from the needs of ihe uni"'ersity
communiiy ond new lessons leorned from on-going evoluotion of ihe system ond best
proctices of our Peers.
Poge 4 of 4
Dear Colleagues,
lVhen we reassembie on Monday, April 23d, rjiscussions penaining io iast week's iragic errenis are sure to take piace
between and among students and faculty. lt is our hope that these convenations will facilitate fte healing process
when classes resume. At the same time, we also expect the media to again be on campus, and many of you have
asked how to respond to them. So that everyone feels comfortable participating in the conversations they choose to
have, here are some general guidelines about the media, and information on our own communications policies.
Media are never allowed in the classrooms without faculty permission. Academic buildings, normally open to the
public, will be offlimits to ihe media. Notices have been posted on all academic buildings stating this rule. In
addition, the big satellite trucks we saw last week will no longer be allowed.
However, ours is an open campus and the press will still be present. Reporters on campus may ask to interview you.
lf you are approached, it is entirely up to you if you want to speak them. Feel free to say, 'Thanks, but no thanks."
But, keep in mind that the majority of the media are genuinely concerned about the Virginia Tech communiiy and
want to let our many supporters know how we are coping with last week's events.
Next, I want to share with you the messages we think are important to convey. These messages are part of Virginia
Tech's continuing efforts to support one another as our community regroups to grieve, heal and move forward;
b. Virginia Tech - our traditions, communi$, history and promising future-will prevail. Our motto Ut
Prosim-That I May Serve underscores our spirit.
Finally, everything we do as move forward will commemorate, honor and respect the numerous
individuals affected by this traqic event.
'lnvent the Future" captures our role and spirit as a world+enowned research institution. Nothing in the
events of last week will alter who we are and what we reoresent. When classes resume, our academic
excellence, the commitment and talent of our students, and our clear role in shaping a positive future for the
world will again be apparent, Hokies are, and always will, embody learning, discovery and engagement.
a. We are a unique, special famlly- more enduring and closerto one another than a typical university
community.
b. Assisting the families and friends of those injured and bereaved is our focus. We are also committed to
the assistance and support of one another.
family will
c. We will nurture the legacy of the 32 Virginia Tech family members we lost. The Virginia Tech
private, will reflect
celebrate their lives and accomplishments. Our memorials to them, both public and
those sentiments.
Lawrence G. Hincker
Associate Vice President, University Relations
r €ta/^ - Fft-t'( /. A-'n/,ru<
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In addition to the federal statutes, state law also restricts the University's ability to
disseminate student records. The GeneralAssembly has articulated the privacy
concerns in the Virginia Freedom of lnformation Act by exempting from
mandatory disclosure a student's scholastic records. While the Freedom of
Information Act permits limited disclosure of records at the University's discretion,
FERPA and other state laws preclude disclosure. In particular, I would draw your
attention to the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act,
Section 2.2-3800 Code of Virginia, as amended. Specifically, that statute
authorizes the University to collect, maintain and share information with third
parties only to the extent necessary to accomplish the University's mission of
educating the student. lt does not provide for unlimited disclosure in the law
enforcement context to third parties.
The protections afforded by federal and state laws to the individual are most
absolute in the medical context. For example, a medical screening is not part of
the University's admissions process. The Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.5,
requires that each prospective student provide a health history, but this history is
not all encompassing. The health history is really a listing of diseases against
which the student has been immunized. The purpose of this code requirement is
to guard against the potential outbreak of controlled diseases in the close
confines of a residence hall. Even this modest requirement is not absolute as the
General Assembly has waived the immunization requirement on a student's
religious grounds.
Given the legalframework, let me tell you what I can about Mr. Cho based on
police records. There was a narrow window in late 2005 to early 2006 that his
behavior was called into question. The Virginia Tech Police made a referral to
the University's disciplinary system for an incident in which he sent an
unwelcomed e-mail to a female student in late 2005, or approximately sixteen
(16) months before April 16, 2007. The disciplinary system contacted the e-mail
recipient to determine whether she wanted to pursue the matter. She declined to
do so. Therefore, there was no cause for action on the part of the University.
Since Mr. Cho's enrollment in Fall 2003, he had no other interaction with the
disciplinary system.
As has been reported publicly, the Virginia Tech Police Department also received
an inquiry during the 2005-2006 academic year from the Chair of the English
Department concerning Mr. Cho's classroom behavior based on the content of
some of his writings and the fact that Mr. Cho took pictures of other students with
his cellphone camera. The Chair of the Department did not share the specific
writings with the Police, nor did she file a formal police report. As determined by
an informal review conducted by the Police Department, the behavior was not
criminal in nature. The Police offered to provide any necessary assistance.
lnstead of further Police involvement, the Chair talked to Mr. Cho and the Chair
and he agreed that he would attend private tutoring sessions that would allow
him to complete the class assignments without the necessity of his returning to
the class. Records show no further class based complaints related to
inappropriate behavior. Further, no referral was made to the student disciplinary
system about this event.
An additional contact on December 13, 2005, between Mr. Cho and the Virginia
Tech Police has been documented. According to public records maintained by
the Montgomery County General District Court, the Virginia Tech Police brought
Mr. Cho to the aftention of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation
and Substance Abuse Services as a result of a concern raised by a fellow
student who knew Mr. Cho. ln turn, Mr. Cho was brought beforq the General
District Court Special Justice, who ordered Mr. Cho to undergo evaluation at the
Garilion St. Albans Behavioral Facility. On December 14,2005, the Special
Justice for the General District Court ordered Mr. Cho to follow-up out-patient
treatment because of the danger he presented to himself as a result of mental
illness. No follow-up report was made to the Virginia Tech Police.
In summary, the impact of these laws that I have outlined is to limit what can be
shared about students publicly or with third parties, within the organization, and
even with the police department. Given the constraints imposed by the law,
there are restrictions on what Virginia Tech can share about Mr. Cho publicly.
This was the reason why Virginia Tech did not release Mr. Cho's academic
records to the F.B.l. until the F.B.l. had obtained a subpoena. lt is also important
to stress that it is not just Mr. Cho's records that are protected by these laws.
Virginia Tech would be precluded from releasing similar information about any of
the victims of the events of April 16. Furthermore, any complaints filed by third
party students about Mr. Cho could not be shared publicly, not just to protect Mr.
Cho, but also to protect the identity of those third pafi complainants as well.
Thank you for your time today. Next David Ford, Vice President for Academic
Affairs, will speak with you about the events of April 16,2007.
M:ay 21,2007
the processes used and actions taken by the Policy Group related to
Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16, I was informed that there
had been a shooting in West Ambler Johnston Hall and that President
approximately 8:30 a.m., I and the other members of the group had
arrived at the Bunuss Hall Board Room and Dr. Steger convened the
Governor's office notified of the shooting, and had called the head of
the call, Virginia Tech Police and Virginia Tech Rescue SQuad
Mrginia Tech Police, and students within the hallwere notified and
asked to remain in their rooms for their safe$. We were further
leamed that Blacksburg Police and Virginia State Police had been
The Policy Group was further informed by the police that they were
a.m., the Policy Group processed the factual information it had in the
3
police, was there a possibility that another percon might be involved
(i.e. a shooter), and if so, where is that person, what does that person
look like and is that person armed? At that time of the morning, when
thousands are in transit, what is the most effective and efficient way
decided to close the campus at that point, what would be the most
information we had at the time. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., the Virginia
receive additional updates about the West Ambler Johnston case and
At approximately 9:45 a.m., the Policy Group received word from the
Also activated was the campus Emergency Alert system. The voice
people to stay in place. The Policy Group did not have evidence to
grounds at any one time on a typical day. Virginia Tech is very much
like a small city. One does not entirely close down a small city or a
university campus.
they had not yet arrived was the right decision. Again, we made the
read:
asked to remain where they are, lock their doors, and stay
come to campus."
Norris Hall.
Chief Flinchum reported that the scene was bad; very bad. Virginia
State Police was handling the crime scene. Police had one shooter
a second shooter, nor was there evidence at the time to link the
shootings in west Ambler Johnston to those in Norris Hall. The
police informed the Policy Group that these initial observations were
ongoi ng investigations.
Based upon this information and acting upon the advice of the police,
I
"Faculty and staff located on the Burruss Hall side of the
people as follows:
All students, faculty and staff are required to stay where they
I
Tomorrow there will be a university convocation/ceremony at
information."
on request.
The Policy Group continued to meet and strategically plan for the
10
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Comments by Virginia Tech Chief of Police
Wendell Flinchum on May 21,2007 Io+he
Virginia Tech Review Panel conceming the
Police resoonse at WAJ on 4-16-07
Coi Massengill and members of the panel. My name is Wendell Flinchum and I am the
Chief of Police for the Virginia Tech Police Department. I am pleased to have the
opportunity to speak to you about the Virginia Tech Police Department response to the
events at West Ambler Johnston Hall on April 16, 2007.
I would like to point out that the police investigation is still on-going and some of the
information could change as the investigation progresses'
I would like to first tell you about the Virginia Tech Poiice Department. Our department
was formed around 1945 and has grown into a professional organization. The department
is currently nationaily accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcemint Agencies (CALEA). CALEA is an independent organization established to
develop a set of law enforcement standards that would improve the delivery of police
servicei around the country. CALEA accredits police departments throughout the
country if those departments can meet CALEA standards. The Blacksburg Police
Department and the Virginia State Police are also accredited by CALEA. Our
department is one of only a few University police departments in the country that are
naiionally accredited and is one of three University police departments in Virginia' We
received our third re-accreditation in November 2006.
Our department is a full service law enforcement agency. We currently have 40 sworn
officeri which are assisted by security guards, communication officers and administrative
staff. The officers are highly trained and attend the same police academy as our local
police and sheriff s departments. We formed an Emergency Response Team (ERT) in
tSSt *a this team trains regularly with the Blacksburg Police department's ERT. This
team and our entire department have a close working relationship with the Blacksburg
Police department which was demonstrated on Apil 1 6, 2001 .
I will now go into the police response at West Ambler Johnston on April 16' 2007 based
on the information we knew and obtained that moming.
West Ambler Johnston Ha ll
Police Respanse on
April 16,2007
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l. lntroduction
Chairman Massengill and members of the Review Panel, I am Zenobia Lawrence Hikes,
Vice President for Student Affairs.
Ceremonies
ln every culture, ceremonies play an important role in the process of healing and
recovery. On Tuesday immediately following the tragedy the university came together in
a convocation held in'Cassell Coliseum. Featured speakers included President George
Bush, Governor Tim Kaine, University President charles Steger, noted author and
University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni, and leaders representing four major
religions. The convocation was televised world-wide and served to signal the strength
and unity of the Virginia Tech community in the wake of the tragic events of April 16'
Approximately 10,000 were in attendance in the coliseum and an additional 25,000 were
accommodated in overflow seating in Lane Stadium'
On the same evening as the convocation, the students of Hokies United organized a
candlelight vigil on the Drillfield. This event was attended by thousands of students,
alumni, iaculty, staff, and friends who came together to mourn and pay their respects. lt
was for this vigil that Hokie Stones were first placed in a semicircle in front of the
reviewing stand to honor the deceased victims. Also initiated at the vigil were message
boards on which mourners could write condolences and expressions of grief. As the
number of boards grew over several days, tents were erected on the Drillfield to protect
them from the elements. Together with the Hokie Stones, the message boards have
come to serve as the focal point for the collective grief of the university community and
as the repository for flowers and other mementos symbolizing the loss of students and
faculty who were our dear friends and colleagues.
Throughout the days following the tragedy, the Memorial Chapel served as a place of
quiet refuge where members of the university community could go for a moment of
reflection. Representatives from religious and faith-based organizations made
themselves available at the chapel to those who desired pastoral counseling.
Comments by Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, Ed.D-
Vice President for Student Affairs
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
MaY 21,2007
l. Introduction
Chairman Massengill and members of the Review Panel, I am Zenobia Lawrence
Vice President for Student Affairs.
Geremonies
In every culture, ceremonies play an important role in the process of healing and
recovery. On Tuesday immediately following the tragedy the university came together in
a convocation held in Cassell Coliseum. Featured speakers included President George
Bush, Governor Tim Kaine, University President Charles Steger, noted author and
University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni, and leaders representing four major
religions. The convocation was televised world-wide and served to signal the strength
and unity of the Virginia Tech community in the wake of the tragic events of April 16'
Approximately 10,000 were in attendance in the coliseum and an additional 25,000 were
accommodated in overflow seating in Lane Stadium.
On the same evening as the convocation, the students of Hokies United organized a
candlelight vigil on the Drillfield. This event was attended by thousands of students,
alumni, iaculty, staff, and friends who came together to mourn and pay their respects, lt
was for this vigil that Hokie Stones were first placed in a semicircle in front of the
reviewing stand to honor the deceased victims. Also initiated at the vigil were message
boards on which mourners could write condolences and expressions of grief. As the
number of boards grew over several days, tents were erected on the Drillfield to protect
them from the elements. Together with the Hokie Stones, the message boards have
come to serve as the focal point for the collective grief of the university community and
as the repository for flowers and other mementos symbolizing the loss of students and
faculty who were our dear friends and colleagues.
Throughout the days following the tragedy, the Memorial Chapel served as a place of
quiet refuge where members of the university community could go for a moment of
reflection. Representatives from religious and faith-based organizations made
themselves available at the chapel to those who desired pastoral counseling.
Family Support
A number of initiatives were directed specifically at meeting the needs of the families of
Virginia Tech students, and I would like to highlight just a few of these. In an effort to
respond to the high volume of calls from families of Virginia Tech students concerned
about their safety and welfare, the university established a 24 hour call center that was
staffed by university volunteers as well as representatives from the Virginia Department
of Emergency Management (VDEM). As the volume of calls diminished, the Dean of
Students Office assumed the call center responsibilities.
To support the grieving families who had lost students and faculty, individual family
liaisons were assigned, the majority of whom were from the Division of Student Affairs,
the Graduate School, and the Provost Office. These individuals provided personalized
services and information to assist families with processes such as the retrieval of student
effects; removal of student vehicles; access to benefits available from the Criminal
Injuries Compensation Fund, the Red Cross, and other community agencies; resolution
of student accounts; and family participation in commencement ceremonies.
Individual liaisons were also assigned to injured students and their families to assist
them with the recovery process and reintegration to the academic community for those
who were not graduating. President Steger, joined at times by Governor Kaine and
Attorney General McDonnell, visited injured students in area hospitals to check on their
welfare and let them know that the university was concerned about them.
Deceased students were honored at the 2007 spring commencement by the awarding of
posthumous degrees. Their families were invited as guests of the university to attend
commencement to be recognized and accept their son's or daughter's diploma and class
ring.
To remember and honor the victims of the tragic events of April 16, the Virginia Tech
Foundation established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process.
The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to: assistance to
victims and their families, grief counseling, memorials, communication expenses, and
comfort expenses. In addition, a general Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund as well as
specific memorial funds in the name of each of the decedents have been established.
Additional attention is being focused on the school-age children of deceased faculty
members.
Recreational Sports
Recreational Sports provided a valuable service to the university community by keeping
its fitness facilities open during the week of authorized closing so that students and
faculty could exercise and engage in stress relieving activities. In addition, they opened
fitness classes to all students and families of the victims.
Concern for the health and wellness of the campus was not focused solely on student
needs. Human Resources took the lead in addressing the needs of faculty and staff.
lmmediately upon learning of the shootings on campus, Human Resources (HR)
contacted ValueOptions, our employee assistance provider, to request assistance and
crisis counselors were on campus by mid-afternoon. Both small and large group
employee sessions were scheduled to provide information related to common reactions
to trauma and stress, as well as tips for self-care and recovery support. Squires Student
Center was designated as the location for individual meetings with employees, with
several counselors assigned to that location throughout the day. lnformation was
provided to employees who are parents to assist them in communicating with their
chifdren. To date, 127 group information sessions, reaching 2,980 participants, have
been held with colleges, departments, and workgroups and over 800 individual sessions
have been held as of May 15,2OO7.
Classes resumed on Monday, April 23, and students had the option of designating, on a
course by course basis, how they wished the semester grade to be assigned by the
faculty. Grades could be based on the following:
. The materials which had already been submitted
r The material already submitted plus any other assigned material which the
student chose to submit
. All the material which otherwise would have been submitted
In support of the flexible options and to encourage students to continue their educational
experience, the Division of Student Affairs supported students who decided to remain in
their residence halls. Housing and dining options were continued despite the student's
choice of completing the semester. The college deans and the faculty were very helpful
in advising students and in facilitating a successful end to the semester.
Classroom Support
When students returned to classes, the university activated the largest known
deployment of mental health practitioners in U.S. history. The schedules of the victims
and injured were researched through the registrar's office and approximately 305
counselors attended these classes to provide support for the faculty and students.
Counselors were identifiable by purple arm bands. Others who were available to provide
general assistance and support were identifiable by yellow arm bands.
_,Ail
Deferred Judicial Cases
During the days following the tragedy, Judicial Affairs also provided options for students
with pending judicial hearings. The office's most immediate focus for judicial hearings
was graduating seniors and students with serious offenses.
Other students were given the option of resolving their cases before the end of the
semester or in the fall.
Residence Life
Residence Life has played a key role in the efforts to promote healing and recovery on
campus. lmmediately following the events of April 16, resident advisors were deployed
to personally speak with each resident student on campus by Tuesday afternoon and
offer counseling resources. As reports from concerned faculty and families were
received, the professional staff followed up appropriately with individual students and
met with student groups to facilitate their discussions about lost friends or roommates.
As residents returned to campus, counselors toured through the buildings and were on
call for staff to contact for residents. Exterior doors to all residence halls remained
locked to help ensure a sense of safety and well being among residents.
Hokies United
We are especially proud of the work of Hokies United, a student-driven volunteer effort
organized to help respond to local, national, and international tragedies. As mentioned
previously, Hokies United banded together immediately after the tragedy occuned and
was able to pull together a candlelight vigil held on the Drillfield the evening of April 17.
In addition, they organized a series of unifying activities intended to bring the community
together. These included a casino night in War Memorial Gym and a picnic on the
Drillfield that was aftended by an estimated 15,000 people. And on the first day back to
classes, Hokies United organized once again to hold a campus-wide moment of silence.
Vll. Conclusion
Finally, the Virginia Tech campus community remains committed to the process of
healing and recovery as evidenced by the combined efforts of our students and
employees from across the university in such departments as Physical Plant, Athletics,
Human Resources, Student Affairs, the Graduate School, the Provost Office, and
academic departments, to name just a few.
CONTACT:
Larry Hincker
(s40) 231-s396
hincker@l't.edu
review committees
BLACKSBIIRG, Va., August 21,2007 -Yitginia Tech will release the findings and
recommendations of tlree post-April 16 review committees at a press conference Wednesday,
August 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Holtzman Alumni Center Assembly Hall. The press conference will
last approximately one hour.
The press event will be led by Larry Hincker, associate vice president for university relations.
Other speakers include Virginia Tech President Charles Steger; James Hyatt, executive vice
president and chief operating officer; Earving Blythe, vice president for information tecbnologli;
and Jerome A. Niles, retired dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
On May g,2007,President Steger called for three separate intemal reviews in the wake of the
April 16 tragedy. He asked each group to examine "strengths and weaknesses of our existing
==> The Security Infrastructure Group was charged with examining the university's existing
secwity systems and recommending changes that would enhance the university's ability to
respond quickly and effectively in situations where the safety of the campus community is
jeopardized. This group was also directed to identi$ stategies that might decrease the probability
of such a situation occurring looking at both technologicial and behavioral aspects. James Hyatt
chaired this group and will present its findings.
:> The Information and Communications fnfrastructure Group analyzed and inventoried
the communication infrastructure and information systems used during the crisis period,
evaluated their perfomance, and identifies tactics and strategies for improvemetts. Earting
Blythe chairedthis group andwill present itsfndings.
=:> The Interface Group evaluated the relationships between the university's student
counseling services, academic affairs, judicial affairs, and the legal system. It was charged with
examining the existing systems and the interface between them and determining what constraints
legal or otherwise hamper effective interactions in order to respond and support at-risk students.
Jerome A. Niles chaired this group and will present its findings.
Copies of each report will be available to members of the working press beginning at noon on
Wednesday only if a 2:30 p.m. embargo on its contents is honored. Hard copies may be picked
up in the lobby of the Holtzrnan Alumni Center outside adjacent to Assembly Hall. Only hard
Parking is available in the parking lot in front of the Inn at Virginia Tech. No parking is available
adiacent to the Holtzman Alumni Center.
LElry
Comments August 30, 2007
Charles W. Steger
Response to Virginia Tech Review Panel
Let me begin by saying that this university, notwithstanding the joy and exhilaration that
comes from the start of the new s€,mester and acadernic year, is still traumatized to an
extent and continues to gneve over the tagedy ofApril 16. On our calnpus, 32 people
were murdered and at least 27 injured by a profoundly sick young man. Moreover, he
was a member of our own community, which magnifies the violation we all feel.
For virtually all of us within the Virginia Tech family, our hearts will never lose the ache
we've felt since that honible day.
We are trying hard to support those most in need. Nineteen injured students have
retumed to the Virginia Tech campus to continue their education here and we are doing
everything possible to make that transition back to the classroom as easy as it can be.
In addition, the office of Recovery and Support was created to facilitate more effective
and on-going two-way communication between the university and the families of the
victims.
I believe that wonderful opportunities exist for Virginia Tech to collaborate with these
families in some incredibly meaningful programming to commemorate the spirit and
generosity of our fallen Hokies.
I am here to speak today to the findings and recommendations of the Virginia Tech
Review Panel that was ably led by Colonel Massengill. I want to thank Governor Kaine,
Col. Massengill, and all the mernbers of the panel who gave so much time and thought to
this difficult topic. They have provided a valuable and necessary public service.
Govemor Kaine's leadership from the early moments of April 16 and his encouragement
and support ever since have been inspirational to our university, to the cornmonwealth,
and beyond.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of hundreds of people within the university
who worked on our own reviews and/or worked with the panel in sharing information...
and the thousands faculty, staffand students who stepped up on April 16 and in the
weeks that followed. And finally, I once again want to thank the thousands of people
who flocked to our aid on April 16 or expressed their support.
We asked for this review. We asked that it be direct and objective. It is extraordinarily
comprehensive.
It is painful to hear the blunt an4 in some cases, critical findings. Yet, it was necessary.
. ...Necessary for those who have lost something more precious than anything in the
world - their loved ones. ...Necessary for those of us who interacted with the deeply
disturbed student. ....And necessary for those of us with the responsibility for finding
ways to implement actions to seek to prevent any such tragedy happening ever again.
We are just now begiruring to digest the findings and recommendations. We are
distributing the report to campus leadership and the board ofvisitors. It is already clear
that many of its recommendations for future actions are consistent with ow own released
last week.
We must evaluate which actions we can implement immediately, which might have
secondary implications that require further study, which are the province and
responsibility of groups outside the university, which require changes in law, and which
will require additional resources.
I can't review everything in the report, but let me note just a few key points.
As noted in our own reports on the "interface" between units, as we move forward we
need to be more aggressive in identifying and assisting students at risk. The Panel report
indicates the same.
-
Whether Cho should have ever been in a large college - or any college is a legitimate
question. When people did reach out and try to help, he rebuffed the system' He hid his
homicidal tendencies from mental health professionals throughout his life.
Althougtr, hindsight now provides us with the sigrrs or indications within the university,
he clearly kept from the university the exte,lrt of his troubles and prior mental health
history. Ours is a system that asks for students to help us help them. Mental health
colleagues work tirelessly to help individuals with ailments cope with college, but it is a
cooperative effort.
Some say the 'system' ...the continuum of support from childhood through college...
failed this student. Some aspects "the system" worked...broadly speaking. It simply
wasn't asked to do enough. We didn't ask it do to enough and for some aspects outside
Virginia Tech the same is true. For example, the report notes that "professional
participants and family stakeholders are uniformly frustrated with almost every aspect of
the civil commitment process in Virginia."
We believe that actions that we announced last week that we refer to as "Expanding
Capacity in the System" will greatly improve our ability to identify problems.
I refer to the three major recommendations. If lift them up now because they are key to
much of what we have heard from the panel.
Refining and expanding the Care Team, a key student affairs group that identifies
and responds to students at risk (among other responsibilities).
Creating a Threat Assessment Team charged with examining the most complex
cases of distressed students and empowering it to act quickly, when necessary.
. Expanding case Management capacityby adding case managers to the Dean of
Students office and Cook Counseling Center to improve follow-up with students
and to improve information flow through appropriate units about students at risk'
Virtually all college students adults. Over the past 30 years, in-loco-parentis has
are legal
been challenged, largely dismantled, and almost legislated out of existence. Yet, we afe
seeing in this report and other public discussion a growing recognition that families do
not and should not surrender responsibility for a student's ongoing well-being. There are
many recommendations in this report relative to communication and privacy laws that
will bolster involvement of support groups, including farnilies.
In Cho's case, no one at this university had any foreknowledge of his mental health
problems that seemed dominant throughout his life before college. Colleges need
feedback loops in order to identiff, assess, and help students at risk. We need some way
ofunderstanding a student's life before college, ifthere are aspects that would prevent
that student from success or, in the extreme, could create problems for others.
Indeed, the information about his earlier mental health problems and special education
programs would have been invaluable not only in a general sense in assisting him as a
student, but whe,n he had his one encounter with the public mental health system in 2005.
We agree that we need to break down the perceived barriers to privacy within our own
organization and with organizations with which we interact. It is still a grey area and
some of the recommendations will require a better understanding of existing laws,
clarifrcation of existing laws, and changes in laws...which will engender much
discussion.
In the end, we acknowledge the 'connecting the do{ scenarios and will do everl'thing in
onr power to end potentialvroblemy^
rrfu ry rd*"'fr' L/-/*r'-
I can assure you that Virginia Tech will not Uetsaystander in tfie pdlltical process. We
will be forceful advocates for bridging the legislative gap between individual privacy
rights and the good oflarger society.
The Panel report says the police agencies and rescue groups did an outstandingjob on
this day of the hagedy. I agree. Their heroic work in Norris undoubtedly saved lives.
Based on feedback given to me by other law enforcement leaders and in the report itself,
our police followed standard protocols for a homicide investigation and securing the
campus on the morning when the first fwo shootings were discovered. They immediately
secured the crime scene and notified residents in the immediate area. With the
information gleaned in only minutes, they developed legitimate leads and quickly
followed them. Based on the crime scene evidence, they did just what they should have
done.
The report notes that "The notion that there was a 2-hour gap...is a misconce'ption' There
was continuous action and deliberations from the first event until the second and they
made a material difference in the results of the second event'"
I am not aware of anything they leamed that would have indicated a mass murder was
imminent. Indeed, the report notes that there was no similar event in U'S. history' The
report notes, "Based on pist history, the probability of more shootings following a
dormitory slaying was very low. The panel researched reports of multiple shootings on
for the past 40 years, and no scenario was found in which the first mr.uder was
"u*pur.i
followed by a second elsewhere on campus"
We respect and commend the panel for the 'what might have happened scenarios.' They
are iltuitrative and useful for future actions. Nobody can say for certain what would have
happened if different decisions were made. However, to say that something could have
bein prevented is not to say it would have been. Moroever, it is entirely possible that this
tragedy, horrific as it is, could have been worse.
As the Panel report notes, Cho is ultimately responsible for the curmage on our campus.
Irrespective of suggested changes in action, we recognize as does the panel, that no
plausible scenario was made for how this horror could have been prevented once he
began that morning.-@ we recognize that actions leading back several years could lead
us to numerous "what-if' scenarios.
We believe that our people acted quickly and to the best of their abilities in the early
hours of April 16 based on what we knew at the time. Still, we acknowledge the findings
and recommendations of the panel. The distance in time and extraordinarily thorough
work ofthe panel provides the hindsight and necessary clarity to objectively review our
actions that were not available to us in thsheat of the moment. And the report also
reinforces the bravery, selflessness, and integrity with which the community faced this
horrific challenge.
It is my belief that our new notification systems will facilitate the speed by which we can
employ university notifications in emergency situations. But there are pitfalls and
possibly unanticipated consequences by the community if in receipt of sketchy
information or lacking a recommended course of action.
Nothing we can do now will bring back those precious lives lost. My heart goes out the
families who lost families members. We will make changes throughout our university
and related systems and changes in attitudes to ensure their memories are honored and
remembered. As one panel membel said, this report is a beginning of the path to reduce
the risk of future tragedies.
-end-
A./""L,.i*rd *tr 6 re
A6/23/2007 11:01 FAX 540 23t 4Zg5 VT PRESIDENII'S OFFICE
IfnCI"-L /-/qgf
Overview Statement
Gounseling Services
The Cook Counseling Center has provided and coordinated counseling services for
students since the day of the tragedy. The Center immediately established extended
night and weekend hours, and ensured counselors were located in high traffic student
areas such as Squires Student Center and G. Burke Johnston Student Center. The
Center also provided training to professors for how to assist students when classes
resumed on April 23. On the day classes resumed, the Center coordinated the activities
of over 280 mental health volunteers on campus and ensured that counselors were
available in each academic building and in all classes affected by the loss of a student
or faculty member. The Center worked to enlist the services of the Wellness
Corporation, which is providing 24 hour counseling services as necessary. The Center
is also working to develop a response to a grant request that the Commonwealth will
submit to the Federal Govemment for emergency support to the Community SeMce
Boards across the state. The grant would empower each of the community service
Page 1 of8
ORIGINAL
'/L/
, :
boards in the five regions of the Commonwealth to provide mental health services for
each student at the comrnunity agency in their region. These services would either be
pro bono or at a reduced rate to students and their families. The grant would be
submitted to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) in the
Department of Health and Human Services as an emergency response grant
(sometimes known as a'surge'grant). Finally, the Center is also working with Human
Resources staff to develop plans for the level of counseling services needed during
Commencement, through the summer session, and for orientation activities.
Human Resources coordinated counseling services for faculty and staff. Faculty and
staff enrolled in COVA Care, the Commonwealth of Virginia's health insurance program,
receive employee assistance benefits through a contract with ValueOptions. While
services are typically accessed individually by phone, the events of April 16 wananted a
quick response and immediate availability. On Monday, April 16, at 9:39 a'm., Human
Resources contacted ValueOptions to request assistance and an immediate presence
on campus. Counselors were on campus by Monday afternoon. By Tuesday'
ValueOptions sent additional resources and an incident commander to coordinate with
Human Resources and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors.
ValueOptions and Human Resources worked closely with state, university and
community resources to identify needs and available resources, and coordinate
services. The coordination efforts will continue, and include planning for services during
commencement, and in the weeks following.
Squires Student Center was designated as the location for individual meetings with
employees, with several counselors assigned throughout the day. Counselors were
assigned to provide access to services on the weekends of April 21 and 29 on a walk-in
basis. Although the EAP was specifically focused on faculty and staff, it was decided
that students who requested assistance would also be served. Employees were also
able to make direct contact with the EAP to schedule individual appointments, which
made the EAP fully accessible to employees in our off-campus offices. Daily briefings,
occurring at the beginning and end of each work day, enable Human Resources and the
EAP coordinators to respond quickly to all requests for group meetings, and
immediately to all requests for individual meetings. Several programs were provided in
coordination between the EAP and the university's Work/Life Resources Office to
Virginia Tech parents to assist them in communicating with their children.
Page 2 of 8
lnformation was immediately developed, in coordination with Cook Counseling Center,
and disseminated to employees about ongoing supporl resources through University
Relations and the University and Human Resources websites. A website,
http://virqiniatech.healthandperformancesolutions.net, titled "Coping with Tragedy''was
devefoped with access via the Human Resources website. As of May 2, 2007,
approximately 100 information sessions (2,600 participants) with colleges and
departments had been held or scheduled, as well as approximately 635 individual
sessions.
Security
In addition to being the first responders to the tragic events, the Virginia Tech Police
Department coordinated the presence of all the state, regional, and local police
departments that came to campus to provide assistance. Officers from other state
universities including George Mason University, Hampton-Sydney College, James
Madison University, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Liberty University,
Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, University of
Richmond and the University of Virginia also provided much needed support' ln
addition to providing generalcampus security as usual, the Police Department provided
ongoing security for both crime scenes while maintaining order on campus with the
excessive media and visitor presence. The Police Department also provided security
for the Convocation on April 17, which entailed accommodations for both the Governor
of Virginia and the President of the United States. In addition to securing Norris Hall,
the Police Department has also assisted the Virginia State Police with the retum of
items from Norris Hall to victims and families
The Police Department is working closely with staff from Athletics and the
Commencement Committee to develop a plan for security coverage at Commencement.
Commencement ceremonies in the larger venues, including the Graduate Life Center,
Cassell Coliseum, Lane Stadium and Bumrss Hallwill be covered by representatives
from RMC Events, the company that handles security checks at athletic events. All
other ceremonies, including the Corps of Cadets commissioning will be covered by
Virginia Tech police officers. Security for the National Capital Region ceremony has
also been arranged, Security standards for the National Capital Region will be the
same as the main events on the Blacksburg campus.
Page 3 of 8
a safe and secure environment. The university is going to contract a firm to perform a
campus security review, and the Police Department will be a critical part of the review.
All of the Virginia Tech Police Department officers exhibited genuine concem for the
students, faculty, staff and community during the tragic events. Chief Flinchum
represented the university with great integrity during press conferences while under a
tremendous amount of stress. The entire Police Depadment has very much embodied
the university's motto, Ut Prosim: "That I May Serve".
Units in Student Affairs have had the challenging task of providing assistance to the
victims and the victim families, while ensuring that student services and activities on-
campus were provided in the same manner as before the tragedy, One of the first
actions by Student Affairs after the tragedy was to assign a family liaison to each victim
family. The liaisons have coordinated the interactions and communications between the
families and the university. This arrangement has ensured that the needs of the
families are met, and provided the families a method to request assistance as issues
and needs arise. In many cases, the family liaisons attended memorial and funeral
services with the families.
Housing and Dining Services assisted families with packing and moving belongings for
both on and off-campus residents. When classes resumed on April23, approximately
80 to 90% of students had retumed to the residence halls, and lunch counts in the
dining halls were the same as before the tragedy.
Student Affairs' staff are now preparing for Commen@ment, including coordinating
lodging at Commencement for families of the victims, in addition to planning
accommodations for the approximately 1,000 families who were already scheduled to
be lodged on-campus during Commencement. Victim's families will be provided special
accommodations and will be housed in Peddrew-Yates. There are also rooms available
at the Hotel Roanoke for overflow if necessary. Counselors will be onsite to provide
support to the families.
University Unions has worked closely with Hokies United, the student group who
worked to place the white board memorials on the Drill Field. Staff assisted the
students with moving the boards into Squires Student Center when the weather was
poor, and then assisted in renting a more stable tent to house the boards so they could
be retumed to the Drill Field. Moving and Hauling assisted the students with the
relocation of the boards to Squires Student Center, and then the return back to the Drill
Field. The boards will remain on the Drill Field through Commencement. The Corps of
Cadets is standing guard at the tent housing the boards from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Staff are
working to develop a long-term plan for the boards.
Page 4 of 8
The Office of the University Registrar has worked to order posthumous degrees and
rings for the deceased, and was successful in working to have frames for the diplomas
donated. Duplicate ciegrees and rings were ordered for blended families. Staff also
worked to modify the Commencement program so that victims of the tragedy will be
honored.
lnfrastructure
Units that support campus infrastructure including Physical Plant, Parking and
Transpoftation and Information Technology have worked together to coordinate the
clean-up of both Ambler Johnston and Nonis Halls, manage traffic and parking on-
campus, as well as assist with the relocation of equipment and other items from Norris
Hall.
Legal Counsel negotiated contracts for the clean-up of both Ambler Johnston and Norris
Halls with WEL, a Virginia firm. In Ambler Johnston, Physical Plant installed gypsum
wallboard partitions that fully enclosed and isolated the two affected rooms from the rest
of the fourth floor. Upon completion of the clean-up work, the university had the work
accepted by a third party certified industrial hygienist. The residence hall was ready for
the retum of students on April 23. ln Norris Hall, the clean-up work commenced with
WEL covering the windows of the significantly affected classrooms. Physical Plant
erected a temporary chain link, screened fence that encircled the entire Nonis Hall
building. The chain link fence stopped traffic flow between Bumrss Hall and Nonis Hall
and prevented access to the building during clean-up. Although the screening will be
removed from the fence once clean-up is complete, the plan is to leave the fence in
place through Commencement. The clean-up work in Nonis Hall consisted of two
phases: (Phase 1) bioremediation and (Phase 2) removal of contaminated asbestos
floor tiles, ceiling tiles and lights. The Virginia Tech Police Department provided
continuous security for the building throughout the entire clean-up period. Once all work
in Norris Hall is complete, the doors to the hallway and classrooms on the second floor
willremain closed and locked.
Moving and Hauling assisted with the move out of furniture, equipment and other items
from Norris Hall to the buildings engineering staff now occupy, including Whittemore,
McBryde, Hancock, Torgersen, Durham and the Gateway Building. The Police
Department assisted with the move by providing security in the stainruells to restrict
access to the affected space while staff retrieved personal belongings. Both Physical
Plant and the Police Department also assisted with the removal of personal effects from
the building. The Key Shop provided new locks and keys for the new faculty and staff
offices very quickly.
Page 5 of 8
that the engineering departments would not have adequate computers when classes
resumed on April 23, CNS immediately provided 28 computers to the departments, as
well as 7 additional laptops. CNS worked to have cellar providers bring portable units to
campus to increase capacity during times of heavy calling volumes and has aranged
for these providers to retum for Commencement. In addition to providing additional
voice capacity, CNS removed wireless access restrictions so that visitors to campus
had adequate intemet access. The department is now assisting with plans for
Commencement, and working with the Police Depaftment to retain data from all
equipment involved in the investigation.
Parking and Transportation has managed parking and the high volume of traffic on
campus since the tragedy. A media parking plan was developed to ensure traffic flow
on-campus when classes resumed on April 23. Staff worked with the Blacksburg
Transit to ensure services would be on schedule. Through coordination with the
Blacksburg Transit, staff also ensured that services were provided for an extended
period the Sunday before classes resumed so that students arriving in the commuter
parking lots would have transportation to the residence halls. Fleet Services provided
buses to support on-campus memorial events during that week as well' The
department is now coordinating arrangements for Commencement, including special
parking for families of the victims.
Financial Services
As the university has done in the past during emergency events, a fund was established
for the Office of Risk Management to be able to accumulate costs for potential
reimbursement from insurance and other sources. The Office of Risk Management has
been working diligently on cost recovery. Human Resources' staff submitted all
necessary workers compensation claims, and provided salary information to
administration so a policy decision could be made on whether or not to payout the
contracts for the faculty and graduate students who were killed in Norris Hall. The
payout of the contracts for the deceased was approved, and all service areas were
instructed to waive outstanding charges for deceased and/or injured students during the
Spring semester. Purchasing has expedited emergency purchases and contracts, and
worked to established a temporary procedure for the approval of emergency contracts
so that requests in support of April 16 activities could be rapidly processed.
To remember and honor the victims of the tragic events, University Development
worked to establish the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund
and individual scholarships for the 32 deceased. As of April 30, over $1.25 million had
been received, and over 9,500 gifts had been logged. A website was developed to
provide information on the funds and how to give to the university. The Virginia Tech
Foundation officers are considering the allocation of funds, usage of funds, and how the
fund can be used to assist the children of the deceased faculty.
Page 6 of 8
University Development provided much needed event planning expertise to the entire
campus communi$. Staff worked with departments and colleges to provide event
planning for the numerous memorials and ceremonies. University policy requires that
departments work through University Unions to reserve space on campus (except
academic and/or athletic space). In the emergency situation, a temporary process was
established so that departments could contact one office to utilize all university space,
including academic and athletic controlled space.
University Relations has been the first point of contact for a wide range of groups trying
to communicate with the universifi, from students and parents, to the to numerous
companies and individuals offering assistance or requesting information. University
Relation's staff worked with Information Technology to qqickly add servers to our
production environment to support vt.edu. Email blasts to the university community,
and information on the tragedy was immediately posted to the university's website as
soon as the tragedy occurred. Staff also developed the "ln Memoriam" website at
http://www.vt.edu/traqedv to honor and remember those lost, as well as to provide
information on news and notices related to the tragedy such as information on memorial
services.
University Relation's staff worked to prepare for, and actively participated in, the
numerous press eonferences that were held the day of the tragedy and in the weeks
following April 16. Staff managed a media presence that was excessive; at the peak
there were approximately 350 media groups on campus. Staff also worked to assist the
executives with sending out university-wide communications in the days after the
tragedy. University Relations has also provided guidance for departments on how to
respond to allthe communications that are being received campus-wide.
lssues
As discussed briefly in the previous paragraphs, the ERRG facilitated and submitted a
number of issues to the Policy Group and university executives for consideration,
including:
Less administrative policy decisions have also been fonrvarded for consideration, such
as a request for a Hokie stone grave marker by the family of Cadet Matthew La Porte
who was killed on April 16. The universi$ typically does not approve such requests, but
made an exception in this case.
Page 7 of 8
University Libraries is working to archive the impromptu and formal memorial displays,
including all the letters, banners and other items mailed to the university after the
tragedy. These activities are being coordinated with the Library of Congress and other
groups who have experience archiving events of this magnitude. Likewise, memorial
committee has been established to make recommendations on a permanent memorial.
University staff continues to facilitate necessary policy decisions and develop long-term
plans to address student, faculty and staff needs for the upcoming months. A main
focus is to address and provide for special staffing needs to ensure that employees are
not ovenrvorked. The identification of alternate space for the activities of f.lorris Hall will
be a subject that requires a great deal of careful consideration and planning.
The entire university community has pulled together to protect life safety, secure the
university's critical infrastructure and facilities, and resume teaching and research
programs after the tragic events of April 16. A considerable amount of work has been
accomplished in response to the emergency. However, the university also has
significant work and planning ahead in order to fully respond and react to the
emergency. Therefore, the ERRG will be released following commencement, and the
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer will form a working committee
drawing from university administrators responsible for various administrative and
academic operations to assist in addressing special areas that need attention. The
focus will be to place the responsibilities for addressing and implementing changes in
the hands of those who are charged with the ongoing operations of the university.
Page 8 of 8
Talking Points - Updated 4llgl|i 1:3(l p.m.
:
L. Infotmation fol students on how the sernester v'ill be compieted iras been Doste)d on the
Web si te al. www.vt.edu.
x Funeral Arrangenrcnts
a. Families of the victims are makirrg the r own individual funeral aransements,
none of which are available to the unive rsity at this point.
10. Judicialsysten
a. students who allegedly violate the uni r,:r'sity policies for student Life are
requiled to attend a judicial hearing to ,1:scuss the violation(s) iir questic,l. The
Office of Judicial Affails receives referrrls fi'om local police, residencr: hall staff;
dining hall staff, Conimunication Network Services, faculty, a:rd students. After a
judicial referral is received, a cliarge le t:r is se't to the student(s) or
orgalrizati on(s) invo lved.
wwwj udicial.vt.edu <lrttD ://www.i Lrclic !rl.vl. edu/>
11. Coritact the Virginia Tech Police has had with the Nonis Hall gurlman, CHO lieung-Hui
(sooNG-wHE).
a. Potential stallring
i. Orrce his identification was con:i rled, records were reviewed eLrd it was
deterr.nined that there was contall with Clio in the fall of 2005.
ii' In Noven.rber, Cho had made con:act tluough phone calls and irLlrerson ,
with a female student. There was never any direct thr-eat made to the
student. The str.rdent notified Vi:'ginia Tech Police Depaftment and officers
responded. Tlie str-rdent declinei 1o press charges and referred to Cl1o's
contact as "annovins."
)
1ll. However, the investigating offic'::'referred Cho to the Universit'"
disciplinary systen, which is the r)ffice of Judicial Affairs. The outcome
ofthatr.eferralislrandledwitlrintaeurriversityarrdotttsidethescopeof
the police dePartment.
no
iv. In December, cho instant messaged a second femaie student. A13lrin,
tlrreal. was made against that stu<k:nt. She rr.rade a complaint
to Virginia
Tech Police and asked that cho r lve no furlher contact with her. officels
follorved up the next morning ar:c spoke with Cho conceming tliis matter'
ii. These course assiErments were firr a creative writing course an'J the
students were ellcouraged to be ilnaginative and artistic'
iii. The writings did not expl'ess an / tl.rreatening inter.rtions or allude to any
criurir.ral activity. No criminal vlclation had taken place'
iv. Dr. Roy chose to leach out to thil student, ottt ofconcem for hinr and his
nrental wellbeing.
d. Othel incidents
i. Since tlrose colltacts iu Decembe:: of 2005...more than a
yeal'ago"'we are
1ot aware of a1y additional incid:nts or leporls made to the Vir:ginia Tecll
Police DePartmet-rt for Cho'
12. Did you find info. on his computer that's missing a HD?
a. ldon't know
13. When was the NBC package filmed?
a. Don't know, local hotel (photos)
14. Where were the guns stored?
a. No info.
15. Follow-up on Cook Counseling Center?
a. Multiple mental health agencies he visited/some in person/some
not; some in Cook, some not;we've done interviews/subpoenas
24. When students return, do you have specific plans for anything further
from them?
a. No plans
25. Suspicious male? How did you learn about it?
a. From investigation; On 4114 one witness said door was chained;
another said it wouldn't open
May 21,2007
lega|adviceunderthedirectionoftheAttorneyGenera|totheUniversity.Given
mandates under which Virginia Tech operates with respect to the protection of
student information. This overview is not meant to be legal advice to this panel
Rather, Dr. Steger believes that it is crucial for this Panel to have some context of
the legal landscape for institutions of higher education. In addition, he has asked
that my remarks center on the interplay between the Counseling Center, the
student disciplinary system, faculty interaction with students and the police
department. He has also asked me to share the constraints that the University
protecting the privacy of students and student records. These laws include The
.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C.A. 312329, H|PAA42
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (aka FERPA or Buckley
with third parties, external to the University, absent a properly executed release
or a court order. While it is debatable whether the FERPA protections end at the
student's death, the other laws contain no such limitation. Exceptions to these
University who need the information to do their job. For example, an instructor
can share grade information with the Registrar. However, there is never
provided in HIPAA or the federal legislation that protects health information for
also provides a quirky privacy provision that places a wall between the
records cannot be freely disclosed by the administrative offices with the police
t,: :,1-
As has been reported publicly, the Virginia Tech Police Department also received
an inquiry during the 2005-2006 academic year from the Chair of the English
some of his writings and the fact that Mr. Cho took pictures of other students with
his cellphone camera. The Chair of the Department did not share the specific
writings with the Police, nor did she file a formal police report. As determined by
an informal review conducted by the Police Department, the behavior was not
Instead of further Police involvement, the Chair talked to Mr. Cho and the Chair
and he agreed that he would attend private tutoring sessions that would allow
him to complete the class assignments without the necessity of his returning to
An additional contact on December 13, 2005, between Mr. Cho and the Virginia
the Montgomery County General District Court, the Virginia Tech Police brought
Mr. Cho to the attention of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation
student who knew Mr. Cho. In turn, Mr. Cho was brought before the General
District Court Special Justice, who ordered Mr. Cho to undergo evaluation at the
absolute in the medical context. For example, a medical screening is not part of
the University's admissions process. The Code of Virginia, Section 23-7 .5,
requires that each prospective student provide a health history, but this history is
not all encompassing. The health history is really a listing of diseases against
which the student has been immunized, The purpose of this code requirement is
confines of a residence hall. Even this modest requirement is not absolute as the
religious grounds.
Given the legalframework, let me tell you what I can about Mr. Cho based on
police records. There was a narrow window in late 2005 to early 2006 that his
behavior was called into question. The Virginia Tech Police made a referral to
(16) months before April 16, 2007. The disciplinary system contacted the e-mail
recipient to determine whether she wanted to pursue the matter. She declined to
do so. Therefore, there was no cause for action on the part of thq -U-niversity.
Since Mr. Cho's enrollment in Fall2003, he had no other interaction with the
disciplinary system.
As has been reported publicly, the Virginia Tech Police Department also received
an inquiry during the 2005-2006 academic year from the Chair of the English
some of his writings and the fact that Mr. Cho took pictures of other students with
his cellphone camera. The Chair of the Department did not share the specific
writings with the Police, nor did she file a formal police report. As determined by
an informal review conducted by the Police Department, the behavior was not
Instead of further Police involvement, the Ghair talked to Mr. Cho and the Chair
and he agreed that he would attend private tutoring sessions that would allow
him to complete the class assignments without the necessity of his returning to
An additional contact on December 13, 2005, between Mr. Cho and the Virginia
the Montgomery County General District Court, the Virginia Tech Police brought
Mr. Cho to the attention of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation
student who knew Mr. Cho. In turn, Mr. Cho was brought before the General
District Court Special Justice, who ordered Mr. Cho to undergo evaluation at the
.r: :-.
Justice for the General District Court ordered Mr. Cho to follow-up out-patient
In summary, the impact of these laws that I have outlined is to limit what can be
shared about students publicly or with third parties, within the organization, and
even with the police department. Given the constraints imposed by the law,
there are restrictions on what Virginia Tech can share about Mr. Cho publicly.
This was the reason why Virginia Tech did not release Mr. Cho's academic
records to the F.B.l. untilthe F.B.l. had obtained a subpoena. lt is also important
to stress that it is not just Mr. Cho's records that are protected by these laws.
Virginia Tech would be precluded from releasing similar information about any of
the victims of the events of April 16. Furthermore, any complaints filed by third
party students about Mr. Cho could not be shared publicly, not just to protect Mr.
Cho, but also to protect the identity of those third party complainants as well.
Thank you for your time today. Next David Ford, Vice President for Academic
Affairs, will speak with you about the events of April 16,2007.
FLrtrctlu*r 7ut99
We're here this morning to provide you with the latest information involving yesterday's
horrible tragedy. Capt. Flinchum and State Police Col. Steve Flaherty will provide you
with the latest information on the investigation. As we work with iaw enforcement
agencies who continue to notify family members of the deceased, I ask that you keep in
I have some additional information regarding how the Virginia Tech community will
move forward and begin recovery in the coming hours and days'
First of all, Virginia Tech will cancel all classes for the remainder of the week to allow
sfudents the time they need to grieve and seek assistance as needed. The university will
re-open administrative operations beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, April 18
understanding that some faculty and staff may wish to take additional time off this week
to grieve the loss of fellow colleagues and friends. We ask individual employees to , :
communicate with their suDervisors of their schedules for the balance of the week.
We will close Norris Hall for the remainder of the semester. Staff are currently working
Counseling and other resources are available for students, faculty, and staff. Students
may receive counseling at McComas Hall and counselors will be available for extended
hours. Employees may receive needed support by going to the Brush Mountain Room in
As you know, the university will be holding a convocation ceremony al 2 p.m.at Cassell
Coliseum. This will be the first time the Virginia Tech community will come together
since the tragedy to share our collective solrow. At that time, President George Bush,
First Lady Laura Bush, Gov. Timothy Kaine, Mrs. Kaine members of our Board of
Visitors, members of the clergy, our students, and poet Nikki Giovanni wiII share
messages of condolence to the family and friends of the victims and words of hope to all
Again we encourage all members of the Virginia Tech community to attend. Should the
coliseum be full, the event, we hope, will be broadcast on campus cable stations.
I know the Virginia Tech community, and the world at large, continues to struggle with
these horrible events. We hope that some the steps we are taking today, and in the coming
2. Information for students on how the semester will be completed has been posted on the
Web site at www.vt.edu.
A
-. NBC receives package from Norris shooter
a. NBS News received a package with photos, video, and writings allegedly from
Cho Seung-Hui, the gunman responsible for the fatal shootings at Nor:ris Hall.
NBC turned originals ofthis potentiall / crucial evidence over to the FBI.
5. Identifying victims
a. Face identifications of victims is some imes unreliable; it is not uncorrrmon for
loved ones under great duress to misidr:ntify victims. The first means of making
definite identifications is by fingerprinrs. When documented fingerprints are not
available, dental records can be used tc positively identify victims. Obtaining
documented fingerprints and dental records can be a time-consuming task. When
these identifications are made, the first to be notified are the next of kin to the
victim. It is after and only after these p,rsitive identifications and family
notifications are made, that law enforcr,ment is prepared to release the identity of
a victim to the public.
8. Funeral Arrangements
a. Families of the victims are making the r own individual funeral arrangements,
none of which are available to the unilersity at this point.
a. Several organizations are providing cri sis counseling services for studr:nts,
faculty, and staff. Faculty and staffthroughout the state are accessing counseling
services through the state employee syritem program, which has about a dozen
staff members working in Blacksburg itnd more throughout the state. the Thomas
E. Cook Counseling Center is working with the Red Cross, New River
Community Services, and others to prcvide counseling services for students.
Counselors are meeting with individua.s, as well as groups as requested.
11. Contact the Virginia Tech Police has had with the Norris Hall gunman, CHO tieung-Hui
(sooNG-wHE).
::
a. Potential stalking '
i. Once his identification was con.irmed, records were reviewed emd it was
determined that there was contart with Cho in the fall of 2005.
ii. In November, Cho had made contact through phone calls and irL person
with a female student. There was never any direct theat made to the
student. The student notified Vi.'ginia Tech Police Department and officers
responded. The student declinec to press charges and referred to Cho's
contact as "annoying." ,, :
W"'f
2. Identifying victims
a. Face identifications of victims is sometimes unreliablel it is not
uncommon for loved ones under great duress to misidentify victims. The
first means of making definite identifications is by fingerprints. When
documented fingerprints are not available, dental records can be used to
positively identify victims. Obtaining documented fingerprints and dental
records can be a time-consuming task. When these identifications are
made, the first to be notified are the next of kin to the victim. It is after and
only after these positive identifications and family notifications are made,
that law enforcement is prepared to release the identify of a victim to the
public.
5. Funeral Arranganents
a. Families of the victims are making their own individual funeral
arrangements, none of which are available to the university at this point'
7. Judicial system
a. Students who allegedly violate the University Policies for Student Life are
required to attend ajudicial hearing to discuss the violation(s) in question.
The Office of Judicial Affairs receives referrals from local police,
residence hall staff, dining hail staff, Communication Network Services,
faculty, and students. Afterajudicial referral is received, a charge letteris
sent to the studen(s) or organization(s) involved.
www judicial.vt.edu <http :/hvrvw.iudicial.vt.ed#
8. Contact the Virginia Tech Police has had with the Norris Hall gunman, CHO
S eung-Hui (SOONG-WHE).
Potential stalking
i. Once his identification was confimred, records were reviewed and
it was determined that there was contact with Cho in the fall of
2005.
ii. In November, Cho had made contact through phone calls and in
person with a female student. There was never any direct threat
made to the student. The student notified Virginia Tech Police
Department and officers responded. The student declined to press
charges and referred to Cho's contact as "annoying."
iii. However, the investigating officer referred Cho to the University
disciplinary system, which is the Office of Judicial Affairs. The
outcome of that referral is handled within the university and
outside the scope of the police department.
iv. In December, Cho instant messaged a second female student.
Again, no threat was made against that student. She made a
complaint to Virginia Tech Police and asked that Cho have no
further contact with her. Officers followed up the next moming
and spoke with Cho concerning this matter.
d. Other incidents
i.Since those contacts in December of 2005. . .more than a year
ago...we are not aware of any additional incidents or reports made
to the Virginia Tech Police Departrnent for Cho.
Many of you have asked tre about when, if, and in what ways you cau interact with
the meclia in
light ofthe April l6 tragedy. Irrespective ofthe intense intereit in ald evcn before
the event,
ntany ofyou have engaged the ntedia, particularly professional association newslettcrs
or,,tracle,,
nted^ia focused on our respective disciplines. For exarnple, when attending
prol.essional
cotrferetrces, you Inay be even tlre informal subject because events are norrnally atlendecl
by
various forms of working journalists. I don't think it's feasible to crawl in a shell
l-or the next
several nronths and avoid normal disciplinary interactions.
still, there are solne caveats. Focus on what you know and what you do. speak about:
Many of the issues both the rnedia and our colleagues are intelested in center ..lessons
ar.ound
learned." Since that topic is the subject olboth oul internal reviews apd the Massengill panel,
you can easily deflect suclr questions by say, "That,s what we plan
to snclerstancl lr.onr the
ongoing reviews."
S incerelv.
Larry l{incker
Associate Vice President fol
University Relations
....-,
Communications plan for 3N rollout
Draft: Thursday, May 31,2007
General notes
Information about the upcoming emergency alert system was included in a letter to parents
in early May, so there is already awareness.
ldeas to consider
By mid-June
o Press Release announcing the 3N contract and upcoming July rollout.
Response:
Upon receiving information from Virginia Tech Chief of Police regarding the first shooting (West Ambler
Johnston),thePresidentdirectedhisstafftoconvenethePolicyGroup. Thegroupwasconvenedand
discussing the WAJ events by 8:25 a.m. on April l-5th. lncluded in this meeting were all the members
named in the Emergency Plan, with the exception of the Vice President for Information Technology who
was out of town on this day.
The Policy Group was receiving a briefing by the Virginia Tech Police Captain of Operations when
information regarding the Norris Hall incident was dispatched over the police radio. The Policy Group
remained intact much of the day April 1-5th making all policy decisions. lmplementation of these
decisions was communicated through the Vice President attending the Policy Group meetingto the
appropriate leadership team within their respective unit (e.g., facilities - EVP&COO; residential/dining -
VP for Student Affairs; Registrar - VP for Academic Affairs). Given the horrific nature of this event and
its impact of the university, the Policy Group acted as the Emergency Response Team for the first 48
hours. An Emergency Operations Center, as outlined in the plan, was not established.
On Wednesday, April $'h, the university named the Emergency Response Resource Coordinator, former
Virginia Tech EVP&COO, to lead the Emergency Response Resource Group. The Group met daily to
address critical issues and formulate recommendations for approval by the Policy Group. The Policy
Group also continued to meet daily throughout the weeks leading to Commencement.
/.rOrt)o"7
I want to repeat my horror, disbelief, and profound sorry at the events of today. People
fro. *o*d *r" world have expressed their shock and sorry. I am at a loss for words to
explain or understand the camage that visited our c.rmpus'
I know no other way to speak about this than to tell you what we know'
It is now confirmed that we have 3l deaths from Norris Hall, including the gunman' 15
other victims are being treated at local hospitals in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.
There are two confirmed deaths from the shooting in Ambler Johnston Domritory in
addition to the 3l inNonis.
We have not confirmed his identity of the gunman because he canied to/"$rr. We are
in the process of attempting identification.
Nonis Hall is a tagic and sorrowfirl crime scene. We are in the process of identiffing
victims and in the pto""tt of notiffing next of kin. This may take a while' We will not
release any names until we are positive of this notification' We anticipate being able to
release a list sometime tomorrow.
We are asking students to contact their parents to let them know their status.
Our investigation continues into whether there is a connection between the hrst and
second incidents. We believe the shootings are related.
We know that parents will want to embrace their children. We are not suggesting that
you come to campus. However, if parents feel that they must come to campus, we are
iocating counselors at the The Inn and Skelton Conference Center'
As you can imagine, security, investigatior5 operational, and cotmseling resowces ilre
1r"ry tu*"d at thJ moment. And we understand the desire, indeed the compelling need to
getinformation on the part of family, students, and loved ones, but unfodunately this is
all the information we have at the time.
Good morning-
We're here this moming to provide you with the latest information invoiving yesterday's
honible tragedy. Capt. Flinchum and State Poiice Coi. Steve Flaherty will provide you
with the iatest information on the investigation. As we work with law enforcement
agencies who continue to notify fanrily members of the deceased, I ask that you keep in
your hearts the families of the victims of this terrible event.
I have some additional information regarding how the Virginia Tech community will
move forward and begin recovery in the coming hours and days.
Fkst of all, Virginia Tech will cancel all classes for the remainder of the week to allow
students the time they need to grieve and seek assistance as needed. The university will
re-open administrative operations beginning tomorow, Wednesday, April 18
understanding that some faculty and staff may wish to take additional time off this week
to grieve the ioss of fellow colleagues and friends. We ask individual employees to
communicate with their suDervisors of their schedules for the balance of the week.
We will close Norris Hall for the remainder of the semester. Staff are cunently working
Counseling and other resources are available for students, faculty, and staff. Students
may receive counseling at McComas Hall and counselors will be available for extended
hours. Employees may receive needed support by going to the Brush Mountain Room in
As you know, the university will be holding a convocation ceremony at 2 p.m. at Cassell
Coliseum. This will be the fust time the Virgrnia Tech community will come together
since the tragedy to share our collective sorrow. At that time, President George Bush,
First Lady Laura Bush, Gov. Timothy Kaine, Mrs. Kaine members of our Board of
Visitors, members of the clergy, our students, and poet Nikki Giovanni will share
messages of condolence to the family and friends of the victims and words of hope to all
/\f rro oo f^-r,a-n aao+ +Lir t-^n-n"
PcrDL Lruo ucl6vLrJ.
Again we encourage all members of the Virginia Tech community to attend. Should the
coliseum be full, the event, we hope, will be broadcast on campus cable stations.
I know the Virginia Tech community, and the world at large, continues to struggle with
these horrible events. We hope that some the steps we are taking today, and in the coming
News today:
* U. S. President George Bush and Mrs. Bush, and Virgnia Govemor Tim Kaine and
Mrs. Kaine are expected to join aimost 10,000 mourners during a memorial ceremony on
the Virginia Tech campus today to remember the 32 faculty and students killed yesterday
by a gunman.
* The convocation is being heid at 2 p.m. today in Cassell Coliseum on the university's
campus.
* More information about this tragedy and the status of the investigation will be released
to the media as soon as it is available. The next news conference is scheduled for 5 p.m.
in Alumni Hall. which will be carried live on network teievision.
* Later today, an evening candlelight vigil will be held on the university's Drillfield at 8
Background:
* A gunman entered an acadernic building and a residence hall at Virginia Tech early
Monday moming April 16, and shot and killed 32 faculty and students before turning the
gun on himself. An accurate list of those wounded is not available at this time.
* The Virginia Tech Police Deparfinent has confirmed the assailant as Cho Seung-Hui,
23. Cho was enrolled as an undergraduate student in his senior year as an English lnajor
at Virginia Tech. Cho, a South Korean native, was living in the United States as a
resident alien with a residence established in Centreville, Va. Cho was living on campus
in Harper Residence Hall.
* An active police investigation involving the Virginia Tech Police Departmext, the
Virginia State Police, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and several
other law enforcement agencies is underwav.
* Counselingassistance for faculty and staff will be heid in Squires Student Center,
Brush Moutain, Room A, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. For more infonnation call 540-
443-36}6.More detailed information on the counseling is available on the Virginia Tech
web site.
* President Chades Steger has announced that the university is ciosed for the remainder
of the week. Nonis Hall, the scene of the mass murder, will be ciosed for the remainder
of the semeste
* More information about this tragedy and the status of the investigation wiil bL made
available for the media as soon as it is available.
* Anyone with information relating to the incidents is asked to contact the Blacksburg
Police Department at 540-23I -6411.
J+.4+.1+
ll'':rft
. .,.,,.t..,
As of 516/07
What memorials are being considered to honor the victims of this tragedy?
Virginia Tech has established 32 individual memorial funds in the name of each
of the victims. These funds may be used for scholarships, to endow Chairs and other
similar pulposes, with the final disposition to be determined in cooperation with the
families.
What language will be used to reference the incident itself? Will there be some
reference to 4116?
What is the status of the acceptances of offers for admission to Virginia Tech for
Fall Semester 2007?
'We
are very pleased that acceptances are slightly ahead of last year's record pace
of acceptance of offers of admission and we expect to have a final tally within the next
few days. In addition, it appears that acceptance rates among African-American,
Hispanic and Asian-American students has increased from last year.
Do you have any plus to honor those shooting victims who were wounded but not
killed?
relief agencies to insure this aid has the maximum impact for the families. Future
financial assistance will be made in keeping with the needs of the families and we cannot
predict how great these needs will be or for how long they will be needed. The Virginia
lech community will be there to help for as long as the families need/want us to be.
What is the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund? How much money has been raised?
What are some of the larger contributions which have been received to this point?
Where does the money go?
The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund was established within the Virginia Tech
Foundation as a vehicle for donors to make monetary contributions which will assist the
families of the victims. So far, over $2.5 million has been received and/or pledged. As a
matter of policy, we do not divulge the names of individual contributors, but it can said
that the outpouring of support has been almost overwhelming.
In addition to the Hokie Spilit Fund, 32 individual memorial funds will be created
in the names of the victims of the tragedy and one individual university-wide scholarship
- The Hokie Spirit Scholarship - will be awarded. The specific elements of each
memorial and the criteria for the scholarship are currently under development.
How is the University policing the unauthorized use of Virginia Tech logos as it
relates to the Norris-AJ Event?
Virginia Tech has literally been bombarded with requests to license items which
memorialize the tragedy. To date, only the student group Hokies United has received
permission to use the University's logo for this purpose. In addition, we are constantly
policing e-Bay and other websites to prevent the unauthorized use of any of Virginia
Tech's logos. It is a very laborious but necessary undertaking.
How can I reassure prospective faculty membens that Virginia Tech is still a great
place to teach and do research?
The Norris-AJ Event has not and will not prevent us from fulfilling our mission as
a place of learning, discovery and engagement. Virginia Tech is a warm, caring
community which boasts an intangible attribute defined as "Hokie Spirif'that has
become almost palpable around here. The pride and passion that many external to the
University associate with Virginia Tech's exploits on the athletic fields are just as evident
to those of us on campus when it comes to academic rigor in the classrooms and research
in the laboratories. The spirit embodied in the University's new slogan - Invent the
Future - is as strons as ever.
2
As of 5/6/07
How will the University pay for the many unexpected expenses that will arise as a
result of the Norris-AJ Event?
The specific answer to this question will be determined more fully in the coming
weeks and mtnths. This much can be said: we know the Governor and key members of
the Virginia General Assembly are very much aware of the enormity of the challenges we
face going forward in managing "the business" of the University.
If a faculty member receives a media call, not just now but over the coming months'
and is asked to describe how his/her body ofwork has changed because ofthe
Norris-AJ Event, (or any media request related to the Norris-AJ Event for that
matter) what should we do?
The University has designated Linwood McCoy as its liaison with the Governor's
Commission. In discussing this tragedy with Govemor Kaine in the immediate hours
after the shootings, President Steger requested that the Govemor conduct an independent
investigation of t}re events and Virginia Tech will assist the Commission in every way
possible. All requests for information from the Commission will come only through Mr.
McCoy. Any requests should be forwarded to Mr. McCoy.
When we call upon prospective research or cor?orat€ partners end they say, "Oh,
isn't Virginia Tech where that guy killed all those people", how should we respond?
There is no cookie cutter response to this kind of tragedy' Something like, '!es,
Virginia Tech has had a very difficult time of it lately, but we will not permit a single act
of violence to define the University. That is exactly why we are here to talk to you today
about..." would suffice. Most people you meet are likely to express their own thoughts
of remorse and condolence and the response is pretty much the same'
While this might seem like common sense, we do not want to leave any
impression whatsoever that Virginia Tech (and the New River Valley, by extension) is
anything other than a great place to live, work and do business.
. ; .
Ls of 516/0?
Is Nikki Giovanni's poem-ending -'tve are Virginia Tech, we will prevail' - a new
University slogan?
The words to that poem have become a symbol for the resolve of the entire
University Community to recover from this tenible ordeal and are crucial to ow healing
process. While the words themselves will not be apart of any formal long-running
campaign, the spirit embodied in the words will be with us for a long, long time. Feel
free to use them.
You are never REQUIRED to speak to the media. Most times, politely telling a
reporter "no thank you" will suffice. If a reporter is particularly troublesome, just walk
away and do not feel guilty about doing so.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the entire Virginia Tech
Community. Are there procedures in place for handling requests by entertainers'
authors, etc. who wish to donate proceeds from events/sales to the Hokie Spirit
Memorial Fund?
Steve Clark and Mary Grace Theodore in the University's Development office are
managing all such offers of assistance. We are receiving reports of additional, larger and
more organized efforts that are being planned and scheduled throughout the coming
months. We have been providing direct links to the University's Hokie Spirit Memorial
Fund to those who wish to assist and will continue to do so. We are moved by
extraordinary generosity of so many groups and individuals and are grateful for their
thoughtfulness dwing this difficult time for The Hokie Nation.
A.s of 516/07
Spokesperson's Q&A
While you may be asked something like the following questions in your capacity as a university
administrator, we recommend deflecting and forwarding questions to University Relations. We
suggest that these topics be the province of designated spokespersons or individuals with direct
responsibility for the topic (e.9. chair of a committee or task force reviewing the topic.).
The health and safety of university community is paramount. Let's take a look at
a number of campus security instruments which already exist. Residence halls are
normally locked 12 hours per day and secured with key-card access. They have been
locked24/7 since April 16 and will remain so indefinitely. The campus has 5l blue light
emergency phones connected to the campus 9l l center. The Virginia Tech Police
Department is a nationally accredited, full-service 60 person law enforcement agency
with 40 uniformed officers and a2417 dispatcher. Alerts are posted as needed on the
widely-used campus website. We have campus sirens and loudspeakers and we use
broadcast e-mail and voicemail to hardline c€rmpus phones. A text messaging system
will be in place by this slrnmer.
There were several bomb threats prior to the Norris-AJ Event. Since thenr there
have been additional bomb threats. IIow does the University respond to these
threats, and has that changed since the Norris-AJ Event?
Do you have confidence that your policies regarding the mental health of Virginia
Tech students is sufficient to track individuals in the future who may be prone to
violence?
Mental Health statutes and regulations have been created to, understandably,
protect the privacy of anyone who seeks treaunent or is required to seek treatment for
mental health issues. We will comply with the letter and spirit of those laws. The
Governor's commission will examine this issue more broadly and we will await the
results of that examination to determine what new steps, if any, might be taken.
A Committee is examining that very question. Initially, we said all options were
on the table, specifically implying the demolition of Norris Hall. Upon reflection, the
gravity ofthe situation from an academic and research profile leads us to conclude that
additional consideration of the future of Norris Hall is necessary. Nonis is one of the
larger buildings on campus with over 70,000 square feet of offices, laboratories and
classrooms. Norris classrooms alone represent about 5% of campus capacity. Still, at
this point, it is our belief that second floor classrooms will never be used again in that
manner. We will present proposals and options to ow University community in early
sunmer.
IIow will we, as ! University, position itself in the gun debate which will ensue as i
result of the Norris-AJ Event?
Our position has not changed. We believe that law enforcement officials ought to
be the only ones on campus carrying weapons - concealed or otherwise.
Speculation - on and off campus - has suggested that some loss of life might have
been averted if we'd closed the campus. How should we respond to that?
The Virginia Tech Campus contains 153 major buildings, 19 miles of public
roads, is located on 2600 acres of land and as many as 37,000 individuals might be found
on its grounds at any one time on atypical day. Virginia Tech is very much like a small
city. How does one close a city? Virginia Tech is a University, not a prison. Be that as
it may, the Governor's commission will investigate all aspects of the Norris-AJ Event
including this one. We will receive the commission's recommendations and make
changes, if any and as needed, to protect the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors
on campus.
,iirt .
KSR 05t03t2007
This year, Vrginia Tech's commencement ceremonies come just four weeks after the tragic
events at West Amber Johnson and Norris halls. This year's joy and celebration will be
tempered with grief following the loss of 32 members of our community.
As you report on these ceremonies, we ask that you be respectful of both the accomplishments
and pride of the approximately 5,000 graduates and their families as well as the sorrow felt by
the families of the 32 deceased and the entire Virginia Tech community.
on Friday, May 1 1 and saturday , May 12, we anticipate some 30,000 to 40,000 students and
guests on our campus. We hope you understand that the needs our students and their families
are our highest priority this weekend.
In addition, we have worked to accommodate the needs of the press. These guidelines, we
hope, will help you accomplish you job while ensuring the dignity and respect that must be
afforded to all the students, families, and guest who will participate in the ceremonies.
General lnformation
. All media representatives will be required to obtain media credentials and
prominently display them at all times while you are on campus. Credentials may be
obtained Thursday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in
the lobby of the Holtzman Alumni Center. Credentialing will continue at 5 p.m. in the
lobby of the South Tower (facing Spring Road) at Lane Stadium.
. All commencement and convocation events will be staffed by Vrginia Tech public
information officers (PlOs) who will be credentialed with large white badges. There
are here to assist you during the weekend.
. At all commencement and convocation ceremonies, members of the press are not
allowed on the floor (where graduates are seated) or on or near the stage were the
ceremony takes place.
. To ensure that our graduates and their guests can fully focus on and participate in
the commencement ceremonies, we ask you to refrain from interviewing students
and families during the ceremonies and avoid up-close contact with them. Any
interviews graduates or their guests may wish to participate in must take place
outside the commencement or convocation venue
Draft lll
KSR 05to3t2007
Pool broadcast coverage (three cameras) will be available for the Graduate and
University commencement ceremonies and for the College of Engineering
convocation (Saturday, May 12,8 a.m., Cassell Coliseum) courtesy of Virginia Tech
Athletics broadcast media unit. Contact is Kevin Hicks (cell: 540-998-5921).
Coordinates are:
1. TBA
General questions on Friday, May 11 may be directed to Mark Owczarski (cell: 540-
357-0126)
. Media satellite trucks must be parked at the Environmental Health and Safety
Parking Lot (located off Tech Center Drive) and the Litton Reaves Parking Lot
accessible off Washington Street (next to Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Phase 1) or
Duck Pond Drive (next to Virginia Bioinformatics Institute Phase 2)
. All other press vehicles may park in the Litton Reaves Parking Lot
. All media vehicles must display a media parking pass made available when you
check in during credentialing.
.
. DO NOT park in any handicap or metered spaces.
Draft lll
KSR o5t03t2007
Thursday, May 10
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Media sign in and credentialing at the main entrance of the Holtzman Alumni
Center.
Friday, May 11
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Media sign in and credentialing at the main entrance of the Holtzman Alumni
Center.
5 p.m.: Media sign in and credentialing continues in the lobby of South Tower lobby, Lane
Stadium.
2 to 2:30 p.m. Media Availability: Gen. Philip Abizaid, U.S. Army (Ret.), former Commander of
the United States Central Command
. Fifth Floor, media dining room, Lane Stadium (enter via elevator in South Tower)
. Media credentials must be worn to be admitted
Press conference format; introductory remarks followed by questions and answers
Drafr lll
KSR 05t03t2007
Saturday, May 11
Approximately 30 college and departmental convocations will be held on this day. Virginia Tech
public information officers (PlOs) will be present at all ceremonies to assist reporters if needed.
Please do not enter the venue floor, where our graduates will be seated and do not block
families' and graduates' views. Ushers and PlOs will be available to assist you; please follow
their guidance.
To ensure that our graduates and their guests can fully focus on and participate in the
commencement ceremonies, we ask you to refrain from interviewing students and families
during the ceremonies and avoid up-close contact with them. Any interviews may occur outside
the venue
Because of intimate nature of convocations and the venues, no broadcast cameras will be
allowed in Saturday convocations.
Drafl lll
Virginia Tech As We Move Folverd
Themes or Key Messages
-end-
.t*.er..:
--,)tF
I appreciate the responses that some of you sent to the letter I sent earlier this
month and the various points of view expressed. One point of consensus is that
everyone wants more communication, so I will endeavor to write more freguently.
Family Advocafes - In most cases, I have heard overwhelming praise from you
for the work of our family liaisons. Each of them has been extraordinarily
dedicated to assisting you. But, as you can understand, many are exhausted
both physically and emotionally. An expert in this aspect of crisis response
recently pointed out that we are victims trying to care for victims, and that should
not be. Therefore, over the next month or so, we will gradually be transitioning
from your current family liaisons to family advocates. These are professionals
who work for Virginia Tech and whose sole function it will be to work with you
and with the injured students. We will share more information as it becomes
available.
Victim Advocates - Most of you are aware of and have availed yourselves of
the services of the Criminal lnjuries Compensation Fund (CICF). However, you
may not be aware of another service that office provides. In collaboration with
the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, CICF can arrange for you
to be assigned a victim witness officer (i.e., victim advocate), who can help you
find resources in your local community to assist with a number of issues, from
counseling, to financial planning, to immigration issues, and much more. This
service is available to families in states other than Virginia as well. Whether you
live in Virginia or elsewhere, I encourage you to call Mary Vail Ware, Director of
CICF, and she can arrange for a victim advocate to work with you. You may
contact Ms. Ware by calling 1-800-552-4007 or 804-367-1018, or by sending an
e-mail note to mary.ware@vwc.state.va. us.
Norris Hall Tours - As you know, families were invited to tour the classrooms
before they were refurbished and the media was allowed in. Until that wing of
the building is renovated (the feasibility study is under way), the classrooms will
remain locked and access will not be permifted. In fact, for at least several
months, access to the entire building will be restricted to those with Virginia Tech
lD cards. However, you may still request a tour of those classrooms by
contacting Police Chief Wendell Flinchum atilO-231-6411.
Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund - Even before some of the families released a
statement last week, we had been in contact with officials from Columbine and
an expert involved with the September 11 fund to obtain their counsel as we seek
to administer the funds that were donated to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund in an
equitable and responsible manner consistent with the stated purpose of the fund,
which includes, but is not limited to: assistance to victims and their families, grief
counseling, memorials, communication expenses, and comfort expenses. We
are continuing to refine our plans and processes for the use of those funds,
taking into account the input we have received.
Thank you for your time. Again, let me say that movrng on is not the same as
forgetting. We will never forget. Wishing you peace,
Sincerely,
Charles W. Steger
President
Dear colleagues,
The last few weeks have been quite tumultuous, and rvhile things may seem to be returning to
normal, it's likely that we'll need to continue to discuss the events of April 16 for some time.
We'll need to gauge where our donors are in relation -o these events, and offer them t.he
appropriate reassurance. We'll need to address the ner:essary changes to the campaign and our
curent fundraising efforts. We'll need to be both refl()ctive and optimistic. With these aims in
mind, I'm offering up some talking points to give you some guidance as you begin working
through the days ahead.
Ifwe can all be patient during this time, we can get through this together and help oui: donors, as
well. If you need help writing any pieces over the next few months, especially for
college/university program publications, let me and rr y staff know. If you have any publications
pending, please let us know right away.
The next issue of the Virginia Teclt Magazine, originally scheduled to be all about the campaign,
is being rewritten to mark the events of April 16. This issue will be our first opportunity to talk in
broad terms about the need for us to both mourn, and ;ecognize when it is timb 1o prer;s ahedd.
Other central communications, most often in the form of letters to many of our main
constituencies from senior leadership, will carry the sz me overall message.
Current plans call for a letter from President Steger to'be sent to donors within the next two
weeks. That letter will not only carry the message abo,re but will also explain what thr:se events
have meant-and will continue to mean-for the camllaign. This means that your next _ , ,
communication with your donors need not carry this s rme message, but it is importanr that it be
appropriately respectful and in keeping with the unive::sity's main messages.
As you talk to your donors, keep in mind the followinll university messages:
We are strong.
We will NOT be defined by these events. This is something that happened to uLs, and
while it was clearly catastrophic, it does not ch lnse what we are all about.
r The response to the April events on our campLs has been both gratifying and
overwhelming. Supporl is coming in from neu friends and old, individuals an,J
coryorations, and we are carefuily processing r:ach gift.
o We are not actively soliciting or raising funds for any of these initiatives. Ratlrer, we are
focused on ensuring that offers for support are appropriately and expeditiously handled. ,
o Those who wish to make a gift through the university have 34 ways in which they can do
so: the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund, and memorial
funds in the names of each of those we have lost.
April 16 in order to provide the university with a means to offer assistance to the familiesl
of those affected by these events. That assistance includes, but is not limjted to:
r Grief counseling
r Memorials
o Communicationexpenses
. Comfort expenses
Some of this money has already been disburserl for these purposes. Such disbursement is
being made in keeping with the timetables of tlre families and in conjunction urith a
mrmber of other agencies-federal and state vi :tim assistance programs, as well as local
charities, are all rushing in to aid these familier and we want to be sure that our efforts
are coordinated so they can have maximum im:act.
We cannot predict how great these needs will te; no1'can we predict how much money
will be raised. We're getting reports of larger, rnore organized efforts that are being
planned and scheduled throughout the coming rnonths. As from the outset, our first
priority will continue to be meeting the needs and honoring the wishes of the frlmilies.
Plans bevond that have vet to be formulated.
We have established 32 memorial funds in the names of each of the victims. Final
determination of how those funds will be used (memorial awards, scholarships,
professorships, faculty suppolt etc.) will be mirde in cooperation with the fam:ilies. Some
ofthese funds have already been designated.
Other questions
University Development is happy to accept donations from groups who have conducted their
own fundraising efforls. However, we cannot enter inro any partnerships with these independent
fundraising efforls. We cannot allow external groups 1o use our logo or otherwise give the
impression that the university is endorsing them. Whi e it is not our place to steer donors away
from private fundraising efforts, it is our place to explain to them how they can best supporl the
victims' families and the university community: by gi ving to the 34 funds described above.
Stay tuned for further updates to these messages as ne:ded (particularly as regards campaign
planning.). If you have any questions or require further cladfication, please contact me or one of
my staff. We are eager to help everyone get through tlris hard time and move into a brighter
future.
Notes from July 18, 2007 Meeting
VT Review Panel
Massengill: all records needed have now been received; Over 2,000 hits on
website. Closed meeting on July '1gth to talk with attorneys; not enough emphasis
on families early on in the Panel's work but wants to do more in the future.
Scope.
Detailed time line.
University setting and security
Cho's mental health issues.
General access to camous.
lncident in West AJ.
lncident in Norris Hall.
EMS, hospital, and ME's Office.
Aftermath (recovery and healing process).
Report will criticize and will include recommendations. Will try to be fair and
balanced.
Good presentation by Don Challis, President of VALEA and Chief of Police and
W&M; gave good marks to Wendell for his swift action to have Emergency
Response Team on the scene which probably saved lives in Norris.
Where police reports; need to be high in organization (no lower than 1 step below
president).
Avoid lockdowns.
Allow police to notify campus community of emergencies without going through
administration hierarchy.
Establish close relationship with local EMS, fire, and police; joint training and
drills.
Complete threat assessments on the front end.
lmproved funding for security.
Conduct crime prevention assessment-cameras, locks, etc.
Training on FERPA and HIPM laws and regulations.
MOU's between state and local police agencies.
Retirement benefits for campus police should be same as other law enforcement
officers.
High turnover rates need to be addressed through more competitive salaries.
Judge Strickland asked how the university could "lockdown" campus during the
Morva incident and not lockdown the campus during the Cho incident. Chief
Challis said he could not speak to the differences but discussed once again the
differences between and public school (K-12) and a large open college campus.
Chief Challis also asked about what efforts were now being made to improve
security on campuses? Any recommendations to screen students for imminent
danger? He noted that everyone he talks with is reviewing policies and
procedures; he also noted that the "response" to an incident was the Police &
EMS responsibility; the "response to the response" was an administration issue.
Ms. Ellis asked if there was a need for a "victim's services specialist" within the
Police departments; any recommendations? \l/ho has one? Chief Challis did not
know if anyone had such a position, Ms. Ellis referred them to look at Fairfax
Police Deoartment for model.
Dr. Depue asked about funding status for police and Challis responded:
Campus police normally below municipalities and state.
Retirement benefits are less.
Often have to be creative to obtain needed training.
Police departments are not the primary mission of the university.
Retention of good officers is a problem.
Professor Bonnie gave presentation of Va. Mental Health Laws and Practices
and discussed review being conducted by the Commission on Mental Health
Law; expect preliminary report in winter of 2007-08 with a full report/plan by the
fall 2008.
Dr. James Madero from Calif. School of Prof. Psychology gave presentation on
handling seriously troubled students; stressed the need for a Violence Prevention
Program that includes a Violence Prevention Team on campus. The team would:
Conduct violence audit.
Review polices & procedures.
Review training.
Est. Incident Response Teams (one for students, one for faculty/staff). This team
needs to include a threat assessment specialist.
Recommend prevention procedu res.
Evaluate program.
Emphasized that some sharing of information is possible even under FERPA and
suggested going to Dept. of Ed's website for clarification that has been posted
there.
Dr. Federman report how CAPS works and the meetings it has with every dean
once each month; no budget problems because funded from student fees but
emphasized need for a stable budget to support student counseling.
Dr. Sood gave presentation about mental health issues. She discussed:
Cho's background and predictability of behavior problems.
FERPA and HIPAA interpretations.
Discussed Chos' withdrawal behavior.
Need to explore family issues,
Signs (flags) at Tech before the incident.
University's and Police response to the flags.
Discussed safeguards to ensure follow through on troubled students.
Need to ask what are the capabilities of the university to handle problems.
How does the university track troubled students.
Are parents contacted? Should they be?
Evaluate core mission of the university v, counseling resources.
Examine W's philosophy on dealing with students (remedial or punitive).
Look at the culture of Blacksburg and W.
Early identification of mental health issues.
Philosophy of higher education toward mental health issues.
Dr, Sood then shared information about who was interviewed at Tech.
Lori Haas mother of Emily-urged Panelto not rush work to meet the deadline;
discussed frustration with FERPA and HIPAA; can't get information from the
university; has requested mental health assistance for daughter but university
would not do it ??? (l'm not sure if this was in reference to FERPA or a lack of
response by the university.); in the aftermath, the university should have
communicated to all students, faculty, and staff but this has not happened; there
should be one state agency that deals with all services for victims so it would not
be such a maze to go through; there should be ONE advocate for each victim
who has full knowledge of all the things available.
Mr, McCain, Lauren's father, just wanted to say thank you for your efforts and to
report that his family prays for them daily.
: .ii.:...-':r :r.:::r.,
Dennis Bluhm father of Brian-reported the top administration at W had been
very cruelto "us" and W liked to hide behind laws. VT and state needs to take
responsibility and needs to take care of families.
Sally Norris-victim of poor mental health care; apparent allergy to Kozar which
lead to serious problems. After several minutes she was interrupted and asked to
let parents speak and then return if there was time remaining.
Mr. Erickson decided to speak; talked about incident of stalking his daughter at
W; stalker has been dealt with by the judicial system with a year in jail
suspended, but he is still at W taking classes; they have a protective order
against him but worry about their daughter; does not believe the university has
ever talked to stalker's parents because of FERPA and HIPM; had praise for the
Women's Center at W and the Police Dept. but worries that not enough attention
is paid to this incident.
Patrick Strollo-father of Hillary who was injured; Hillary doing well but wanted to
make sure he asked "why did the university not send an email after the WAJ
incident?" He is very much against FERPA and HIPPA and for parents right to
know about their child.
Several others spoke in favor of carrying guns on campus. One even suggested
that carry a gun was a God-given right guaranteed by the Declaration of
Independence (certain unalienable rights....). Another spoke about mental health
doctors causing deaths because of the drugs they prescribe-suggested non-
drug alternatives be used.
Oh, by the way, Sally Norris declined to continue her talk when her turn came
around again. Because she had at least 20 more minutes of material to present
to the Panel. Col. Massgengill suggested she meet with Dr. Sood afterthe
meeting to share her thoughts.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated June 18, 2007
[This information is intended to help you, should you have to discuss these items. lt is not
intended to make you become a 'spokesperson' for the university. Do not guess or discuss any
issue either in a private setting, with a group, or in a public setting if you feel at all uncomfortable
or not completely knowledgeable. l
Memorials/Assistance
Through the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, we have provided financial assistance to the
deceased victims' families for memorial expenses, grief counseling, communications
expenses, comfort expenses and other costs directly related to this tragedy. We are
coordinating our efforts with those of other charities and state relief agencies to insure
this aid has the maximum impact for the families. In addition, almost since the day of the
shootings, a Virginia Tech employee has been designated as a liaison between the
University and the families of the deceased as a way to determine the on-going needs of
each family. Our liaisons advised that some families sought more frequent
communication from the University, and just last week, a weekly communication direct
from Preside,lrt Steger to the families was created as a mechanism to more effectively
maintain dialogue with affected families.
Many of the monetary needs of the families may not be clear for several months and the
intent of the Hokie Spirit Mernorial Fund is to provide assistance for some time to come.
The University intends to use the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to provide such things as
health insurance for the families of the faculty, undergraduate education expenses for
children of deceased faculty, and financial and mental health services for victims'
families. [More info on www.r'tnews.vt.edu]
Donations to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund now total over $7 million and the
outpouring of support has been almost overwhelming. Little children have literally
brought their piggy banks to the University to contribute. A homeless Louisiana resident
displaced by Hurricane Katrina made a contribution to the fund. The New York Yankees
donated $ 1 million to the fund and many other corporation and foundations have made
very significant gifts to honor the victims of the tragedy. None of this money was
actively solicited by Virginia Tech, but instead was donated by hundreds of individuals
and corporations who just wanted to do something to try to ease the pain of the Virginia
Tech community.
I
How long will you keep providing financial aid?
That is still to be determined, but we are confident that the Virginia Tech community will
be there to help for as long as needed.
The Hokie Spirit Monorial Fund will pay tuition and fees for injured students ttrough
Spring 2008, as well as to pay for medical costs not forgiven or otherwise covered by
insurance. Funds had previously been disbursed to provide assistance for travel costs,
communications costs and on-going counseling.
What kind of memorial is being considered to honor the victims of this tragedy?
Thirty-two (32) separate named endowed funds have been created in honor of each
victim lost. Each of, the named funds is fully endowed allowing each fund to
memorialize a victim in perpetuity. The final determination of how each of the mernorial
funds will be directed is being developed in close conjunction with the wishes of each
family.
An intermediate memorial to replace the temporary version placed by the student group
Hokies United immediately after April 16 is planned for the same location on the
Drillfield across from Bumrss Hall. The intermediate msmorial will mimic the ad hoc
version with 32 substantial engraved Hokies Stones in a semi-circle in front of the
Drillfield viewing stand. The Hokie Stones from the original mernorial will be offered to
the victims' families.
A future committee will be created which will, with broad input from many stakeholders,
advise the University on design and construction of a permanent memorial several years
in the future. fMore info on www.vtnews.vt.edu]
Who is on the committee which established the memorials? Were the families
represented?
The families will be directly involved in the development of the individually named
endowed funds. A committee chaired by Vice-President of Alumni Relations which
included a member of the Board of Visitors, four students, an alumnus and two staff
members was responsible for the recommendation of the intermediate memorial.
WiII the memorials also honor the wounded, or only those who were killed?
The physical memorials will honor those precious lives lost on April 16.
Is the University licensing the use of VT logos :for merchandise relating to the
incident?
Virginia Tech has been bombarded with requests to license items that mernorialize the
tragedy. To date, only the student group Hokies United has received permission to sue
the University's logo for this purpose. The Univsrsity is currently researching
appropriate vehicles to expand additional commernorative licensing, but nothing is
finalized.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the entire Virginia Tech
community from all kinds of sources. Are there procedures in place for handling
requests by entertainers, authors, artists, etc. who wish to donate proceeds from
events/sales?
Mary Grace Theodore and Steve Clark in the University's Development office are
managing all such offers of assistance. We are receiving reports of additional, larger and
more organized efforts that are being planned and scheduled - the event in Yankee
stadium with Dr. Steger throwing out the first pitch, for example - throughout the coming
weeks and months. We are moved by the extraordinary generosity of so many groups
and individuals and are grateful for their thoughtfulness during this difficult time for The
Hokie Nation.
Impact on School
A phased re-use of Norris Hall begins June 18. The building will be dedicated to office
and laboratories for the Departnent of Engineering Science and Mechanics and Civil and
Environmental Engineering departments which had been the primary building tenants
prior to April 16. Because of the trauma experienced by the University community,
there will be no general assignment classrooms in Norris and a plan is being developed to
convert these classrooms to other uses. Since the building will no longer be multi-use and
will be devoted solely to departmental activities, the ESM department will, over the long
term, consolidate offices and labs which currently reside in three other buildings. [More
info on www.vtnews.r4.edu]
What is the University's expectation of students who say they just cannot go into
Norris for any reason, when certain aCademic disciplines Qaboratory research
activities within a certain major, for example) might require it?
The University, the College of Engineering and the ESM Departrnent leadership fully
understand the anxiety some individuals may feel when faced with the reality of
reentering Norris Hall. To the extent possible, accommodations will be made by the
College and Department on a case by case basis and the University has made
arrangcments for continued counseling at any desired level for incoming - and retuming
- students, faculty, or staff.
..2.,
Virginia Tech already faced a shortage of classroom space prior to the decision to
suspend traditional classroom activity in Norris Hall. How will this situation be
addressed?
The University is working on a short term plan to be implemented by the beginning of the
Fall Semester to manage the classroom crowding situation. Yes, we are tight, but we will
find a way. In the intermediate term, additionat classroom space is currently under
construction in multiple campus locations which will be available for classroom
instruction over the next couple of years. Beyond that, the Board of Visitors recently
approved capital activities which we hope will accelerate the construction of additional
classroom AND laboratory space when the projects are completed in the 2010-2011 time
frame.
Both the East and West wings of Ambler-Johnston will continue to be used as residence
halls. As AJ contains the second largest number of dormitory rooms of any campus
residence hall, this facility is a critical component of the University's on-campus housing
system. The area of rooms in West AJ where the shootings occurred on April 15 will not
be occupied by students and will be sealed offfrom the rest of the rooms in West Ambler
Johnston. Various options for that space are still being considered, and the entire
building is due for scheduled renovation in 2010.
We're gratified to say that acceptances are up compared to last year. As of May 17, we
had received deposits for 5215 freshmen students for the Fall 2O07 semester, slightly
more than the enrollment target goal of 5000 and higher than the 5185 deposits we'd
received at the same time last year. We've also received many wonderful, heartwarming
letters from accepting Freslune,n and their families about wanting to be part of the Hokie
Nation. These incoming Tech Freshmen are really excited to be Hokies and we're even
more excited to have them.
We will provide counseling services for students trying to cope with this tragedy for as
long as it is necessary.
We keep hearing about this "Hokie Spirit". IIow would you describe what that
means?
(Everyone who interacts with various externql "stakpholders" will have to answer this in
his or her own way and in his or her own words. Here's one answer but it won't work
for everybody).
Hokie Spirit is that intangible passion which binds us all as Hokies. It is a spirit which
allows us to be confident that Virginia Tech will not be defined by thehorrible events of
April 16, but instead will be defined by how we reacted to those events. We're inventive,
practical people, whether we're in a NASA laboratory, in an office in Tysons Comer, on
a farm in Southside Virginia or in a classroom in Derring Hall. We say hello and we
shake hands. And we mean it. Oh, and we Hokies play a little football, too.
Campu s Safetv/Securitv
What security measures did Virginia Tech have in place before the incident?
Each Freshman and his or her parents received a letter from Dr. Steger and Dean Hikes
which outlined the safety and security measures which exist on campus to protect the ,
safety of Virginia Tech's student, faculty and stafl, We hope that you had a chance to
read it, because it provides an excellent sunmary of the many tools campus authorities
have at their disposal to protect the University Community. fFact sheet available]
For example, the Virginia Tech Police Department is a nationally accredited, full service
60 person law enforcernent agency with 40 uniformed officers and a 24/7 dispatcher.
The campus has 51 blue light emergencyphones connected to the campus 911 center.
We have campus sirens and loudspeakers. In addition, effective for the Fall sernester, all
residence halls are now on 24/7 key-cud ageess, a text messaging service will be in place
and an integrated emergency communications system is the works.
We also are looking toward our own intemal review and the findings of the Governor's
panel for guidance as to what additional steps might be taken to enhance c€Impus security.
We heard there were several bomb threats prior to the shootings. In the days
immediately after the inciden$ there were additional bomb threats. How does the
university respond to these types of threats and has that changed since the
shootings?
Each bomb threat was thoroughly investigated and found to be baseless. A number of
threats were made in the days following the shootings - which, unfortunately, are quite
common after a tragedy of this type. Nevertheless, each tbreat was taken seriously,
investigated appropriately by law enforcerne,nt authorities and found to be a hoax. We
treat all such threats seriously and will continue to do so.
Some have said that faculty should be armed so they can protect themselves and
their students in such cases. How do you respond to that?
. : , :l
Our position has not changed and will not change. We believe law enforcement officials
ought to be the only ones on campus carrying weapons - concealed or otherwise.
Who is conducting your internal review and when will the results be available?
Youtve said you are cooperating with the Governorts panel. Does that mean you
will abide by any recommendations it makes?
llental Ilealth
Predicting human behavior is difficult under the best of circumstances. Typically, there
is a pattem ofbehaviors which is often exhibited by students in the classroom that can be
predictors ofsfudents in distress and our faculty is the first line ofhelp for these students.
When a student exhibits behaviors like missing classes, disrupting class, inappropriate
displays of anger and hostility, faculty members have a variety of options which are
available to address the behavioral issues in the most appropriate manner for the students.
These actions can range from personal counseling by the instructor to a refelral to the
Head of the Departnent and the Dean of Students.
Isn't it the school's responsibilify to look for those behavioral signs and deal with
them.appropriately so the student body can be protected?
ln the overwhelming majority of situations with students, our system for faculty response
to students in distress has been very effective. At its best, the system provides for a
comprehensive, accessible and responsive approach to students' issues. It is in
everyone's interest - an individual student, as well as, the university community at large
- that we work aggressively to improve our system. We must work to insure that all
faculty members understand how the systsrn works and what resources exist to assist
them. In addition, we need to improve the integration of information for making
interve'ntion decisions and find ways to include faculty in the response where appropriate.
What do privacy laws say about what a school can and can't do with information
about a studentts mental health?
Federal law specifically prohibits the sharing of a student's mental health records wirft
anyone (including the parents of a student) unless the student specifically authorizes such
sharing. The statutes goveming mental health privacy and the regulations which have
been written to implement those stafutes, are being examined by a number of state and
federal bodies including a Cabinet Level commission appointed by President Bush. It is
too early to speculate if, or when, changes will be made in privacy law or the
interpretation of such laws.
What is the school's policy about sharing information between departments or with
the police when a student is having psychological problems?
When a faculty member identifies a student who is showing some of the waming signs
noted earlier, that faculty member has several avenues within which inappropriate student
behaviors can be addressed. The Faculty member may raise the issue with the
Department Head and/or, the Dean of Student Life and/or, if the warning sign is
sufficiently grave, with the Virginia Tech police departnent (please note this step is very
rarely necessary or taken). Often, when a student in distress has been identified, a
CareTeam, composed of representatives of several campus disciplines, will monitor the
activities of students who have been identified as exhibiting behaviors consistent with
students who might be in distress. Sharing of information specifically related to mental
health counseling is prohibited by federal law.
What is the school's policy about alerting police when a student is suspected to be
dangerous?
Faculty, staff and students are urged to contact the Virginia Tech Police immediately if
dangerous and inappropriate student behaviors are openly exhibited. Virginia Tech
police protocol has established very specific guidelines for police officials to follow in
the event there is an intervention ofany type.
Overvierv and Talking Points
Hokie Spirit Memorial Funds
Hokie Spirit ScholarshiP Funds
Named Memorial Funds for Victims
OVERVIEW
The response to the April events on our campus has been both gratiffing and
ovenrhilming. Support is coming in from new friends and old, individuals and
corporations, and we are carefirlly processing each gift.
We are not actively soliciting or raising funds for any of these initiatives. Rather, we are
focused on ensuring that offers for support are appropriately and expeditiously handled'
Those who wish to make a gift through the university have, in fact,34 ways in which
they can do so. The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund, and
memorial funds in the each of the 32 lost.
Some ofthis money has already been disbursed for these purposes.
Such disbursement is being made in keeping with the timetables of the families, and in
conjunction with a number of other agencies - federal and state victim assistance
progru-r, as well as local charities are all rushing in to aid these-families and we want to
t" rut" that our efflorts are coordinated so they can have the maximum impact.
We cannot predict how great these needs will be; nor can we predict how much will be
raised. Weie getting reports of larger, more organized efforts that are being planned and
scheduled throughout the coming months. As from the outset, our first priority will be to
meet the needs and honor the wishes of the families. Plans beyond that have yet to be
formulated.
Kerrry J. Redican
President. tr'aculfv Senate of Virsinia Tech
June 4.2007
Thankyou Mr. Rector, members of the Board of Visitors, Ladies and Gentlemen
Once again, I'd like to emphasize that faculfy appreciate the opportunify to
participate in this level ofthe governance process and your responsiveness to faculty
issues.
I mentioned in my first report track in August, that faculty feel they work in a
partnership with administration , Board of Visitors, staff, and students, The
evidence of how successful this partncrship can be was our collective response to the
tragic events of April 16tr'. Concurrent with dealing with the shock and dismay of
April 16"', faculty, students, and administration had to test the strength ofthe
partnership and work closely together in a way that had never been done before in
order to complete the seinester. It was incredibly difficult and challenging but we
did it - we pulled together and made it happen.
Shorlly after April 16th, a special closed session ofthe faculty senate was held and a
stateme nt of support for administration was approved:
We, the members of the Faculty Senate of Virginia Tech ofter our full
support to President Charles W. Steger as he continues to lead the
university through these difficult times. We thank President Charles W.
Steger and Chief Wendell Flinchum for their leadership and outstanding
dedication to the Virginia Tech community in response to the tragic evenfs
of Aprit 16th.
- The Faculty Senafe of Virginia Tech
It has been a vcry productivc year. Thc 2006-2007 Commission on Faculty Affairs
was very active and in consultation with the Faculty Senate was successful in
gaining University Council approval for policies on composition of committees for
promotion and tenure evaluation; annual and pre-tenure evaluation; part'time
appointments for tenure-track and tenured faculfy; and career track for
instructors and general employment policies for non-tenure track and tenured
faculty. We believe that the implernentation of these policies will strengthen the
academic culture, provide for more opportunities for recruitment and retention
and have a positive impact in our diversity efforts.
Since my last report, Faculty Scnators also began a dialogue on how to take the
Principles of Community to the next level, that is, incorporating them into their
work. The ftrst stcp in this process was to communicate to the university
community that faculty are serious about the Principles of Community. The
Faculty Senate passed a motion that faculfy should be encouraged to include a
statement in their syllabus reflecting support for the Principles of Community - a
statenrent similar to the current Honor Code statement in syllabi. It is anticipated
that more discussion will take place regarding other ways to demonstrate that
faculfy support for the Principles of Community.
At our May, 2007 meeting,,the 2007-2008 Faculty Senate oflicers were elected. They
are Valerie Hardcastle (President) and Hardus Odendaal (Vice President). Valerie
is both a Professor ofPhilosophy and Science and Technology Studies in the College
of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. She has been at Virginia Tech since I992.
Valerie received her Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Berkeley;
Master of Arts from University of Houston and Ph.D. from University of California,
San Diego.
I also want to mention that I have enjoyed working with Jean, Ennis, and Greg and
I belicve they all did an outstanding job representing their constitucncics.
I'd also like to thank President Stcger and Provost McNamee for their efforts on
supporting a healthy climate for shared governance and for taking time out of their
schedules for regular meetings with Faculty Senatc leadership.
Finally, I lrave thoroughly cnjoyed working with all you on thc Board of Visitors
this past year. Your friendliness, responsiveness, and willingness not only to hear
faculty concerns but to take action is most appreciated. On behalf of the faculty, we
thankvou.
I
Larry will open with ground rules. Expect to take about 20 minutes. You will be
avaiiable for Q&A during conference but not after. You are leaving for'another
meeting.'
To say that we are still dealing with the after affects of April 16 is an understatement.
Every day my heart is pained when I think of the families of those who lost their lives
and those injured by an insane and senseless act ofviolence. Every day there is another
concem or problem or pain that must be attended to.
However, one heartwarming aspect of this tragedy has been sharing of love and support
from people around the globe. Following the April 16 tragedy, there was tremendous
outpouring of support for the university community here in Blacksburg, our extended
Hokie family around the nations, and for the victims and their families. Some of this
support was manifested in spontaneous contributions to what was later to become the
During those early hours, we identified possible uses of the funds, for the short term and
the long term. We attempted to respond as best we could as we always do when we
receive memorial contributions....not an unusual event. This was all taking place amidst
the endless sorrow, incredible tension, and wide range of emotions during an
Later ltbecame apparent that the Virginia Tech Foundation, because of its mission and
incorporation as an educational foundation and not a benevolent foundation, was limited
in how the monies could be used. Moreover, we now realize that we are not in a position
to pre-suppose what is best for victims or their families. With no experience in dealing
with crime victims, we felt it best to seek expert advice in disbursements of these monies.
These monies were given to the university by more than 20,000 donors to administer and
apply as best we can to help the healing process. Still, it is very important for us to seek
input from families of victims and the surviving victims about distribution of the funds.
while we are very concerned about future and ongoing needs of the university
community in Blacksburg, we believe it is best to focus the funds on the current needs
and desires of families ofthe deceased and the injured students and faculty. They have
experienced extraordinary loss and emotional trauma and deserve the most support.
There is no script for a tragedy ofthis magnitude and depth ofpain. I am very pleased to
have someone ofKen Feinberg's caliber, experience, and long cafeer to help guide us.
Ken has been quite generous with his time helping us sort through how we can best use
the funds so generously given - in small quantities and large - by caring people, schools,
companies, organizations, yes, even Sports teams - from ever)'vvhere in this nation and
We will don't have an exact formula for proceeding and that's why we'll be seeking
input from families and those injured.
You have a copy of Mr. Feinberg's extensive credentials in the media packet' but by way
of introduction, let me note a comment from our local congressman, Rick Boucher, who
was in Congress during the discussions about how to assist families and those injured in
the September 1ls attacks.
,,The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund was established through generous contributions from
Southwest Virginians and thoughtful citizens from across the country. I applaud the
selection of Ken Feinberg as Administrator of the Fund. He will draw on his extensive
experience to ensure that the assets of the fund are applied in the most effective manner
to assist the victims of this tragedy and their families in their time of greatest need," said
U.S. Representative Rick Boucher.
The idea of the tribute on the anniversary of April 16th by the university is
understandably a sensitive issue with a range of opinions. The expectations
of the university to call upon itself to take the effort to make any
presentation to the public would seem likely if it were for the students &
staff but because of the global context of the tragedy the university shall
always be scrutinized by the media and public for the continuing actions it
takes.
The display of items received from others to Virginia Tech show the wide
range of how the world responded in support of the victims, our university
and the institution of education and should be seen by the public, as many
items were never seen last April. With this in mind any tribute should keep
in mind the victims and the families, Hokie pride and the ideals of education
and peace since the majority of the tributes center around the ffagic loss in
education.
Starting with the New York Yankee visit in March there will obviously have
to be a delegation meeting/greeting them. Along with the permanent
memorial there should be some display of the items received since April 16th
for their viewing.
_\.,,:_
The Perspective Gallery in the Student Union is scheduled to do an exhibit
of items received since April 16'n and I had suggested that more personal
related items of the victims be displayed there. The Theater Department will
be reading some of the poetry and letters that had been sent to the university,
with possibility of having invited readers and are to be reviewed by the
English Department and the Music Department has a concert planned.
As I have already experienced with the Student Union display there are more
than enough people will gladly volunteer their time to helping in the efforts
of a display and VT Engage could be useful at this time.
Again this show of support will be a great and moving representation for not
only the victims and Virginia Tech but a positive statement for education
and non violence on campuses and peace.
There could possibly be any number of conferences held either by Student
Governments or Alumni or any other department that has a delegation
coming. In the name of peace alone many people will want to come.
What is important is to seize the moment to make the statement for peace
and understanding and to reflect back to all the good wishes sent here.
I know there is something I left out but as it has been we have made it up as
we went alone.
At"/rd* - /"/ a'*--^o<
6-t/2t'r*n- FZr ^*
April22'2007
From Gene Fife /41/v /-{a/-7V"1+r)--
This past week has brought unthinkable tragedy to Virginia tech and to our entire
nation. As with millions of others, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of those
who have lost loved ones, certainly to the many distraught families that are suffering
the most.
And finatly my thoughts and deep respect goes out to charles Steger for the
remarkabie leadership he has provided along with that of his top officials and
support personnel. They have all risen to the occasion and at our darkest hour, have
represented Virginia Tech at its finest.
So what do we do now?
In the hope that we not let the horrific events of last Monday deline who we are to
the world-. I submit these reflections to consider as a possible way to proceed
from
here. My hope is to stimulate discussion with the objective being to develop
concrete action plans to show that virginia Tech will rise above the horror that
exists today.
This week's tragedy will forever be etched in our history and the heating
process
-
will be a long one- and while many immediate actions are perhaps needed to aid the
initial recovery, we need to think slrategicalty in terms of lasting actions that guide
us fontrrrd. The following ideas suggest certain steps to consider:
1. Academic Excellence. This is the foundation for all that we do. we should
redouble o.r. to excellence across all of the academic disciplines
"oil-it-ent
in which we engage and keep our focus on graduate researchl recruitment of
top faculty andldrdents; etc. In other words, stay the course in terms of the
priorities outlined in our campaign case statement--but with greater
emphasis. In tangible terms this means better communications' better
exe-cution and stronger efforts to provide the financial support for these
priorities.Eachdean,departmentheadandothersinpositionsof
iesponsibility should be brought together to listen and talk to one another
buCako to renew their sense of responsibility to communicate with their
constituencies about our core priorities. Including them will energize them
.tt td;t,-*;e-.-,sdAi;ir-;;;-:
aswell as sera'e as an added measure of support for our capital campalgn.
The importance of the capital campaign is now greater than ever'
3. In an
e"tt""ty dtff.r"nt vein from the above topics--and at the risk of appearing
crass at such a sensitive time, I suggest we consider innovative ways to use
Internet technolory to supplement our fund raising efforts. In a presentation
at wA's Miller center, I learned that a number of vT related blogs have
been set to for persons to share their experiences ofthis tragic week. The
presenter reported that 4 btogs registered over 300,000 persons within 2 days
ottne event. The presenter, a w&M graduate, was Howard Dean's Internet
advisor during l)ean's brief presidential campaign. Dean failed in the
primaries but raised over $30million via Internet solicitations. All of the
major presidential candidates are now using the Internet as a major source
of iunding and I recommend we invite this expert to our campus to discuss
what, if any, of his ideas might be appropriate for us.
These are but three ideas that will surface but in the spirit of moving from general
conversation to specifrc actions, I submit them for consideration'
Comments bv David R. Ford. Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
llay 21,2007
I am David Ford, and I ser-ve the university as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. One of the
responsibilities I have by virtue of my position is to be a member of the university's Emergency Policy
Group. It is in that capacity that I share with you today my account of tlre processes used and actions
taken by the Policy Group related to the shooting incidents in West Ambler Johnston Residence Hall and
in Norris Hall on the moming of Monday, April 16, 2007.
Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16, I was informed that there had been a shooting in West
Ambler Johnston Hall and that President Steger was assembling the Policy Group immediately. By
approximately 8:30 a.m., I and the other members of the group had arrived at the Bumrss Hall Board
Room and Dr. Steger convened the meeting. I learned subsequently that as he awaited the arrival of other
group members, hesident Steger had been in regular communication with the police, had given direction
to have the Governor's offrce notified of the shooting, and had called the head of University Relations to
his office to begin planning to activate the emergency communication systems.
When he convened the meeting, President Steger informed the Policy Group that Virginia Tech Police
had received a call at approximately 7 :20 a.m. on April L6,2007 , to investigate an incident in a residence
hall room in West Ambler Johnston. Within minutes of the call, Virginia Tech Police and Virginia Tech
Rescue Squad members responded to frnd two gunshot victims, a male and a female, inside a room in the
residence hall.
Information continued to be received through frequent telephone conversations with Virginia Tech Police
on the scene. The Policy Group was informed that the residence hall was being secured by Virginia Tech
Police, and students within the hall were notified and asked to remain in their rooms for their safety. We
were further informed that the room containing the gunshot victims was immediately secured for evidence
collection and Virginia Tech Police began questioning hall residents and identifying potential witnesses.
In the preliminary stages of the investigation, it appeared to be an isolated incident, possibly domestic in
nature. The Policy Group leamed that Blacksburg Police and Virginia State Police had been notified and
were also on the scene.
The Policy Group was fi.rther informed by the police that they were following up on leads concerning a
person of interest in relation to the shootings. During this 30 minute period of time between 8:30 and 9
a.m., the Policy Group processed the factual information it had in the context of many questions we asked
ourselves. For instance, what information do we release without causing a panic? We leamed from the
Morva incident last August that speculafion and misinformation spread by individuals who do not have
the facts causes panic? Do we confine the information to students in West Ambler Johnston since the
information we had focused on a single incident in that building? Beyond the two gunshot victims found
by police, was there a possibility that another person might be involved (i.e. a shooter), and if so, where is
that person, what does that person look like and is that person armed? At that time of the moming, when
thousands are in transit, what is the most effective and efficient way to convey the information to all
faculty, staff and students? If we decided to close the campus at that point, what would be the most
effective process given the openness of a campus the size of Virginia Tech? How much time do we have
until the next class change?
And so with the information the Policy Group had, at approximately 9 a.m. we drafted and edited a
communication to be released to the university community via email and to be placed on the university
website. We made the best decision we could based upon the information we had at the time. Shortly
before 9:30 a.m., the Virginia Tech community - faculty, staff and students - were notified by email as
follows:
,.A shooting incident occurred at West Ambler Johnston earlier this morning. Police are on the scene and
are investigating.
The university community is urged to be cautious and are asked to contact Virginia Tech Police if you
observe anything suspicious or with information on the case. Contact Virginia Tech Police at23l-6411.
Stay tuned to the www.vt.edu. We will post as soon as we have more information."
The Virginia Tech Emergency/TVeather Line recordings were also fransmitted and a broadcast telephone
message was made to campus phones. The Policy Group remained in session in order to receive
additional updates about the West Ambler Johnston case and to consider further actions if appropriate.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., the Policy Group received word from the Virginia Tech Police of a shooting
in Norris Hall. Within five minutes a notification was issued by the Policy Group and transmitted to the
universify community which read:
,.A gunman is loose on campus. Stay in buildings until further notice. Stay away from all windows."
Also activated was the campus Emergency Alert system. The voice message capability of that system was
used to convey an emergency message throughout the campus. Given the factual information available to
the Policy Group, the reasonable action was to ask people to stay in p1ace. The Policy Group did not have
evidence to ensure that a gunman was or was not on the loose, so every precaution had to be taken. The
Virginia Tech campus contains 153 major buildings, 19 miles of public roads, is located on 2,600 acres of
land, and as many as 35,000 individuals might be found on its grounds at any one time on a typical day.
Virginia Tech is very much like a small city. One does not entirely close down a small city or a university
campus.
Additionally, the Policy Group considered that the turiversity schedule has a class change between 9:55
and 10:10 a.m. on a MW.F schedule. To ensure some sense of safety in an open campus environment, the
Policy Group decided that keeping people inside existing buildings if they were on campus and away
from campus if they had not yet arrived was the right decision. Again, we made the best decision we
could based on the information available. So at approximately 10: 15 a.m. another message was
.,Virginia Tech has cancelled all classes. Those on campus are asked to remain where they are, lock their
doors, and stay away from windows. Persons offcampus are asked not to come to campus."
At approximately 10:50 a.m., Virginia Tech Police Chief Flinchum and Blacksburg Police Chief Crannis
arrived to inform the Policy Group about what they had witnessed in the aftermath of the shootings in
Norris Hall.
Chief Flinchum reported that the scene was bad; very bad. Virginia State Police was handling the crime
scene. Police had one shooter in custody and there was no evidence at the time to confirm or negate a
second shooter. nor was there evidence at the time to link the shootings in West Ambler Johnston to those
in Norris Hall. The police informed the Policy Group that these inifial observations were ongoing
investigations.
Based upon this information and acting upon the advice of the police, the Policy Group immediately
"In addition to an earlier shooting today in West Ambler Johnston, there has been a multiple shooting
with multiple victims in Norris Hall. Police and EMS are on the scene. Police have one shooter in custody
and as part of routine police procedure, they continue to search for a second shooter.
A11 people in university buildings are required to stay inside until firrther notice. All entrances to campus
are closed."
Information about the Norris Hall shootings continued to come to the Policy Group from the scene. At
approximately 11:30, the Policy Group issued a planned faculty/staff evacuation via the Virginia Tech
"Faculty and staff located on the Bumrss Hall side of the Drillfield are asked to leave their o{fice and go
home immediately. Faculty and staff located on the War MemoriallEggleston Hall side of the Drillfield
are asked to leave their ofhces and go home at 12:30 p.m."
At approximat ely 12:l5p.m. the Policy Group released yet another communication via the Virginia Tech
website which further informed people as follows:
"Virginia Tech has closed today Monday, April 16, 2007. On Tuesday, April 17, classes will be
cancelied. The university will remain open for adminishative operations. There will be an additional
university statement presented today at noon.
All students, faculty and staff are required to stay where they are until police execute a planned
evacuation. A phased closing will be in effect today; further information wili be forthcoming as soon as
Tomorrow there will be a university convocation/ceremony at noon at Cassell Coliseum. The Inn at
Virginia Tech has been designated as the site for parents to gather and obtain information."
,". . .r
A press conference was held shortly after noon on April 76,2007, and President Charles W. Steger issued
a statement citing "A tragedy of monumental proportions." Copies of that statement are available on
request.
The Policy Group continued to meet and sfiategically plan for the events to follow. A campus update on
the shootings was issued at another press conference at approximately 5 p.m. University employees began
immediately to provide counsel and care for the families of the deceased and injured victims. Before Dr.
Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, Vice President for Student Affairs, briefs you on those ongoing activities, do
you have any questions?
.{+t:r:;*s}*-:-.; ..!,q
a
I
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. We are very pleased that you have again come to
while many days and many sleepless nights have passed since April 16th, our minds
continue to reel from the violence, and our hearts still ache for those slain and injured and their
I would now like to ask fior a moment of silence as we remember the 32 members of our
IPAUSEI
Thank you.
With the shock and grief we suffered on April 16th, it would have been nearly impossible
Today, we want to recognize and honor you. I believe we have abotjt 400 people here
while we are very happy to have so many of you with us, there are many more who were
unable to be represented this evening. You will find a full listing in the "Admiration and
Appreciation" flyer. Looking at that gives you an idea of the size and scope of the support
that
was offered on behalf of our community. we are indeed humbled and thankful.
. ..:,. -.
2
As you can imagine, the events of April 16 continue to consume immense amounts of
time, and we are still in active crisis recovery. Yet, we want to recognize your extraordinary
efforts. Please accept our apology that we have not been able to have this event sooner.
In the darkest days of our suffering, we saw the term "Hokie Spirit" take on greater and
deeper meaning.
It is one of a community coming together- yes, to moum and pour out our collective
grief, but also coming together to help each other. Millions around the world have witnessed and
I am honored to work and live among such wonderful people, and I will always remember
your devotion to each other, to this universi$, and to these families. You have my highest
I hope that each day, the good that you've done and the healing that you've helped to
bring about will, in turn, bring you a measure of peace and some increment of renewal.
Grief counselors - some of whom are here this evening and bless them for all the work
they have done to help us heal - tell us that when we become overwhelmed with negative
feelings, we should remind ourselves of people and events that are meaningful and encouraging.
we have seen many such people and acts in the past weeks and months, and we are
As people around the globe watched this tragedy unfold, they were amazed as you
repeatedly demonstrated what strong bonds link this community together. Indeed, in their visits
here, Governor Tim Kaine and President Bush both noted the incredible strength of the Virginia
We are eternally grateful that you voluntarily came to aid and protect us, to mend our
- emotional as well as physical to provide food to sustain us, and most especially that
wounds
-
you cared enough a.bo.ul us to care for us.
It is truly amazing what willing hearts and hands can do. You are all heroes.
your selfless compassion and conscientious concern was a gift of pure light in the midst
of the dark days and continues to bolster our spirits and resolve.
3
And with your help, we are determined to find the will and the means to recover and
begin moving along the long road of healing. As you know, moving on is not the same as
forgetting. We shall not forget. Yet, one horrible burst of violence cannot be allowed to turn us
ourselves to being productive, caring and giving citizens of this great nation and the world. . 'and
to show the world once again that We. . .are. . Virginia Tech!
It is our hope that you again will join with us, as a community, to seek the paths that lead
to recovery.
We can never adequately repay you for the care, concern and compassion that you have
so generously bestowed upon us. But, on behalf of Virginia Tech and all those touched by the
calamities of that terrible day, we offer you our deepest and sincerest thanks and appreciation for
Now, we would like to take a few minutes to present to you Certificates of Appreciation. I
ask Larry Hincker to come forward to read the names of the recipients.
Ladies and gentlemen, again we are most honored by your attendance this evening, and
l, from the bottom of my heart, do thank each of you for your assistance and support.
This concludes our formal program but I hope you will stay a while longer, enjoy the
;..,
Comments by Charles W' Steger, President of Virginla Techo
to the Virginia Tech Review Panel
N'4.ry 2L,2007
Colonel Massengill and distinguished members of the panel. I am pleased to have this opporhmity to
welcome you to the campus of Virginia Tech. During the past week, we have been working with
representatives ofTri Data Corporation. to develop our portion of the agenda, which I hope will be
helpful to you as you pursue this most difficult task. I might note that your visit to our campus coincides
with our first day of summer school. Although our student population over the summer is only about one-
fourth of what it is during the regular year and our teaching faculty who are on 9-month appointrnents are
not here, you can get some sense of the vehicular and pedestrian haffic flow on a tlpical Monday
morning at Virginia Tech-as April 16 was before the shootings began.
To begin, I would like to infioduce to the Panel Mr. Lenwood McCoy, who has agreed to serve as the
liaison between the university and the Review Panel to ensure that the Panel receives a thorough response
to all requests for information. Mr. McCoy retired several years ago after more than 35 years with the
university, during which he served in a vaiety of roles, including Director of Intemal Audit and
University Controller. He will ensure that all your requests are met.
As you will hear during the presentation, we have devoted our energies over the past month primarily to
helping those families who lost their sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, as
well as the victims who survived. Let me note here that out of respect for these families, the university
has denied requests by the media and others to enter Norris Hall. We made an exception to enable the
Panel to tour the building this morning because of its relevance to your work. We will continue to restrict
access until the families who indicate a desire to do so have had an opportunity visit the building. At the
appropriate time, access will be provided to the media and other mernbers of the public.
Let me take a moment here to explain that disclosure of certain information is complicated by the laws
that relate to what information can and cannot be shared with the public, as weil as what can be shared
between various rmits within the university.
As many of you know, the Attomey General's Office serves as the university's legal counsel. Ms.
Heidbreder is our University Legal Corlnsel and a Special Assistant Attomey General. As such, she is
charged with providing me legal advice on behalf of the Attomey General. We will provide all
information we can within the law.
3. What hanspired in the Emergency Policy Group when advised of the first shootings in West Ambler
Johnston Ha11 and immediately thereafter.
4. lwhat is being done for support and healing of the families as well as the broader rmiversity
communltv.
In addition to the Emergorcy Policy Group, there is also an Emergency Response Resource Group' which
works in parallel to ensure necessary resources are deployed to whatever goup or part of the university is
in need. They were able to respond in hours, and in some cases minutes, to provide counseling, meals for
the 500 increased security personnel, etc. We will provide some detail as to what has been done later this
morning. I have also appointed a task force to provide to me by the end of this month a recommendation
for an interim memorial that can be put in place in a short time. Subsequently, a proposal for a permanent
As we work to recover from the evants of April 16, we also want to leam from them, Two After-Incident
Reports are being developed for each of the shooting incidents. And as noted in my comments to you in
Richmond last Thursday, we have established three working groups that will focus on: 1)
telecommunications; 2) security infrastructure- locking systems, alarms, etc.; and 3) the interface between
counseling services, judicial affairs, academic affairs, and the legal system.
This is being said to note that what we will share with you today is what we know to the best of our
knowledge at this point in time, but as our own intemal review and examination continues, other facts
may come to light. Therefore, what we offer today is preliminary in nature and might be revised based on
the emergence of additional information. We wiil certainly keep you apprised as additional information
becomes available.
That concludes my introductory remarks, and I would be pleased to answer any questions the Panel might
have.
If there are no (further) questions, I would like to call upon Mr. Jim McCoy, from our Office of Capital
Design and Construction, to provide an overview of the systems in place.
. __ il
drqL F4A
Process will include face-to-face interviews, literature review, and public comments
through the website, letters, and calls.
Dr. Marcus L. Martin is the Assistant Dean for the School of Medicine at the University
of Virginia. He is also a professor in the Depadment of Emergency Medicine. Martin
previously served as the Chairman for the Health System at the University of Virginia,
Departnent of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Martin is interested in the response time of emergency medical services as well as
patient care on the scene, during transport, and in the hospitals. He mentioned that one
student had died during transport to the hospital. He wants to know more about the
psychological services available to CHO, students at Virginia Tech, as well as institutions
statewide. He thinks the Commission may make recommendations on the involuntary
commitment process. He wants to know what type of training we had in dealing with
mass casualties and whether or not their was an incident command center established. He
wants the EMS after action report and to know whether or not the scene was safe.
In regards to gun laws, he is interested in learning about semi-automatic weapons and the
access to so much ammunition. He questioned how you "lock down" an institution-
maybe with a siren to tell people there is an emergency and to look to communication
soruces for more inforrnation. He thinks the Arlington County after action report after
9/l I might be useful for the Commission.
Aradhana A. "Bela" Sood, M.D., FAACAP is Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
and Medical Director of the Virginia Treabnent Center for Children at VCU Medical
Center.
Dr. Bela Sood believes she can bring neutality of opinion. She recognized that what
happened could have occurred anywhere.. .i.e. Mall, sporting event, etc. She is interested
in the tension between public safety and the mental health system, commitnent laws, and
access to treatrnent.
Dr. Roger L. Depue
Roger L. Depue, Ph. D., has over 20 years experience at the FBI, most recently as
Administrator at the FBI National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. Depue is the
founder, past president and CEO ofThe Academy Group, Inc., a forensic behavioral
sciences services business for consultation, research, training, and investigation of
aberrant and violent behavioral problems.
Dr. Depue does not want the Commission to rush to judgment because he thinks law
enforcement responded the best way they could with the information they had. He
suggested that training of students and faculty on how to handle these types of situations
might be necessary. He also mentioned the need for early warning systems in order to
better identiff people who have mental illness and provide ways to intervene. He wants
to look at our crisis management plan.
Gordon Davies
Gordon Davies served as Director for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
for20years (1977-1997).HepreviouslyservedasPresidentoftheKentuckyCouncilon
Postsecondary Education (1998-2002), and recently directed a project to improve state
higher education policy making.
Mr. Davies reminded the Commission that the university is a free space and that this will
be important to consider moving forward.
Canoll Ann Ellis is Director of the Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services
Division, and frequently provides communities with training and technical assistance on
the impact of homicide on family members. Ellis serves as a faculty member at the FBI's
National Academy, the National Victim Assistance Academy, and Northern Virginia
Community College.
Ms. Ellis wants to know how the death notices were delivered and what type of training
these individuals had in this area. She asked ifthe localjurisdictions were contacted to
provide services to the families and what type of support in being planned for when
students retum. She mentioned the need for local community support as well as the
importance of continuity of services in the local communities providing support to the
families of the victims.
Even though there will not be a trial, justice will be important to the victim's families.
Ms. Ellis wants to make sure they have a voice. She does not think people really
understand tauma and its' impact. She also asked about the care and treatment of law
enforcement offtcers.
The Honorable Diane Stickland
The Honorable Diane M. Strickland served as a judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court
in Roanoke County and the cities ofRoanoke and Salem between 1989 and 2003. Prior to
that, she served two years as a General District Court judge. After l5 years on the bench,
Judge Strickland now works for The McGammon Group, a leading mediation and
arbitation firm. Recently, she co-chaired a two-year study by the Boyd-Graves
Conference on issues surrounding involuntary mental commitrnent.
Judge Strickland is interested in the relationship and communication between the mental
health system and the courts.
Tom Ridge served as the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2003-2005). He
previously served as Govemor of Pennsylvania(1995-2001) and a member of the U.S.
House ofRepresentatives (1983-1995). He currently consults on a variety ofnational and
international issues.
Govemor Ridge wants to reduce the risk of this happening again. What other ways are
there to detect problems with students?
Next Meetings:
May 2l-Blacksburg
June I l-Northem Virginia
July I 8-Charlottesville
Major Kemmler from the State Police provided an extension overview of the process
for purchasing a firearm in Virginia.
Public Comments:
A representative from the Virginia Center for Public Safety wants the Commission to
look at the loopholes in Virginia's gun laws where guns can be purchased with no
background checks. She believes that it is too easy to get a gun in the Commonwealth.
A woman who had been in New York during 9/l I told the Commission that they needed
to think broadly about impact of trauma. She emphasized that campuses needed to be safe
for students but also for faculty, visitors, continuing education students etc. She brought
up the need to look at HIPPA which allowed parents to be involved in their children's
healthcare. She also mentioned the need to include clergy in the discussion as well as
youth. She asked for a public awareness campaign so more people could participate
in the public hearings.
A man representing some PAC spoke about the effects of video games, in particular,
Counterstrike. He mentioned a V/ashington Post article that appeared the day after the
shootings which quoted some of Cho's high school acquaintances talking about his
interest in this game which is very violent. He referenced work being done at Iowa State
University and that these types of games should be banned.
A representative from the Virginia Citizens Defense League mentioned the guns on
campus bill. He said the higher education community "laughed" at them saying that
students felt safe on campus. He wanted the Commission to look into the matter of
allowing students and faculty to carry guns on campus'
The last person who spoke during the public comment period was a cameraman from
PBS who said that kids don't have any choices. He wanted to know where was God and
Iove.
April22,2007
Our University has suffered a tragic event of monumental, unforeseeable, and unimaginable
proportions. Our sorrow is limitless. Our hearts ache for the families of those lost innocents.
lndeed, they are our family. We reach out and pray for our students and colleagues still recovering
and we pray for a speedy return to the campus.
As we understand the depth of our losses and process our grief, there are also countless questions
and the concerns of so many involved. lf we are not to be defined by this event, we musi, with the
utmost sincerity, analyze; and then together with the world learn from our experiences
understanding becomes wisdom, and from wisdom becomes again, a bright future.
We fully expect the official commissions own intemal comprehensive review to yield answers to
benefit Virginia Tech and society at large. These findings will begin the difficult endeavor to
understand this tragic event.
At this point and time, it is too premature to draw conclusions. The quest for answers must come
from a thoughtful analysis of so many roles, communications, procedures, privacy issues. We ask
that our colleagues in the university refrain from public discussion until we have all the facts.
During this review process, our focus will be on our students, and the University community at
large. We have a noble vocation and sacred trust for those we were responsible to serve.
Our responsibilities are manifested in doing what we do best. We are Virginia Tech. We are
immersed in a special sphere of leaming, discovery and engagement. This is what defines us.
This is what drives our spirit. This is what drives our quest for knowledge, to understand ourselves
and the world around us and to make this planet a befter place,
It is important that we tell the world our story,Indeed, if there is one thing that sets us apart from
other distinguished top research universities, it is our sense of family, Last week proved that. Call
it a Hokie Spirit - call it a deep sense of caring- call it a love for one another'
We have seen the world respond to our spirit with countless expressions - large and small--a
worldwide moment of silence at noon April 20ttt or an impromptu student memorial - Hokie Stones
on the Drillfield. Donning the orange and maroon in all corners of the glove begins to memoralize
the legacy of our lost Virginia Tech family members.
Now is the time to being the healing process, Virginia Tech will not be defined by this event. As so
eloquently delivered at the convocation, "we will prevail."
With these and so many other expressions, we not only leave a legacy; we start fresh today,
because we are Vtrginia Tech.
Larrv Hincker
Post "POOL" Interview Svnopsis
At 3r00pm on Aprii 23,2AA7 we heid a "pooi" interview. This inciudeci a panei of 3 Faculty
and 1 counselor from Virginia Tech as well as 4 Student leaders.
L Radio:NPR
2. Television: NBC
Print media:AP
The central theme of the event WaS, "The first day back to class, here We are".
The team we selected to represent Virginia Tech was incredible. They followed the
coaching session instructions beyond excellent. Time after time they refened back to our 3
major frames for this engagement:
1. We will not be defined by this event. lt is something that happened to us' lt is not
who we are. They said this numerous times, frequently in their own words and their
own way, as instructed. They constantly talked about the history and tradition of
Virginia Tech. They constantly and with awed reverence, honored and showed
respect for those affected by this tragic event.
z. All showed respect to the history and tradition, spoke boldly of the future and
understood who we really are what we really represent.
The most powerful message they sent was their commitment to the Virginia Tech
family and community at every level.
lf we had scripted this entire event, we could not have done a better job than these folks did,
spontaneously. One of the professors, who did not participate, made a comment that if we
got our participants from central casting, we would not have had better players. Both from a
style standpoint and a content standpoint, they were phenomenal.
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I rr trr l'HY L /
Discussion Agenda Y
may serve
iii. Everything we do in the future will commemorate, honor and respect
those individuals most affected by this tragic event.
b. lnvent the Future - WORLD RENOWNED RESEARCH INSTITUTE Hokies
do and always will embody learning, discovery and engagement, THAT lS
WHO WE ARE!
c. Embrace the Virginia Tech Family
i. We are a unique, special family, more enduring and closer to another
than a typical community.
ii, Assisting families and friends of those injured and bereaved is our
focus.
5. Potential lssues
a. Family lssues
b. Time lines
c. Cho issues and questions
d, Details on what happened
e. Family issues/lawsuits, etc.