Campus Security

Class cancellations due to inclement weather are announced on numerous local radio and television stations. You may also telephone the university line at 434.528.5276 for closing information.

is an automated service that allows you to track the custody status of offenders in jail or prison over the phone or internet. You can also register to be notified by phone and email if an offender is released, transferred or escapes.

A campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued if an on- or off-campus situation arises that constitutes a threat, in the judgment of VULCS and the administration. The warning will be issued through the VUL OneCall email, phone, text message and voicemail system to students, faculty and staff.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in situations that pose an immediate threat, a message will also be posted on the

homepage In such instances, a copy of the notice may be posted in each residence hall and at the front door of each on-campus building.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the VUL Campus Security by phone (434.528.5276 Ext: 1128) or in person at the center located in the MJC main Building first floor.

To prevent detraction from its primary responsibilities, VULCS does not:

• Furnish telephone numbers: Individuals should call the operator at 434.52.5276.

• Open locked cars: The VULCS does not want to risk the possibility of damage to your vehicle, but they will call an off-campus locksmith or motor club for you.

• Change flat tires: They will, however, assist in securing help.

• Deliver and post messages for class cancellations

• Accept deliveries for others

– Run away from the threat if you can, as fast as you can.
– Contact Campus Security at 434.528.5276 Ext: 1128.
– If you can get away from the immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.
– If you decide to hide, take into consideration the area in which you are hiding. Will you be found here? Is this really a good spot to remain hidden?
– Follow the steps mentioned in the Common Response Strategy below.

Though the training guide cannot cover every possible situation, these steps can reduce the number of injuries or deaths if put into action as soon as a situation develops. Time is the most important factor in the optimal management of these types of situations.

– Faculty should immediately lock the students and themselves in the classroom if possible. Cover any windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into the hallway.
– If communication is available, 434.528.5276 Ext: 1128 (Campus Security).
– Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.
– Lock the windows and close blinds or curtains.
– Stay away from the windows.
– Turn off lights and all audio equipment.
– Try to remain as calm as possible.
– Keep everyone together.
– Keep classrooms secure until police arrive and give you directions.
– If you are not in a classroom, try to get to a classroom or an office.
– Stay out of open areas, and be as quiet as possible
– If for some reason you are caught in an open area such as a hallway or lounge, you must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time, and it can possibly mean life or death.
– You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space, or you may be found as the intruder moves through the building looking for victims.
– If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Attempt to keep objects such as desks, cabinets, fixtures, etc. between you and the hostile person(s).
– Follow the steps mentioned in the Common Response Strategy below.

Please note: While the guide refers primarily to academic buildings, these steps are also relevant to administrative buildings and other buildings on campus.

– Lock yourself in your room.
– If communication is available, call 434.528.5276 Ext:1128 (Campus Security)
– If away from your room, join others in a room that can be locked.
– Do not stay in the open hall.
– Do not sound the fire alarm. A fire alarm would signal the occupants in the rooms to evacuate the building and thus place them in potential harm as they attempted to exit.
– Barricade yourself in your room with desks, beds or anything you can push against the door.
– Lock your window and close blinds or curtains.
– Stay away from the window.
– Turn all lights and audio equipment off.
– Try to stay calm, and be as quiet as possible.
– If you are caught in the open such as hallways and lounge areas, you must decide what you are going to do. This is a very crucial time and can possibly mean life or death depending on your actions.
– You can try to hide, but make sure it is a well-hidden space, or you may be found as the intruder moves through the dorm looking for more victims.
– If you think you can safely make it out of the building by running, do so. If you decide to run, do not run in a straight line. Keep any objects you can between you and the hostile person(s) while in the building.

Follow the steps mentioned in the Common Response Strategy below.

– When outside, do not run in a straight line.
– While you are running, keep vehicles, bushes, trees and anything that could possibly block the view of the hostile person(s) between you and the hostile person.
– If the person(s) is causing death or serious physical injury to others and you are unable to run or hide you may choose to play dead if other victims are around you.
– The last option you have if caught in an open area on the grounds or in a building or dorm, may be to fight back. This is dangerous, but depending on your situation, this could be your last option.
– If you are caught by the intruder and you are not going to fight back, do not look the intruder in the eyes, and obey all commands. Do not appear to pose a challenge; be submissive.
– Once the police arrive, obey all commands. This may involve your being handcuffed or made to put your hands in the air. This is done for safety reasons, and once circumstances are evaluated by the police, they will give you further directions to follow.