By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – University at Buffalo president John Simpson is expressing condolences to the University of Northern Illinois in DeKalb after the shootings there Thursday.
Both schools are members of the Mid-American Conference, with athletic teams competing against each other.
In a statement, President Simpson said that UB stands ready to help in any way they can, and that there are established procedures in place should an emergency situation develop here.
UB students will be able to use campus resources if they need help or guidance regarding the situation.
The following is the full text of Simpon's statement:
Statement from UB President Simpson on the shootings at Northern Illinois University posted on the UB website at www.buffalo.edu and sent to students, faculty and staff.
Today the entire UB community is thinking of our friends and colleagues at Northern Illinois University. The tragedy that occurred there yesterday afternoon is, unfortunately, another sad reminder that our universities, while places of openness and learning, are not immune from the acts of those who wish to do harm.
My deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families, President John Peters, and the entire Northern Illinois University Community. As fellow members of the Mid-American Conference, there are many strong ties between our institutions. UB stands ready to help in any way we can.
The University at Buffalo has established policies and procedures to respond to any campus emergencies. An overview of these procedures is available here: http://www.emergency.buffalo.edu/index.htm.
Our university will be reaching out to students to share information about the resources available to them on campus should they wish to discuss the events of Thursday.
The university takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure that our students, faculty and staff have a safe environment within which to live, work, and learn. This is an ongoing challenge that undergoes continuous evaluation and assessment.