Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover
Duquesne University prioritizes the safety and well-being of our entire community. The Emergency Management and Threat Assessment (EMTA) Office plans, prepares, and equips the University to respond to, and recover from, all threats and hazards that may affect students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The primary goals of these initiatives are:
- the preservation of life,
- protection of property, and
- continuity of University's academic and business operations.
Planning, Training and Exercises
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment by emphasizing comprehensive planning, rigorous training, and regular exercises to effectively address potential threats and emergencies aligned with National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) doctrines. This approach not only enhances Duquesne University's capacity to respond to crises but also fosters a culture of resilience throughout the institution. Additionally, the EMTA Office collaborates closely with neighboring colleges and universities, the City of Pittsburgh Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services, the PA Region 13 Task Force, and various regional, state, and federal partners to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to emergency. Together, these collaborative efforts contribute to a safer and more resilient University.
The Duquesne University Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a multi-hazard plan that is designed to prepare the University community for a variety of possible emergency incidents and can be found in the Duquesne Portal.
Emergency Management Team
The Emergency Management Team is a cross-department, collaborative group from the Universities' Departments, Offices, and Divisions who meet regularly to identify and prepare for a variety of possible emergency incidents. Furthermore, this group supplements the staff of the Department of Public Safety to staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when needed.
Representatives
- Director, Emergency Management and Threat Assessment
- Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
- Director, Environmental Health & Safety
- Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel
- Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services
- Director, Campus Ministry
- Director, Health Services
- Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- Assistant Vice President for Residence Life
- Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer
- Senior Director, IT Engineering and Operations
- Chief of Police and Assistant Vice President of Public Safety
- Executive Director, Center for Global Engagement
- Senior Vice Provost
- Lieutenant, Public Safety
- Assistant Vice President, Conference and Event Services
- Senior Associate Athletic Director
Campus Community Risk Team
Under the leadership of the EMTA Director, the Duquesne University Campus Community Risk Team (CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team with members from Academic Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Police, Student Conduct, Campus Ministry, Center for Student Wellbeing, Human Resources, and Legal Affairs. It may include others as needed.
The CCRT is responsible for evaluating possible serious risks to the safety and well-being of the campus community and recommending countermeasures as appropriate.
When the team receives reports from members of the campus community that an individual poses, or may pose, a threat to the campus community, or any member of the campus community, it makes an individualized assessment to determine what, if any, action to take to remove and/or mitigate the risk, either for a limited time or indefinitely.
EMTA Teams
Emergency Management Team
The Emergency Management Team is a cross-department, collaborative group from the Universities' Departments, Offices, and Divisions who meet regularly to identify and prepare for a variety of possible emergency incidents. Furthermore, this group supplements the staff of the Department of Public Safety to staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when needed.
|
Director, Emergency Management and Threat Assessment |
Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel |
|
Director, Environmental Health & Safety |
Assistant Vice President of Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel |
|
Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services |
Director, Campus Ministry |
|
Director, Health Services |
Vice President for Marketing and Communications |
|
Assistant Vice President for Residence Life |
Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer |
|
Senior Director, IT Engineering and Operations |
Chief of Police and Assistant Vice President of Public Safety |
|
Executive Director, Center for Global Engagement |
Senior Vice Provost |
|
Lieutenant, Public Safety |
Assistant Vice President, Conference and Event Services |
|
Senior Associate Athletic Director |
Campus Community Risk Team
Under the leadership of the EMTA Director, the Duquesne University Campus Community Risk Team (CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team with members from Academic Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Police, Student Conduct, Campus Ministry, Center for Student Wellbeing, Human Resources, and Legal Affairs. It may include others as needed.
The CCRT is responsible for evaluating possible serious risks to the safety and well-being of the campus community and recommending countermeasures as appropriate.
When the team receives reports from members of the campus community that an individual poses, or may pose, a threat to the campus community, or any member of the campus community, it makes an individualized assessment to determine what, if any, action to take to remove and/or mitigate the risk, either for a limited time or indefinitely.
At Duquesne University, maintaining a safe and supportive environment is a collective responsibility. The core of our prevention strategy is the principle of "See Something, Say Something." Reporting a concern is not about getting someone in trouble; it is a proactive act of care. By sharing your observations, you ensure that individuals in distress are connected with the resources they need before a situation escalates. Targeted violence is rarely impulsive and is almost always preceded by a "pathway" of reportable behaviors. This "Pathway to Violence" creates vital opportunities for early intervention and support.
Under the leadership of the Director of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment,
the Campus Community Risk Team (CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary group dedicated to evaluating
risks to the safety and well-being of our campus. The team includes representatives
from Academic Affairs, Campus Ministry, Campus Police, Center for Student Wellbeing,
Commuter Affairs, Disability Services, Health Services, Human Resources, Legal Affairs,
Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Title IX. Other representatives may be included
as needed.
When a report is received, the CCRT conducts a thorough, individualized assessment
to determine the best course of action to remove or mitigate risk, ensuring the long-term
safety of the entire Duquesne community.
At Duquesne University, maintaining a safe and supportive environment is a collective responsibility. The core of our prevention strategy is the principle of "See Something, Say Something." Reporting a concern is not about getting someone in trouble; it is a proactive act of care. By sharing your observations, you ensure that individuals in distress are connected with the resources they need before a situation escalates. Targeted violence is rarely impulsive and is almost always preceded by a "pathway" of reportable behaviors. This "Pathway to Violence" creates vital opportunities for early intervention and support.
Under the leadership of the Director of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment, the Campus Community Risk Team (CCRT) is a multi-disciplinary group dedicated to evaluating risks to the safety and well-being of our campus. The team includes representatives from Academic Affairs, Campus Ministry, Campus Police, Center for Student Wellbeing, Commuter Affairs, Disability Services, Health Services, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Residence Life, Student Conduct, and Title IX. Other representatives may be included as needed.
When a report is received, the CCRT conducts a thorough, individualized assessment to determine the best course of action to remove or mitigate risk, ensuring the long-term safety of the entire Duquesne community.
We encourage our community to focus on observable actions rather than "profiles." Recognizing these behaviors of concern is the first step in disrupting the pathway to violence:
- Withdrawal: Choosing not to leave a residence hall room or refusing to engage with others.
- Extreme Hostility: Belligerent expressions of anger directed at themselves or others.
- Dramatic Changes: Sudden, significant shifts in behavior, appearance, or demeanor.
- Fixations: An unusual focus on weapons, past acts of violence, or violent imagery in written or creative work.
- Extreme Distress: Expressing hopelessness, stating that life is pointless, or voicing an urgent need for help.
Report a Concern
If you are concerned that a member of our community may be a danger to themselves or others, please use the appropriate channel below. Reporting is the fastest way to facilitate an act of care. If violence has already occurred or there may be an immediate threat, call Public Safety at (412) 396-2677.