General Guidelines

Specific information for academic and administrative buildings, residence halls, and building exteriors or campus grounds is listed below.

A physical hostile confrontation is an immediate, life-threatening danger that is unprovoked and unpredictable. Hostile confrontations include, but are not limited to, violent or hostile students, robbery, and terroristic acts. In the event a person confronts you with a weapon or explosive device, or claims to have a weapon or device:

You should:

• Remain calm. Your reactions to the situation can provoke the hostile individual.
• Listen to all demands. Do NOT disagree or attempt to reason with the individual. Avoid direct eye contact if possible.
• If you have access to something the individual demands, move slowly, keep your hands visible at all times, and comply with requests.
• If you observe a hostile confrontation in progress, do NOT get involved. Calmly move away if it is safe to do so, then call 911.
• Be prepared to describe what you observed, including how many individuals are involved, physical descriptions, and the exact location.
• Seek protection under desks or behind solid walls or objects and stay close to the floor if necessary.

If confronted:

• Do NOT panic.
• Do NOT attempt acts of heroism by rushing, disarming, or subduing the individual.
• Do NOT stare directly at the individual.
• Do NOT activate a fire alarm.

Academic and Administrative Buildings

• Faculty and staff should immediately lock students and themselves in the classroom or office.
• Call 911 immediately, then contact St. Cloud State University Public Safety (320-308-3333).
• Cover windows or openings that have a direct line of sight into hallways, if possible.
• Do NOT activate the building fire alarm system.
• Lock all windows and close curtains or blinds.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Turn off lights and audio equipment.
• Remain calm and keep everyone together and quiet.
• If not in a classroom or office, move to one as quickly as possible.
• Remain in place until emergency response personnel indicate it is safe.
• If near an exit, decide whether to exit or seek shelter based on circumstances and confidence. If exiting, do so quickly. Do NOT run in a straight line. Once safely away, call 911.

Residence Halls

• Lock yourself in your room.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Then contact St. Cloud State University Public Safety (320-308-3333).
• If in a lounge or common area, move to the nearest securable location.
• Do NOT activate the fire alarm system.
• Barricade the door using available materials.
• Lock windows and close curtains or blinds.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Turn off lights and audio equipment.
• If near an exit, decide whether exiting or sheltering is safest. If exiting, do so quickly and avoid running in a straight line. Once safe, call 911 and Public Safety (320-308-3333).

Building Exterior or Campus Grounds

• If in a parking lot, exit the area using parked vehicles as cover.
• If in an open area, use trees, bushes, buildings, or other cover while exiting.
• Do NOT run in a straight line.
• Follow all instructions from responding law enforcement officers.
• Once safely removed, call 911 and St. Cloud State University Public Safety (320-308-3333).

No Option of Escape

• If all escape options are exhausted, your final option is self-protection.
• Create a plan with others around you and stick to the plan.
• Barricade doors using available objects.
• Use available items to defend yourself if confronted.
• As a group, you may be able to overpower the intruder.
• Note: This is a last resort and should only be used when no other options are available. Remain committed to your plan and focus on survival.

What to Expect from Responding Officers

• Officers will prioritize neutralizing the threat before assisting injured individuals.
• Weapons may be pointed at you until officers determine you are not a threat.
• Keep your hands visible, remain calm, and comply with all instructions.