Learn best practices for active harmer response
The CU Boulder Division of Public Safety is making it easier for CU students, faculty and staff members to access its CU: Run, Hide, Fight active harmer response class through a SkillSoft course that launched in the spring.
How to access the course
- Log on to your portal (MyCUInfo or BuffPortal).
- Click on the SkillSoft tile, or search for it in Buff Portal if it is not saved to your homepage.
- In the Search Content text box in the upper right, type: “CU: Run, Hide, Fight” and click the spyglass search button.
- Then click on the launch button in the results list.
The course, which covers topics such as how to recognize and quickly respond to an active harmer situation, includes scenarios that help participants put their knowledge into practice. The virtual, text-based course takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Law enforcement agencies, including the CU Boulder Police Department, have trained on responses to active harmer incidents. Be mindful that police response will occur as expediently as possible, but in the first few minutes of such an incident you may have to rely on your own actions to ensure your safety.
“Campus community members can access this virtual course at any time,” said Garry DeJong, director of events and emergency management at CU Boulder. “We recommend that all CU affiliates watch the course at least once per academic year, to learn best practices and refresh their knowledge of this valuable content.”
The virtual course can serve as an introduction to more comprehensive active harmer response training offered by the university, including a longer .
CU Boulder uses the Department of Homeland Security’s Run, Hide, Fight response philosophy.
Community resources
In addition to active harmer response training and tools, CU Boulder has various support resources, including confidential departments and anonymous reporting options for the campus community.
- The Department of Threat Assessment ensures continuous monitoring and mitigation; provides consultation and intervention methods; and maintains a comprehensive documentation repository for any instances of threatening or concerning behavior exhibited by faculty, staff or nonaffiliates to safeguard the well-being of our entire campus community and ensure a secure and supportive environment for all.
- Student Support and Case Management takes a holistic, non-clinical case management approach to help students address a myriad of needs or personal life events that may impact their educational career. SSCM assists students’ mental health, emotional well-being and safety by providing outreach, resources and referrals.
- The Office of Victim Assistance offers confidential support, including free trauma-specific counseling services as well as victim advocacy (helping people know their options and get assistance navigating systems), to CU Boulder students, staff and faculty who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, including but not limited to crime, abuse, violence, harassment, stalking, discrimination and more.
- offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of concerns such as academics, anxiety, body image, depression, relationships, substance use and more. This office serves CU Boulder students.
- The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers confidential counseling to serve the emotional and psychological needs of CU Boulder employees. All FSAP staff are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to deal with a wide range of mental health, personal and work-related issues. You must be a CU Boulder employee to use FSAP services.
- CU Boulder has several robust processes for individuals to share concerns and request support, including several reporting options through CUPD, the Don't Ignore It website and anonymously through . When concerns are shared, they are evaluated and addressed through tailored processes depending on the involved populations.