Utah Valley University is conducting a comprehensive review of its campus security and emergency communication systems following a shooting incident on September 10. In response to heightened safety concerns, Utah State University is implementing enhanced security measures for an upcoming event scheduled for September 30.
Key Takeaways
- Utah Valley University (UVU) is reviewing its emergency notification system after a shooting involving Charlie Kirk on its Orem campus.
- Utah State University (USU) is proceeding with a Turning Point USA event on September 30, which will be held indoors and require tickets.
- USU is collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure robust security for its event.
- Student concerns at UVU have prompted a petition calling for stricter lockdown procedures.
UVU Addresses Security Protocols After Incident
Following the shooting event on September 10, officials at Utah Valley University have initiated a thorough investigation into the campus's security and communication protocols. The review comes after some students expressed dissatisfaction with the university's emergency response during the incident.
Classes at UVU resumed on the Wednesday following the shooting. University leaders have stated that their primary focus is on ensuring the safety of students and staff as the investigation continues.
Student Concerns and University Response
In the aftermath of the shooting, some students reported feeling that the emergency communications were unclear or insufficient. UVU student Ava Beck started an online petition advocating for the university to implement stricter and more clearly defined lockdown policies.
In an email, Beck wrote, "Us students at UVU felt unsafe in the way the events were handled today, and we are begging for stricter lockdown policies to be put in place to ensure that nothing like this happens again in the future."
UVU President Astrid Tuminez acknowledged the need to examine the current systems. In an interview with NBC, she confirmed that the university's emergency response notification system is a key part of the review.
"The communication system is definitely under review and we are looking at how to make the communication system simply more robust," Tuminez stated. "All of our energies, our resources, our time are focused on safety and security."
University spokesperson Ellen Treanor encouraged students to be active participants in campus safety, reiterating the "See something, Say something" principle and providing contact information for campus police and the FBI for tips.
Background of the Incident
The security review was prompted by a shooting that occurred during a Turning Point USA event featuring Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The incident has placed a spotlight on campus safety protocols for high-profile and potentially contentious events at public universities.
Utah State University Prepares for High-Profile Event
While UVU reviews its procedures, Utah State University in Logan is preparing to host its own Turning Point USA event on September 30. The event is a scheduled stop on the organization's "American Comeback Tour."
USU officials announced that the gathering will be an indoor, ticketed event, though a specific venue has not yet been finalized. The university emphasized its neutral role in hosting third-party events.
"USU is not affiliated with the speakers or the event," a university release stated. "As with all third-party events, USU does not endorse the viewpoints or perspectives presented by speakers. Rather, USU’s role is limited to facilitating a safe and secure venue where students’ and speakers’ free expression can occur.”
Enhanced Security Measures at USU
Even before the incident at UVU, USU's Department of Public Safety had begun coordinating with law enforcement partners to plan security for the September 30 event. According to the university, these efforts have intensified.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
To ensure safety, USU is working with a range of public safety organizations, including local police departments as well as state and federal law enforcement agencies. This collaboration aims to create a multi-layered security plan for the event.
The university stated that its public safety department is continuing its collaboration with these partners to ensure all necessary safety protocols are in place. These plans are designed to be comprehensive and data-driven.
Security protocols for major events at USU typically include:
- Comprehensive threat assessments
- Detailed security and deployment planning
- Effective crowd management strategies
- Close protection for speakers
- Clear communication and coordination between agencies
- Protocols for crisis response
Focus on Emergency Communication Systems
The events have highlighted the critical role of emergency communication systems on university campuses. While UVU is re-evaluating its system, USU has outlined the functions of its own notification platform, Aggie Alerts.
USU describes Aggie Alerts as the university's direct line for dispatching critical safety information to students and staff via mobile devices. The system is used for situations posing an immediate threat to the campus community.
According to USU, an alert is sent for significant emergencies such as an active shooter, a dangerous weather event, or a gas leak. The system is also used for less immediate concerns, like university closures due to snow or information about public health issues in the surrounding area.
The university continues to test its emergency systems to ensure they are fully functional for campus notifications and lockdown procedures. Members of the wider community can also sign up for email and text alerts from the system.
