One week after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, students at Utah Valley University returned to a campus transformed by grief and heightened security. As classes resumed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, many described a somber and surreal atmosphere, with the university implementing extensive support systems to help the community navigate its return.
Key Takeaways
- Students returned to Utah Valley University on September 17, one week after the on-campus shooting of Charlie Kirk.
- The university has established numerous support services, including 24 "care stations," mental health resources, and a walking buddy program.
- An increased police presence from multiple agencies is visible across the Orem campus.
- Students report a quieter, more reverent campus atmosphere, with memorials and tributes visible throughout.
A Changed Campus Atmosphere
As students and faculty returned to the Orem campus, the environment was noticeably different from the week prior. Many described the mood as quiet and reverent. "It feels a little bit surreal, like we know what happened a week ago, and it’s kind of interesting being here on campus," said Hannah McCombs, a respiratory therapy student. "I feel like it’s a little bit more reverent."
The central courtyard, where the shooting occurred, has become a focal point for reflection. The specific area has been barricaded, but a large American flag now hangs overhead as a tribute. Throughout the day, students gathered near the barrier, some in silent contemplation, while others spoke quietly or prayed together.
Nicole Starr, another UVU student, observed that the campus was less populated than usual. "The parking lot is usually packed," she said. "It seems like there’s not as many people here... even like walking around, it’s just like, very quiet. It’s not as lively here."
University Implements Comprehensive Support Measures
Utah Valley University administration has rolled out a wide range of resources aimed at supporting the community. University President Astrid Tuminez stated that the institution's primary focus is on providing care. "Our first core value is exceptional care. We cannot go wrong with that. So that will be our focus," she said, addressing the campus reopening.
University's Multi-Faceted Response
The support initiatives are designed to be visible and easily accessible. The university's strategy combines mental health services, physical safety measures, and academic flexibility to create a supportive environment for returning students and staff.
On-the-Ground Support Systems
Scattered across campus are 24 designated "care stations." These locations offer students snacks, drinks, and information on available mental health services. Staff members at these stations are present to offer assistance and comfort. Joe Nettleton, a UVU staff member at one station, said, "We’re just here to kind of be a presence saying, ‘Hey, you matter.’"
Other visible support measures include:
- Walking Buddies: A program allowing students to request someone to walk with them across campus or to their vehicles.
- Help Badges: Many faculty and staff members wear badges that read "need help?" to identify themselves as points of contact for students.
- Comfort Items: Some care stations provided items like Squishmallows for students to hold for comfort as they walked between locations.
Increased Security Presence
A notable increase in law enforcement is present on campus. Officers from several local police departments, as well as the Utah Highway Patrol, are patrolling the grounds to provide an enhanced security presence and reassure the community. This measure is part of a broader, ongoing security review, though university officials have declined to comment on specifics due to the active investigation into the shooting.
Investigation Status
According to President Tuminez and Vice President Kyle Reyes, the university cannot discuss the details of the September 10 incident or the ongoing security review. This is standard procedure while law enforcement investigations are active. Prosecutors have announced they are seeking the death penalty in the case.
Student Perspectives on Returning
Students expressed a range of emotions about being back on campus. Ben Cannon, a freshman who witnessed the shooting, acknowledged the difficulty of processing the event. "It was weird that day, like that night, just trying to stop thinking about it," he shared. "Just a weird feeling, knowing that we... watched someone pass away."
Despite the trauma, Cannon felt the university was handling the situation well. "I think they did a good job trying to make sure everyone feels comfortable and ready to come back," he noted.
However, some students remain hesitant. Devon Anderson, another student, commented, "I’m sure there are a lot of people that are traumatized that don’t want to come back. I think I personally know a person or two that don’t want to come back to school for at least a little bit."
"I feel like everyone feels a little bit closer to each other."
- Haley Schofield, UVU Student
Despite the somber mood, some students found a sense of solidarity. Haley Schofield explained that the shared experience has brought a sense of unity to the campus. All eight students who spoke with the Deseret News confirmed they felt safe returning to campus, though some, like McCombs, admitted to feeling a little discomfort alongside their sense of safety.
Academic Flexibility and Faculty Support
Faculty members have also played a crucial role in easing the transition. Students reported that many professors postponed assignment deadlines and made class attendance optional for the week, providing online lectures instead. Student Justin Risenmay said several of his professors reached out personally to check on students' well-being. He noted that he had expected more political tension but found the campus felt "very normal" in that regard.
Tributes and Memorials for Charlie Kirk
Across the UVU campus, spontaneous memorials and tributes have appeared. Sidewalks are covered in chalk messages expressing support for Kirk and his family, with many invoking themes of faith. Messages like "our heart is broken but our faith is strong" and "til we meet again" are written near walkways.
Makeshift memorials feature photos of Kirk, American flags, and hundreds of flowers. The walkway leading to the Fugal building has been transformed into "a walk of roses for Charlie," with drawings of red roses covering the path.
The university is planning a formal event to honor Kirk and promote healing. A Vigil for Unity is scheduled for Friday, September 19, at the UCCU Center. Additionally, State Sen. Dan McCay has launched a fundraiser to construct a statue of Kirk on campus.