Alumni Response

A Message from the Chancellor

From Chancellor Sobanet
Friday, February 16, 2024

Dear Mountain Lions,

Today is a tragic day for UCCS. My heart is overcome by grief as unspeakable violence has reached into our home. It is with the utmost sadness that I write to you about an isolated shooting incident that took place early this morning on our campus. We are in shock as we process this tragic loss of two lives. I know that all of our campus community is joining me in sending our love and support to the victims and their friends and family in this time of tragedy.

While the investigation remains active at this time, this is what we know: At approximately 6 a.m. on Feb. 16, University Police Services responded to a call for service regarding shots fired in a dorm room on campus. CSPD was notified and responded to assist with initial scene security, and at the request of UCCS Police, assumed responsibility for the investigation. CSPD is in the early stages of piecing together what happened, and they are in the process of notifying family members of the deceased individuals. There is not an ongoing threat to the community and CSPD is investigating this as an isolated incident.

Please watch for future communications or visit alerts.uccs.edu for the latest official updates. You can find more information about current campus resources here.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the first responders from our University Police, the Colorado Springs Police Department, and all emergency responders and medical personnel for their quick and committed action.

I am also grateful to our campus community for heading the call to shelter in place while officers responded to ensure the safety of our campus, and especially those in Alpine Village who continued to shelter as the event unfolded. Lockdowns and shelters-in-place can be scary or traumatic, but they are issued to help keep our community safe as the police work to ensure that there is no ongoing threat.

We will never forget the lives lost. My heart is broken for the victims of this senseless violence, and I join in grieving with the friends and family who knew and loved them.

We are the Mountain Lion family, and we are strong. Now is the time to lean on one another, to reach out to one another, to grieve, to borrow each other’s strength. Our community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni will support one another in this time of tragedy. Be kind to yourself and know that there is a community here to support you, know that we will heal, but it will take time. Ask for help if you need it. We are Mountain Lions, and together we will overcome this dark time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the suspect apprehended?

Answer: The suspect, Nicholas Jordan, has been taken into custody by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD). They are continuing investigative efforts.

What health/mental health resources will continue to be available to UCCS students?

Answer: From different community spaces and events to support one another, to therapy and counseling services, students are encouraged to take advantage and connect with the many resources available to them. An online guide to many of these resources can be found here.

How does the university handle complaints between roommates in campus housing?

When the university gets a report of roommate conflict, the university investigates it. University staff, including RAs, successfully resolve roommate conflicts regularly.

For example, if there is a complaint about someone smoking marijuana in housing in violation of university policy, that complaint is investigated. If it can’t be proven during the investigation, the student will receive counseling and a reminder that using marijuana in university housing is a violation of university policy. Subsequent complaints of the same nature will result in a CARE Team referral, and the student will be required to complete a course called Choices. Of the students participating in the Choices course, only 5% re-offend. Additional proven offenses would result in a removal of the student from housing.

Sometimes roommates have other types of conflicts. If there is a report of a conflict that results in a threat, it is investigated. If a student reports feeling unsafe in their current housing assignment, they will be offered an opportunity to immediately be placed in alternate housing. That housing may be temporary until a permanent housing arrangement may be made. It is also possible that roommates do not want temporary housing, or they resolve the immediate dispute and do not want to proceed with a move until a later time. In this situation, students are not forced to move.

How can I help?

Many have reached out to ask how they can support students over the next several months. Counseling and Mental health resources for students are our top priority at this time.

Please consider a contribution to support the campus wellness center. To learn more, please visit the Giving website.

Resources