A. T. Still University employs a security supervisor at both its Arizona and Missouri campuses. The security department’s responsibilities are to enforce rules and regulations established through policies and procedures adopted by ATSU to ensure campus safety and security.
The security department is composed of unarmed, uniformed security officers. Arizona campus officers are equipped with security phones capable of contacting the Mesa Police Department, the Mesa Fire Department, and other emergency personnel. Missouri campus officers are equipped with radios capable of contacting the Kirksville Police Department, the Kirksville Fire Department, and other emergency personnel.
ATSU Security conducts foot and motorized patrol of the campuses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing both emergency and non-emergency assistance to students, employees and visitors.
ATSU has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kirksville Police Department regarding the ATSU missing student policy and the investigation of all reported crimes on campus.
Emergency phone:
911 (off-campus and on-campus)
Security Office (emergency or non-emergency):
*7 (on-campus)
0 (switchboard)
Non-emergency Security Office:
480.341.9075
Emergency phone:
911 (off-campus)
911 (on-campus)
Security Emergency and non-emergency
33 (on-campus)
1.660.349.9513 (Off Campus)
0 (Switchboard)
Non-emergency Security Office:
660.349.9513
Annual Security Reports (ASRs) are available at the links shown below. The ASRs contain crime statistics, security and safety information, required University policies, and information for victims of sexual assault, including dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Since the campus at Kirksville, Missouri has student housing, it includes a Fire Safety Report, including fire statistics. Printed copies of all ASRs are available by contacting ATSU Student Affairs (mostudentaffairs@atsu.edu; 660.626.2236); or Human Resources (hr@atsu.edu; 660.626.2790).
This website has been created to provide information in case of an emergency. If there existed an actual emergency situation, this site would provide you with more information regarding the nature of the emergency and any necessary instructions related to your health and welfare.
KIRKSVILLE CAMPUS
Security Emergency and non-emergency
(On Campus) ext. 33
(Off Campus) 1.660.349.9513
Kirksville Police:
(On Campus) Dial 911
(Off Campus) Dial 911
MESA CAMPUS
Security Office: *7 from any campus phone
Switchboard: 0
Security Phone: 480.341.9075
Security *Emergencies Only*
(On Campus) *7 from any campus phone
Mesa Police:
(On Campus) Dial 911
(Off Campus) Dial 911
Definition
An active shooter/violent intruder is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined, populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms, and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. According to the FBI study of active shooter incidents occurring between 2000 and 2013 throughout the U.S., situations were over within two to five minutes. Due to the quick time frame, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.
Upon receipt of an emergency notification, or upon awareness of situation,
REMEMBER: RUN - HIDE - FIGHT
RUN, when an active shooter is in your vicinity.
HIDE, if an evacuation is not possible, and find a place to hide.
FIGHT, if your life is in imminent danger, or if you or a group of people decide this is the best response to preserve innocent life.
Evaluate
When law enforcement arrives
Before a situation occurs, plan ahead. Think.
In an effort to keep you informed in cases of an emergency, ATSU uses an emergency notification system. In the event of campus emergency, a message will be sent to you notifying you of the emergency, what to do next, and where to find additional information. All employees and students are automatically enrolled in the system using their ATSU email account, and you are strongly encouraged to also set up text message number(s), voice message numbers(s), and additional email addresses. Additionally, you are encouraged to select one or more groups for the campus(es) you most closely identify with. Learn more.
Definition
A barricaded person is one who isolates himself/herself in a closed area and makes demand with the threat of harm to self or others. A hostage situation exists when a person or persons holds others against their will. This person may claim to have weapons or other implements of violence, such as explosives, and threaten to use them.
Strategies for survival
Definition
Since people often carry blood-borne infections unknowingly, follow the universal precaution of treating all body fluids as if they were infectious.
Immediate actions
Definition
A bomb threat is usually a verbal or written threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, or injuries, whether or not such a device actually exists.
Bomb threats are to be taken seriously until proven otherwise.
Immediate action
If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note, handle the note as little as possible and initiate the bomb threat procedure described below.
Bomb threat procedure
Call 9-1-1 but DO NOT USE A CELL PHONE or two-way radio which have potential to detonate a bomb. Get away from the area and use a landline.
· DO NOT announce an evacuation of the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat.
· DO NOT activate the fire alarm.
· DO NOT touch or move a suspicious package (description on following page).
If a bomb threat is received by email, do not delete the message and initiate the bomb threat procedure described above.
If a bomb threat is received by phone, gain as much information from the caller as possible.
1. Remain calm. If your phone has a caller ID display, immediately copy the number.
2. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does. Listen carefully. Use the script below.
3. After the call is finished, do not hang up. Go to another phone to call 9-1-1.
SCRIPT: “I’m listening. Tell me what you want me to know. I’m writing it down.”
If the person seems finished talking, say: “I have some questions. Would you answer them for me?”
Questions
|
Write answers here.
|
Where is the bomb located? (building, floor, room)
|
|
When is the bomb going to explode?
|
|
What does the bomb look like?
|
|
What kind of bomb is it?
|
|
What will cause the bomb to explode?
|
|
Did you place the bomb? If so, why?
|
|
What is your name?
|
|
Listen for information about the caller:
1. Apparent gender, race, age of the caller.
2. Characteristics of the caller’s voice (calm, angry, excited, accent, etc.).
3. Background sounds (street noises, static on the line, etc.).
Be aware of the signs of a suspicious package:
Definition
A protest or public demonstration to display approval or disagreement with an idea or course of action will often be peaceful and non-obstructive. A protest should not be disrupted unless one or more of the following conditions exist, which indicate civil unrest:
Immediate action
If any of the above conditions exist, campus security should be notified.
Definition
Straight line winds in a thunderstorm can lift huge clouds of dust and reduce visibilities to near zero in seconds, which can quickly result in deadly, multi-vehicle accidents on roadways.
An intense dust storm is called a haboob.
Watches and warnings
Watch the sky and stay tuned to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, commercial radio, television, or internet for information.
Immediate actions
Prior to an emergency
Definition
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and may occur at any time of the year, day or night. Forty-five states and territories in the U.S. are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and such areas are located in every region of the country.
Preparation
There will be no warning in the event of an earthquake. Consider stocking a few days’ supply of items, which may become scarce or unavailable, such as food, water, alternative power and light sources, and first aid supplies.
During an earthquake
If inside when the shaking starts:
If outside when the shaking starts:
After an earthquake
Definition
Personal threat or harassment by email may be directed at an individual, or it may be part of a larger cyber emergency.
Email threats, like threats received via other communication methods, should be taken seriously until proven otherwise.
Immediate action
Definition
A person who appears distressed may or may not be in imminent danger of harm. A person observing the distressed individual should take steps to help following the guidelines below.
Signs of distress include, but are not limited to,
Your actions when observing signs of distress
Warning signs the person may be unsafe include, but are not limited to,
Your actions when observing warning signs the person may be unsafe
If you believe there is imminent danger
Examples
Suicide attempt/threat
All suicide threats/attempts must be taken seriously. Warning signs of suicide can include:
Your actions should an individual make the threat in person while on campus
Your actions should an individual make the threat in person while at another location at a work/school related activity (e.g., rotation site, clinic, event, etc.)
Your actions should an individual make the threat by phone
If you are unsure whether there is imminent danger
Examples
Actions to take
If imminent danger is clearly not present
Examples
Actions to take
Available training
ATSU offers two trainings on suicide prevention and mental health crisis intervention: Ask-Listen-Refer and Mental Health First Aid. All employees and students are encouraged to take one or both of these trainings.
1. Ask-Listen-Refer is an online, self-directed, suicide prevention training created for college and university campuses that takes between 20-40 minutes to complete. Participants will learn to identify warning signs of suicide, gain instruction in intervening to keep someone safe, and get to the help they need. To take the training 24/7/365, go to asklistenrefer.org/atsu
2. Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour certification training that teaches participants to assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. Mental Health First Aid covers risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for helping someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. The training focuses on:
To request Mental Health First Aid certification training, contact an ATSU mental health wellness counselor.
Telephone numbers
ATSU Campus Security
AZ campus – Dial *7 from any campus landline or 480.341.9075
MO campus – Dial 33 from any campus landline or 660.349.9513
ATSU Mental Health Wellness counselors (for students)
AZ campus – Art Matthews, 480.219.6170 (office) or 480.359.6570 (cell)
MO campus – Thom Van Vleck, 660.626.2424 (office) or 660.341.1755 (cell)
MO campus – Sarah Thomas, 660.626.2424 (office) or 660.651.6779 (cell)
ATSU Student Affairs
AZ campus – Beth Poppre, Associate Vice President, 480.219.6126
MO campus – Lori Haxton, Vice President, 660.626.2236
ATSU Human Resources
AZ campus – Tonya Fitch, Director of Human Resources, 480.219.6007
MO campus – Donna Brown, Assistant Vice President, 660.626.2792
Definition
An epidemic is a widespread outbreak of a disease. A pandemic is an epidemic of worldwide proportions.
Suggested practices
The Office of the President, in conjunction with Communication & Marketing, will deliver public health messages to ATSU students, faculty, and staff, if warranted.
It may be anticipated the affected campus will remain open, classes will continue, and employees will be required to attend work as scheduled, unless they are ill. In the event of a circulating strain of a severe illness affecting many individuals, it may be necessary to close the campus for a period of time. This decision will be reached by the president, based on recommendations by public health officials. In this event, certain essential employees may be required to report to work.
Definition
An evacuation will be initiated when it is necessary for people to exit the building(s). An evacuation may be total (affecting the entire campus) or partial (affecting only a portion of the campus).
Types of events triggering an evacuation
Upon receipt of an emergency notification
Following an evacuation
Definition
An explosion or blast is caused by a rapid expansion of gas from chemical reactions or incendiary devices. Signs of an explosion may be a very loud noise or series of noises and vibrations, fire, heat or smoke, falling glass or debris, or building damage.
Immediate actions
Definition
A fire may include visible flames, smoke, or strong odors of burning. The person discovering the fire should alert those closest to the fire and evacuate. If possible to do so safely, pull the fire alarm while evacuating. Once outside, dial 911 and notify the fire department of the fires’ location.
Immediate actions
For the person discovering smoke or fire, remember R-A-C-E:
Even if the fire is extinguished, call 911 or security.
For persons hearing a fire alarm:
For persons evacuating from the immediate fire area:
For persons with disabilities:
STOP – DROP – ROLL
When clothing, hair, or other body part becomes engulfed by fire, DO NOT RUN OR ALLOW ANOTHER TO RUN. Instead, follow the rules of STOP-DROP-ROLL.
If trapped in a room
If caught in smoke
Following an evacuation
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in conspicuous places in main halls and at exits. Untrained personnel should call 911, evacuate immediately, and not use fire extinguishers.
Decision making
The responding fire department incident commander will control and make decisions at the fire scene. The fire department will decide when to turn control of the scene back to the University.
Upon notification from the fire department, the campus incident commander or his/her designee will notify individuals who have vacated the building that all is clear.
Definition
A flood is large amount of water overflowing its normal confines, especially over what is normally dry land. Floods may be caused by a variety of factors, including a sudden accumulation of rain, rising rivers, tidal surges, ice jams, and dam failures. Flash floods are sudden, destructive local floods of short duration resulting from heavy rains.
Watches and warnings
Walking and driving during flood conditions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood waters. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. Six inches of water is enough to stall some cars. A foot of moving water can float a vehicle, and two feet of moving water is enough to sweep away most vehicles. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Do not try to cross flooded roadways if you do not know the depth of the water.
Other precautions
Prior to an emergency
Definition
A hazardous materials incident may be a spill or release of chemicals, radioactive materials, or biological materials inside a building or to the environment. Simple spills may be managed by trained persons or persons who are familiar with their department’s spill protocols. Major spills or emergencies require assistance from a 24-hour emergency agency such as the fire department or a county hazardous material (HAZMAT) team.
Warning
ONLY trained and authorized personnel are permitted to respond to hazardous material incidents.
Immediate actions
Simple spill
Major spill or emergency
Missouri campus
Arizona campus
A lockdown is initiated when there is a violent or dangerous situation that poses an immediate deadly threat to individuals on campus.
There are two types of a lockdowns, External Threat Lockdown and a Internal Threat Lockdown.
An internal threat lockdown will be initiated when there is a violent or dangerous situation that poses an immediate serious threat to individuals on campus.
An external threat lockdown will be initiated when there is a situation in the surrounding area that could be a threat to the campus.
Definition
An external threat lockdown will be initiated when there is a situation in the surrounding area that could be a threat to the campus.
Examples
Events which could trigger an external threat lockdown include, but are not limited to,
Immediate actions
If you are outside the building when the lockdown is initiated
Definition
An internal threat lockdown will be initiated when there is a violent or dangerous situation that poses an immediate serious threat to individuals on campus.
Immediate actions
Unsecuring an area
If outside the building when lockdown is initiated
Definition
A medical emergency is any medical problem that could cause death or permanent injury if not treated quickly.
Immediate actions
While waiting for help to arrive
Definition
A power outage or energy emergency is a short-term or long-term loss of electric power to a particular area. Common causes of power outages include lightning, accidents, ice, and wind.
During a power outage
If a power outage occurs during normal business hours (Monday-Friday)
In the event of a power outage outside normal business hours
Procedures for sexual offenses
Any ATSU employee or student who feels they have experienced a sexual offense is strongly encouraged to seek assistance immediately by dialing 911 from any telephone.
Help may also be obtained by contacting Campus Security:
Arizona campus 480.341.9075 |
Missouri campus 660.349.9513 |
Victims of sexual offenses should first get to a place of safety, and then obtain necessary medical treatment. ATSU strongly advocates a victim of a sexual offense report the incident in a timely manner. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. It is best practice for parties involved in a sexual offense to preserve evidence by not showering, bathing, brushing teeth, changing clothes, or cleaning or otherwise changing the scene. Police officers will provide guidance in preserving items necessary for investigation.
Student victims may call the following for assistance in contacting local authorities and to seek counseling:
Arizona campus Beth Poppre Associate Vice President for Student Affairs 480.219.6026 |
Missouri campus Norman Gevitz Vice President for Student Affairs 660.626.2336 |
Employees may call the following:
Arizona campus Tonya Fitch Director of Human Resources 480.219.6007 |
Missouri campus Donna Brown Assistant Vice President for Human Resources 660.626.2790 |
Arizona campus
ATSU and Mesa Police Department will work to assure victims have access to confidential counseling from counselors trained in sexual assault crisis intervention. ATSU has a counselor on staff who is available to students.
Other services available include:
Missouri campus
ATSU and Kirksville Police Department will work to assure victims have access to confidential counseling from counselors trained in sexual assault crisis intervention. ATSU has a counselor on staff who is available to students.
Other services available include:
Student’s rights/conduct procedures
In the event an ATSU student alleges he or she is the victim of a sexual assault, and the alleged perpetrator is an ATSU student, ATSU will investigate the allegations to the fullest extent possible. This may lead to a conduct hearing and possible sanctions against the accused, including but not limited to reprimand, probation, suspension, dismissal, or required physical or psychiatric evaluation. The accuser and the accused have the right to be assisted by a non-attorney advisor, but advisors are not permitted to speak or participate directly in a hearing. The investigator will present the findings of the investigation. Witnesses with information relevant to the allegations may present their information. For complete information regarding student rights, responsibilities, and the conduct process, please see the Code of Behavioral Standards in the Student Handbook.
Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional conduct process when the allegation is a sexual offense and both shall have an equal opportunity to appeal the findings and/or consequences. Notification of the outcome to the accuser and accused does not constitute a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For purposes of this paragraph, the outcome of a conduct process means only the institution’s final determination with respect to the alleged sex offense and any sanction that is imposed upon the accused.
Sexual harassment
ATSU is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment. The University works to prevent harassment, and will take immediate action when allegations of sexual harassment are made. Retaliation is prohibited against an individual who has brought forward a complaint of sexual harassment and/or has taken part in an investigation as a result of a sexual harassment complaint. See ATSU policy 90-210 (Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation).
Sexual assault victim bill of rights
In compliance with federal law, ATSU will adhere to the following Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights. Any disciplinary hearings described below refer to ATSU internal conduct proceedings only and do not relate to criminal or civil proceedings in any court of law.
Role of professional counselors
ATSU “professional counselors” are not considered Campus Security Authorities, and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. Professional counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedure to voluntarily report crimes.
For purposes of this section, “professional counselor” is defined as an employee of ATSU whose official responsibilities include providing professional counseling to members of the university community, and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.
Rights and Options for Complainant
Rights and Options for Respondents
Definition
When evacuation poses danger and upon direction by the campus incident commander, local emergency management, or law enforcement, etc., individuals should remain inside a locked structure to protect themselves from danger external to the building.
Shelter-in-place is a temporary sheltering technique (e.g., 30 minutes to several hours) utilized to limit exposure to dangerous situations. Once alerted, occupants of any building within the subject area will lock all doors and windows and follow all directions. Shelter-in-place continues until an “all clear” signal has been received via overhead paging, text messaging, and/or email.
Types of events triggering shelter-in-place
The reason for the shelter-in-place may not be immediately communicated.
Upon receipt of an emergency notification
Definition
Tornadoes are violent acts of nature capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). Although severe tornadoes are more common in states across the Plains, tornadoes have been reported in every state.
Tornado warning v. tornado watch
Prior to an emergency
Upon receipt of an emergency notification
Definition
Winter storms can range from moderate to heavy snow to blizzard conditions. Winter storms may be accompanied by dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. Road conditions may impede or prohibit vehicle movement. Winter storms can result in closed highways, blocked roads, and downed power lines. Exposure may result in frostbite or hypothermia.
Winter storm communications
The University will monitor weather conditions. If warranted, classes may be cancelled, and the campus closed. Information regarding cancellation of classes or closing of the campus will be shared by text messaging and/or email. No notification of a change in schedule means the University will operate as usual. Decisions about whether or not to maintain the University’s normal schedule in the event of a winter storm will be made by the deans for the affected campus, in conjunction with the director of facilities. Campus security will advise the campus community of any closures by email and text message. The President’s Office is responsible to advise local media of changes to the University’s schedule due to a winter storm.
Prior to an emergency
ATSU takes security and your well-being very seriously. In an effort to keep you informed if there is an emergency situation on or near the campus, we have established an emergency alert notification process utilizing the RAVE Mobile Safety system.
How does it work?
In the event of an emergency on the campus, a message will be sent to you depending on how you have your RAVE account set set up. This message can be sent to three cell phones, three email accounts and/or three landlines per account. This message will notify you of the emergency, your immediate action, and where to find additional information.
Do I have to participate?
All employees and students are automatically enrolled in the system using their ATSU email account.To access Rave Alert, go to the portal (my.atsu.edu). Click on Resources and then click on the Rave Alert icon. That will take you to Rave Alert. You are strongly encouraged to also set up text message number(s), voice message number(s), and additional email addresses. Participation via text messaging is optional. However, if your cell phone plan supports text messaging, you are strongly encouraged to sign up.
NOTE: You must opt-in to select your specific campus in order to receive alerts.
Will I get spam or other text messages by signing up?
No. This service will be used for emergency notification only. We will test the system at least twice a year and you may be included in that test. This list will not be used for any other purpose.
How do I start receiving emergency alerts for my campus?
1. Login here and follow the steps as shown in the video below
2. Add your mobile phone number.
3. Opt-in to a list (campus location).
Important tips and precautions you can take to stay healthy at ATSU. This website is updated regularly with information about COVID-19 affecting the ATSU community. Please visit CDC.gov for the most up-to-date information.
Following are the current totals of students, faculty, and staff who are in isolation (due to a positive test) or self-reported quarantine (due to first-degree contact).
2/28/2021 |
(Kirksville) |
(St. Louis) |
(Mesa) |
Students | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine |
Faculty & staff | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine | 0 isolation; 0 quarantine |
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Report
The following reflects the number of self-reported positive 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases at ATSU campuses, as communicated to ATSU’s president’s office from human resources and student affairs.
2/22/2021-2/28/2021 |
(Kirksville) |
(St. Louis) |
(Mesa) |
Students | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Faculty & staff | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2/15/2021-2/21/2021 |
(Kirksville) |
(St. Louis) |
(Mesa) |
Students | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Faculty & staff | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2/8/2021-2/14/2021
|
Missouri location (Kirksville)
|
Missouri location (St. Louis)
|
Arizona location (Mesa)
|
Students | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Faculty & staff | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Latest update
ATSU’s Mesa, Arizona, campus buildings are observing the following limited hours of operation due to COVID-19:
5835: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
5845: Monday-Friday, 6:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
5850: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
5855: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.
January 8, 2021
ATSU community,
While SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rollout is slower than anticipated, there are positive signs of increasing availability. The vaccines appear to be effective and well tolerated.
To remain updated on Missouri and Arizona vaccination information, please visit Missouri Stronger Together or Maricopa County COVID-19 vaccine.
Arizona and Missouri continue with significant COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The next several weeks will be especially dangerous due to recent holiday travel and gatherings. Please continue to protect yourself and others by following CDC, local, and ATSU guidance.
Cybersecurity precautions to protect your information, reputation, and tech devices are also at the forefront. The SolarWinds attack reminds us to continue taking proactive measures. Please visit Department of Homeland Security Cyber Lessons for additional cybersecurity information you may find useful.
ATSU supports the rights of those participating in peaceful demonstrations. We are deeply saddened to see America’s Capitol, elected officials, peace officers, and staff negatively impacted by the recent breach. As healthcare professionals and educators, our hearts go out to all who died or were injured, and to their families. While our country faces significant challenges, we are optimistic America will remain a dynamic democracy and our elected officials will work collaboratively for the greater good.
Thank you for taking a few moments to read this update. Please stay safe and well.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
December 16, 2020
ATSU community,
Missouri and Arizona remain pandemic hot spots as does most of the United States. Missouri is on pace to report more than 108,000 cases and 1,600 deaths in December. This past Monday, Arizona reported the second-highest number of new cases since the start of the pandemic, with 11,795 new COVID-19 cases.
While traveling and gathering this holiday season, please take good care of yourself and those around you. The CDC and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services recently released guidelines for celebrating winter holidays safely.
While the CDC is expecting an increasing number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths this winter, you can help flatten the curve and slow the spread by following CDC and locally recommended guidance.
For national and local updates, including vaccination information, please visit:
ATSU’s COVID-19 Task Force is thankful for your assistance and wishes you a safe and healthy holiday season.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
November 20, 2020
Greetings students, faculty, and staff,
While we remain hopeful effective vaccines are close to approval and distribution, this holiday season poses significant peril. Missouri and Arizona, along with many additional states, are experiencing record increases in positive COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Many affected hospitals are experiencing shortages of personnel, supplies, and bed capacity.
To stay safe and well, please continue to exercise extreme caution as you travel, gather, and interact with others. Failure to comply with recommended CDC and local public health guidance places you at personal risk and a risk to others you may come in contact with.
You know most of the recommendations by now; however, it never hurts to familiarize yourself with the latest information.
Please stay safe and well.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
October 21, 2020
Greetings,
ATSU students, faculty, and staff have done a tremendous job rising to challenges of the pandemic. Continuing to take care of yourselves, family members, patients, and community has never been more important. Influenza (flu) season is knocking at our door adding burdens to providing care for COVID-19 patients and others with acute and chronic medical conditions.
Unfortunately, Missouri is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and ventilator care. What should you do?
Please continue to show kindness, patience, and compassion toward others. We are all in this together as a university and community.
It looks like a number of vaccines are on the way with high-risk individuals and front-line occupations possibly receiving immunizations in late 2020 and early 2021.
Take care and be safe.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
October 21, 2020
ATSU Students,
As we move into late October and November, please note the CDC safety guidance for upcoming celebrations and holidays.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Lori Haxton, MA
Vice President for Student Affairs
Student Affairs
A.T. Still University
October 21, 2020
Greetings,
ATSU students, faculty, and staff have done a tremendous job rising to challenges of the pandemic. Continuing to take care of yourselves, family members, patients, and community has never been more important. Influenza (flu) season is knocking at our door adding burdens to providing care for COVID-19 patients and others with acute and chronic medical conditions.
Unfortunately, Arizona is experiencing an increase in percentage of positive COVID-19 tests. This may result in significant hospitalizations, ventilator needs, and deaths. What should you do?
Please continue to show kindness, patience, and compassion toward others. We are all in this together as a university and community.
It looks like a number of vaccines are on the way with high-risk individuals and front-line occupations possibly receiving immunizations in late 2020 and early 2021.
Take care and be safe.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
August 28, 2020
Greetings,
ATSU students, faculty, and staff are doing a great job slowing the spread of COVID-19. We are grateful to everyone for following guidelines and showing patience and compassion to others. Safety of our students, faculty, staff, patients, families, and friends is the humbling responsibility of all ATSU community members.
Labor Day weekend holiday is just around the corner, and it will be easy to let our guard down. Please continue to practice safe distancing, masking-up, hand washing, and avoiding groups. Remember, travel may place your personal health, professional activities, and educational progress at risk.
This week, we were also reminded of ATSU’s continued commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural proficiency. Please watch your email for the next opportunity to participate virtually in an upcoming cultural proficiency forum. To be the best healthcare professionals and educators possible, we must continue the work of those like William G. Anderson, DO; Barbara Ross-Lee, DO; George Blue Spruce, DDS, MPH; Winston Wong, MD; and Luis Padilla, MD, FAAFP; trailblazers for eliminating social, health, and educational disparities.
Please stay safe and well.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
July 13, 2020
All ATSU students,
As future healthcare professionals, it is inevitable you will receive questions from family, friends, and patients about COVID-19.
For everyone to stay informed on COVID-19, please find the following websites offering contemporaneous information, including local, regional, and national statistics, tips, and guidance.
United States
Missouri
Arizona
Arizona and Missouri continue with increases in COVID-19 cases, and ATSU wants you to be informed, safe, and healthy. Please remember to wear a mask when around others, physical distance, regularly wash hands, sanitize frequently, and minimize nonessential activities outside of home. Remember, please stay home if you are feeling ill.
By helping others and taking care of yourself, you may already be saving lives.
Please stay safe and well,
Your ATSU Communication & Marketing team and Office of the President
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
June 1, 2020
Greetings, students, faculty, and staff,
A.T. Still University’s mission statement is more relevant today than any other time in recent history.
The University’s commitment to cultural proficiency runs deep and will continue to do so. The recent tragic death of Mr. George Floyd painfully reminds the ATSU community of the significant and important work that needs to be accomplished. It will not be easy. However, as ATSU’s founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, overcame headwinds following the Civil War and starting the American School of Osteopathy, now ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, we can and will work together to accomplish so much more.
Working as teams to provide healthcare and public health services to Americans in need is not new to our 128-year-old University. ATSU has more graduates choosing community health centers for careers than any other health sciences university. Each day many of our graduates across the country, in rural and urban communities, serve individuals who are confronted with racism, poverty, violence, chronic diseases, and additional negative social determinants of health.
ATSU will continue its educational mission and patient care activities serving communities and patients in need. University locations in Kirksville, Mo.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Mesa, Ariz., serve many patients who otherwise would not have access to medical or oral heathcare. Many students receive educational experiences with our community health center partners across America, including locations on ATSU land and in ATSU facilities in Kirksville and St. Louis, respectively.
ATSU will use influence and resources to continue its mission, including addressing health disparities and negative social determinants of health.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
April 30, 2020
April 16, 2020
Thank you to everyone who is keeping ATSU open for students and patients. The University remains vigilant and functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the hard, innovative work of dedicated faculty and staff.
Your compassion, kindness, understanding, and patience are greatly appreciated by everyone, internally and externally.
Please continue following CDC recommendations, including avoiding stigmatizing individuals of Asian and American Indian descent, first responders, frontline healthcare workers, and recent travelers.
Kudos to . . .
Returning to University locations . . .
ATSU is monitoring federal, state, and local authorities’ recommendations for educational and healthcare institutions. When University community members return to University locations, it will not be easy early on. You can expect changes including staggered schedules, screenings for signs and symptoms of infection, appropriate laboratory screenings, smaller than normal gatherings, frequent hand washing, vigilant cleaning of common surfaces, face masks or coverings, staying home when sick, minimizing hand-to-hand touching (shaking hands, etc.), and an added focus on PPE for patient care interactions.
What ATSU may look like 12-18 months from today . . .
COVID-19 should be abated through herd immunity and vaccinations. ATSU will emerge stronger and wiser with new ideas, innovations, practices, and awareness. ATSU will need to continue developing educational and operational continuity plans, replenish resources, and proactively prepare for the next pandemic or public health emergency. True to ATSU’s mission, we will need to continue educating exceptional graduates to deal with an existing provider shortage and fill the roles of those providers affected by COVID-19 through post-traumatic stress syndrome, disability, early retirement, and death.
A few things to look forward to . . .
Please remain home, safe, and connected with friends and family.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
March 31, 2020
Students, faculty, and staff,
Thank you to all who have shown patience, compassion, and kindness during this challenging time. Cool heads and emotional intelligence are qualities of the best healthcare professionals, educators, and leaders.
ATSU community members and their families are experiencing many of the effects of COVID-19. Faculty, staff, students, and family members have recovered from the virus; faculty, students, staff, and family members are currently under treatment, and faculty and staff are battling COVID-19 on the frontlines of hospitals and patient care centers.
Our hearts ache for those suffering from COVID-19 and families of those with relatives who have passed. Our hearts humbly praise those delivering comfort and care to the affected and scared.
Many wonderful accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, and alumni are being recorded on history’s pages each day. Soon, we will have time to reflect and thank those making a positive impact. Until then, each of us may continue to do our part by staying home, social distancing, remaining connected, reaching out to those in need, and not sweating the little things. (Zach, our 12-year-old, is figuring out online education, Stacy and me, too.)
Thousands of ATSU alumni are placing themselves and their families in harm’s way. ATSU students, faculty, and staff would be remiss if we did not offer thanks and encouragement to our alumni, all healthcare workers, first responders, and service workers.
Thank you for continuing to follow CDC, state, and federal recommendations. Please remain safe and do not hesitate to contact your dean, supervisor, Human Resources, Student Life, me, or any of our vice presidents for assistance.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
March 24, 2020
Dear ATSU Classes of 2020, faculty, and staff,
ATSU is looking forward to honoring this year’s commencement classes while being sensitive to those families who may be experiencing suffering and hardship due to COVID-19. Commencement ceremonies will be celebrated virtually on the original dates published for each program (see schedule below). This will allow everyone to safely enjoy and share the wonderful accomplishments of ATSU graduates.
Additional commencement ceremony information and details will be emailed to students and available for viewing on the University’s website (atsu.edu) in the near future.
Please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@atsu.edu or by phone 480.245.6126 if you have questions.
Congratulations to all graduating students on their academic achievements and completion of degrees.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
March 17, 2020
ATSU faculty, staff, and students,
I would like to thank each and every one of you for working together over the past several weeks, especially those risking their health by serving on the frontlines of patient care and public health. Our collective hearts go out to all individuals and family members affected by COVID-19, and to first responders and healthcare providers selflessly serving those in need.
This week, it is quieter in Kirksville, Missouri; Mesa, Arizona; and St. Louis, Missouri. While we miss all our students on spring break and faculty and staff working from home, we appreciate your understanding and patience, as your health and safety are of the utmost importance.
Soon, it will be even quieter at ATSU locations. Beginning this Friday, March 20, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. local time, and until further notice, access to all facilities* will be limited to faculty and staff members required for necessary patient care, security, critical facility operations, and educational delivery as determined by the deans. While ATSU has moved to remote instruction for student learning, it is now necessary to reduce patient care to medical, urgent dental, and emergency care.
Many faculty and staff are currently working remotely from home or are preparing to do so. Faculty and staff should work with their supervisors for work from home continuity assignments. Last Friday, ATSU Human Resources emailed a Q&A paper on working from home. All employees should review this email.
If you have any questions, please contact your respective dean’s office, supervisor, or vice president. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and kindness as we work together during this challenging time.
Please continue checking CDC.gov for COVID-19 updates and recommendations.
Once again, thank you for helping by serving as positive influencers during this unprecedented time. As a nation and as global citizens, we are learning each hour how we may all work together by adapting behaviors to slow, reduce, and stop the COVID-19 spread.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
March 11, 2020
Good morning, faculty, students, and staff,
You may be fielding questions regarding COVID-19 from patients, family, and friends.
This link to cdc.gov may be a helpful resource to keep you informed on diagnosing, treating, and preventing COVID-19 infection.
Also, here is information on Coronavirus Disease specific for healthcare professionals.
Yours in service,
Craig M. Phelps, DO
President
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences