Emergency Preparedness in Light of Recent Events at Brown University

Dear Merrimack College Community,

I write to you today to let you know about some changes on campus following the tragic violence at Brown University on Saturday afternoon.

Our higher education community is again dealing with sadness and fear. We grieve for those who lost their lives and we hold the victims, their loved ones and the entire Brown University community in our hearts and prayers. 

We have comprehensive campus safety protocols in effect every day. But out of an abundance of caution, given the heightened sensitivity now around campus safety, we are implementing the following measures effective immediately:

• All students, faculty, staff and guests are required to show identification when entering campus. Merrimack community members can show their physical MACK Card or digital card. 

• Parents, families and guests entering campus must show a valid form of identification.

• All vehicles must enter and exit campus through the Elm Street main entrance. The Rt. 125 gate will remain open via swipe access for Merrimack faculty and staff. The Rt. 114 exit and Rockridge entrance are closed until further notice.

• Merrimack faculty and staff can swipe their MACK Card or digital card to access academic, residential buildings and classrooms. 

• Merrimack students can swipe their MACK card or digital card for access to academic buildings from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• All residential buildings on campus are locked and require swipe access to enter 24/7.

• Classrooms that have swipe access will also be accessible to students from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• If anyone accidentally leaves anything in a building, or their swipe access does not work, please contact the Merrimack College Police Department (MCPD) at (978) 837-5555, or visit the MCPD station in Monican Hall.

• As a reminder, during finals weeks, students are not permitted to have registered guests on campus. 

We are reminded that vigilance requires shared responsibility and preparedness. We ask the following of our campus community at all times:

• If you ever see any suspicious or potentially dangerous activity, call 911 or the MCPD immediately: 5911 from an on-campus phone or (978) 837-5911. Save this information in your phone and do not hesitate to report suspicious or threatening activity, as doing so can help prevent a situation from escalating. MCPD is on duty and present on campus 24/7/365.

• In the event of an emergency or threat, Merrimack College will keep the community informed of emergency situations through phone, email and text alerts through our Rave campus alerts emergency notification system.  

• If an active threat is present on our campus, keep in mind the principles of Run. Hide. Fight. Run means to evacuate away from danger if you can do so safely. Hide means to secure in place. Fight means protect yourself if there is no other option.

If you are a student and feel you need extra support or someone to talk to during this difficult time, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life or the Counseling Center. Students can access free, around-the-clock access to licensed mental health clinicians through UWill. A counselor can be reached any time, day or night, by calling (833) 646-1526. Students can also schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians by calling (978) 837-5444. Employees in need of support can access our Employee Assistance Program by reaching out to Human Resources at [email protected] or (978) 837-5157. Those seeking spiritual counsel may contact the Rev. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., vice president for mission and ministry, at [email protected].

By staying informed and looking out for one another, we can help maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.

Be safe. Be well. God Bless.

Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.
President