Content warning: Discussions of violence
This message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate, graduate and professional students
Dear Students,
We are sorry to share news about an incident last night in the Brightleaf area involving a fellow student. While details remain limited, we want to make you aware that Durham police are actively investigating this matter as an aggravated assault. The student, who was with a group of other students, was subject to a physical attack apparently at random. Duke University Police are assisting Durham PD in the investigation. Our teams have been providing support to the student and we are available to provide support to other students impacted by the event.
We know that news like this can be unsettling, whether you are directly connected to those involved or not.
Students’ safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and victims of violence are not to blame in any attack. Take extra care, as always, when you’re out. Please take a few minutes to review the tips and resources below.
We will provide updates to the community should they become available.
Yours,
Debbie Heida
Interim Dean of Students
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice President/Vice Provost of Student Affairs
Safety Resources and Tips:
Whether you are new to Duke or returning, it is always helpful to be reminded of key safety information:
- Emergency Contacts: In an emergency, call 9-1-1 to reach Duke Police (on campus) or Durham Police (off campus). For non-emergency situations, you can contact Duke Police at 919-684-2444 and Durham Police at 919-560-4600.
- LiveSafe App: Download the Duke LiveSafe app, which allows you to send real-time tips to Duke University Police, available 24/7. It also includes a “SafeWalk” feature to virtually escort friends on a real-time map.
- Safe Ride: From 6:30 pm - 2:45 am on Monday through Saturday, Duke Vans provides free, on-demand shared transportation for faculty, staff and students. Rides are available to and from most Duke facilities that are open during these hours to off-campus locations 1.5 mile radius. Request a ride through the OnDemand tab of the Transloc app.
- Safety Escort: If you are walking on campus after dark, you can request a safety escort from Duke Police. Call 919-684-2444, pick up a nearby Help Phone, or use the ‘Emergency Contact’ feature on Duke’s LiveSafe mobile app.
- When off campus, plan routes in advance, stick to well-traveled areas, and let someone know where you are going. Be mindful of your surroundings and travel in groups, particularly at night.
CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers many services to Duke students, including telemental-health appointments. Any student can call 919-660-1000 to speak with someone, or for assistance with referrals in your local community. You can also visit the team in person on Monday, 9:00am - 6:00pm, and Tuesday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm. No appointment is needed to get started with CAPS.
CAPS AFTER-HOURS CARE: For urgent health and safety concerns, access Duke's Confidential Mental Health Crisis Line by calling 919-660-1000, option 2.
TIMELYCARE: 24/7 telemental-health support to all students at no cost, through immediate and scheduled appointments. Visit BlueDevilsCare.duke.edu.
DUKEREACH: DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ON-CALL TEAM: Student Affairs has a 24/7 on-call team to support urgent student matters. For urgent concerns after business hours, you may contact the Dean on-Call (cell: 984-287-0300), or if you are living in residential spaces, you may connect with the Residence Coordinator On-Call by contacting your Residential Assistant On-Call or directly through Duke Police (919-684-2444).
ACADEMIC DEAN: Your Academic Dean is a key resource when navigating the university. Contact your Academic Dean if you need support with an absence, missed work, or issues such as academic planning, course withdrawals, and leaves of absence as needed. Note that there are separate academic deans for Trinity and Pratt.
DUKELINE: DukeLine is a resource for support and referral, created by Duke students and a team of mental health professionals and community leaders. DukeLine team members are trained by experts in empowering those experiencing emotional dysregulation, sexual violence, financial insecurity, and more. Whether you need someone to listen or want help exploring your options, we're here for you - just text the team at (984) 230-4888. To learn more about the types of situations DukeLine can assist with and for a comprehensive user's guide, click here.
