Dear members of the Rossier community,
Last night, two individuals entered several classrooms in Waite Phillips Hall on our University Park Campus, causing concern for faculty and students who were in class at the time. USC’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded, and the individuals were arrested for trespassing.
We consider the safety of our students, faculty, and staff to be of the highest priority, and we will work with DPS and the appropriate parties in Rossier to review our security protocols. In the meantime, please remember that our Waite Phillips Hall building on the University Park Campus has evening access restricted, requiring a coded USC ID card after 6:00 p.m., and we should not prop open doors or allow others to follow us inside. Should you be concerned about any individual or circumstance, immediately call the DPS Emergency Line at: 213-740-4321. I recommend that you add this number to your phone contacts.
Given recent events, we realize that this is a time of stress and anxiety, and that this incident may have been very troubling for those present, and for others who attend class at night. I want to remind you of the support services that USC provides. Students who would like to talk with someone are encouraged to call Student Counseling Services at (213) 740-7711. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to call the Center for Work & Family Life at (213) 821-0800.
As members of the Trojan Family, we also should be mindful of the needs of others. If you observe a fellow student, faculty, or staff member who may be in need of support, you can reach out confidentially through Trojans Care for Trojans, an initiative within the Office of Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention: https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/trojans-care-for-trojans-tc4t/.
After our review of USC and Rossier safety practices and protocols, you will hear from us again.
Sincerely,
Jessica
Jessica Gibson
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Rossier School of Education
University of Southern California
(213) 821-1515