Chancellor DiStefano and Provost Moore holds press conference in response to the King Soopers shooting

At 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, Chancellor Philip DiStefano, Provost Russell Moore, Chief Operating Officer Patrick O’Rourke and other administrators held a press conference responding to the King Soopers shooting at Table Mesa.  

CU administrators highlight support services on campus like OVA and CAPS. 

Questions were raised bringing attention to the slow turnaround time for CU alerting their students of the situation and telling them to avoid the area. Provost Moore claimed CU Alert systems typically only apply to situations on campus or within immediate proximity; the Table Mesa King Soopers did not fall within those categories. 

“It is something we will look at, we will be working with the CU Police Department to evaluate our communication strategies… and be in a place where we are able to respond as quickly as possible,” said Moore. 

Although no CU Boulder students, faculty or staff were injured, the CU community continues to feel the effects of such tragedy. Provost Moore and Chancellor DiStefano ask professors to be flexible with students is sufficient enough in regards to allowing students to grieve.

“Students find a sense of community in their classes,” said Moore when asked why Tuesday classes were not cancelled. Moore explained keeping students on a schedule and allowing them to connect with peers in the classroom would be more sufficient than a day off.  

Chancellor DiStefano said there have been no conversations about doing anything for the victims including a vigil. 

“Members of the University of Colorado Boulder really need to take care of themselves and look out for their fellow students, staff and faculty members,” DiStefano said to conclude the Q&A session. 

Important academic deadlines that were to be met on March 24, are now being pushed to March 31.