Oct. 15, 2024  4:30 p.m.

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is reporting that local college-age people are being targeted with an arrest warrant payment scam. Someone impersonating EPD calls the victim and says there is a warrant for their arrest. The victim is told to purchase gift cards and give the card information to the caller. EPD’s phone number has been spoofed to show up on caller ID, making the story seem legitimate. A law enforcement agency will not ask you for this type of information or request gift cards for payment.

If you receive a call and recognize that it is a scam, hang up and report it to https://www.ic3.gov/.

If you are a victim of this or any other scam, call the University of Oregon Police Department at 541-346-2919.

We are not aware of UO students being victimized but are sharing the information because it is occurring in the community. This is one of many similar scams that you should be aware occur, so you can protect yourself.

Remember:

•If someone asks you for cash, gift cards, credit card numbers, security logins, or other personal information, refuse the request and check with the police, or find an independent way to contact a legitimate business and follow up. 

•Don’t give out computer or phone logins, personal, or financial information to someone who calls you. If you are unsure, hang up and find the real agency phone number and call yourself.

•Beware high-pressure techniques. Don’t give information or make a decision on the spot. 

•If it sounds quirky or weird, it probably is.

More information on the Eugene Police Department current scam is available at https://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6783.

Date: 10/10/2024, Time: 9:10  

Dear University of Oregon family,       

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. Whether you’re new to UO or returning for another year, we’re excited to have you here. As you prepare for classes, we are reminding everyone that Ducks look out for each other. Safety is a communitywide effort, and developing habits that create safe environments requires all of us to act.     

Watch your stuff. Keep small items away from open, first floor windows. This includes backpacks, wallets, purses, keys computers and phones. Never leave items unattended on campus.   

Parties. A safe party requires careful planning and attention to details. Charge your phone. Use the buddy system and let each other know where you will be. Appoint sober monitors and designated drivers. Only serve alcohol to those 21 and older. Lastly, it is illegal to tamper with another person’s drink. Never leave your drink unattended and use caution accepting drinks from others.    

Lock and register your bike/scooter. Take extra steps to secure bikes and scooters. Bike and scooter theft is a persistent problem on campus. Lock up your bike with both a u-lock and cable lock. Lock scooters around nonremovable parts.   

Safety. As you walk, run, and bike around campus, stick to well-lit, well-traveled paths. Use the online map to find the best-lit routes around campus. Be alert to suspicious individuals and vehicles and go to a populated area if you suspect you are being followed. Need a lift? Call Duck Rides at 541-346-7433. Rides are available between 6 p.m. and midnight seven days a week. UOPD safety escorts are available by calling 541-346-2919.  

Freedom of Expression. UO has a long and proud history of engaging with the issues of the day and supporting members of our community to exercise their right to free expression. We also take seriously the responsibility of providing education in an environment free from harassment, threat or bias. Campus policies, education and training, and resources and services all serve to foster an inclusive and healthy community. Explore the university free expression site to familiarize yourself with the policies and resources available.  

Getting Support. You always have the option to talk with someone about your safety concerns on campus. Contact the Dean of Students office for support by visiting dos.uoregon.edu/help or calling 541-346-3216. If you are a victim or survivor of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual or gender-based harassment, or stalking, you can receive immediate confidential support by calling the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233). Additional support and resources for sexual harassment (in any form) are available at safe.uoregon.edu.  

Report suspicious activity and crime immediately and be aware of your surroundings. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, life-threatening situations, and events requiring immediate assistance from the police, fire department or an ambulance. To report non-emergency events or situations on campus, call UOPD at 541-346-2919. If there are signs of a person in distress, bystanders should make themselves known and help if it is safe to do so. If that’s not possible, seek immediate help from police or security personnel.   

Personal Safety. UOPD offers a drop-in self-defense class regularly throughout the academic year. Self-defense classes can prepare people to deter or escape an assault and can improve awareness and confidence. Contact Sgt. Jared Davis of UOPD (Jared.Davis@uopd.org) to find out when the next session is scheduled.   

Stay safe this fall and remember university resources are available to support you when things do not go as planned.       

Welcome to fall term. We can’t wait to watch you succeed.           

Andre Le Duc, vice president and chief resilience officer   
Angela Chong, vice president of student life   

October 6, 2024, 4:20 PM  

The AQI on the Eugene campus is now less than 101. Please notify all your staff that normal outdoor work and outdoor youth program activities can resume. 

October 6, 2024, 11:22 AM

The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires and the AQI is currently over 100.

If on campus, please close windows and doors. Laboratories, please close hoods if feasible.

The University has a series of both requirements and recommendations for action when AQI reaches certain levels. These are summarized below.

Oregon OSHA has a series of requirements for UO staff working outdoors.  Supervisors will receive notifications at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels. Direction notifications will be made to supervisors when these levels are reached.

·       >100:  Outdoor staff may voluntarily use an N95 respirator to continue their outdoor work.

·       >250:  Outdoor staff should be reassigned work to indoor locations to the extent possible. For work that must continue outside, N95 respirators are now required.

·       >500: Staff working outdoors must have prior enrollment in the UO Respiratory Protection and use of appropriate respirators is required.

UO has developed a policy for UO hosted programs.  Program staff who have signed up for AQI notifications will receive texts and emails at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels.  Individuals and event organizers should self-monitor AirNow for AQI levels between 151 and 250. No direct notifications will be made at these levels.

·       >100: Recommended that youth programs suspend or move inside. 

·       >150: Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of smoke exposure related to coming and going to campus and participating in outdoor activities on campus, based on individual circumstances.

·       >200:  Recommended that all programs suspend or move inside. 

·       >250: All UO hosted programs must be suspended or moved inside. Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website.

Air Quality Safety Tips

·       Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.

·       Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system.

·       Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure.

·       Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150.

·       Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors.

·       Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution.
 

Oct. 1, 2024, 1 p.m.

Dear University of Oregon community member: 

We are pleased to share that the 2024 Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available on the UO Clery Act website. This report, developed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), provides up-to-date information about personal safety, crime reporting, crime prevention programs and other resources. This report also contains crime statistics and fire safety information for the previous three calendar years (2021-2023). To request a paper copy of the 2024 Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, please contact the Clery Coordinator at 541-346-3223, or email at clery@uoregon.edu. Campus safety is a top priority for the University of Oregon, and we encourage students, employees, and other campus community members to familiarize themselves with UO resources and webpages devoted to campus safety and security, including: 

• UO Alerts. The university uses the UO Alert system to notify the campus community about emergency situations via email and text message. You can learn more about signing up for text message alerts at the UO Alerts website. 
• UOregon Mobile App. Safety resources, including safe ride options for students, are included in the free UOregon Mobile App, available for iOS and Android platforms.  
• SAFE website. Students seeking assistance, support, or resources related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, or stalking should visit the SAFE website, or contact the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233).  
• Ducks Do Something. Additional information about sexual violence prevention, substance abuse prevention, and other prevention and awareness resources can be found on our prevention website.  
• Duck Rides. Duck Rides is a free nighttime transportation service for University of Oregon students and employees. For hours of operation and scheduling a ride, please review the Duck Rides website.  
• Safety at Night Map. The Safety at Night Map identifies safety corridors across campus and emergency call box locations.  
• Safety resources. Valuable safety resources for students are available on the UO's One Stop page. Campus and community resources for employees can be found on the Human Resources website. 
• Fire Safety. Additional information about the UO Fire Marshal Team, fire safety resources, and fire prevention for special events can be found at our Safety and Risk Services website. 
• Environmental Safety. Report repair or maintenance-related concerns to a supervisor, a campus safety official, or use the Report A Safety Concern form.  
• UO Police Department (UOPD). The university encourages all campus community members to promptly report crimes to UOPD at 541-346-2919 (or dial 9-1-1 for emergencies). Note that guns are not allowed on campus except for on-duty law enforcement. Crime information and prevention resources are also available at the UOPD website.  
• Clery Act. For more information about the Clery Act and its requirements, see the UO’s Clery website.

We would also like to ask for your help in identifying safety concerns on campus. If you see something, say something. Safety is a shared responsibility. Together, we can help keep our campus safe and welcoming.  

Best regards,  

André Le Duc  
Vice President and Chief Resilience Officer