The University of Arizona is mourning the loss of Thomas Meixner, professor and head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, following a shooting on Wednesday.

In light of the tragedy, the university is highlighting resources, services and tips for staying safe on campus.

UAlert

The university's emergency alert system, UAlert, is a free service that delivers emergency messages via text and/or email to registered students and employees, or their off-campus family and friends.

Anyone affiliated with other university locations, such as the College of Applied Science and Technology in Sierra Vista or the College of Medicine – Phoenix, can receive alerts specific to those campuses, as well.

To register for UAlert as a student or employee, visit the registration page on the Critical Incident Response Team website, and click "register or update now" under the "Students, faculty and staff" section. Sign in with your NetID, then follow the prompts to fill in your 10-digit phone number (without hyphens) and indicate whether you'd like to receive messages about specific campuses.

Family or friends can register by going to the registration page and clicking "Sign up or update now" under "Family and friends of the university" and filling out the form.

Signing up to receive the alerts via text message is advised. Those who are already registered for UAlert should be sure their registration is still active and their contact information is correct. This can be done by logging in using the same steps listed above.

LiveSafe

Since 2015, UArizona has partnered with LiveSafe – an app available for both iOS or Android phones – that allows users to report traffic accidents, noise disturbances, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, harassment, theft, vandalism, suspicious activity and other tips directly to the University of Arizona Police Department.

LiveSafe allows users to make their reports silently and anonymously, and send texts, photos, videos and location information. The app also includes a feature called "SafeWalk," which uses a smartphone's GPS system to allow a friend, colleague or family member to virtually walk with the user, monitoring their location on a real-time map, and even chat via the app. An alert is sent to both smartphones if the user doesn't reach their destination by the estimated time of arrival.

Once users download the app, they can add the University of Arizona as the organization with which they want to use the service.

Additional safety resources

Additional safety resources available to the university community, include:

• UAPD officers monitor campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you see something suspicious or need help, never hesitate to call 911 or 520-621-UAPD (8273).
• There are more than 300 blue light phones across main campus, in addition to emergency phone lines in classrooms and elevators. Each one is a direct line to the UAPD dispatch center that is staffed 24/7. Blue light phones are also located at the Phoenix Bioscience Core campus with a direct line to the security team. Use blue light phones anytime you see suspicious activity or don't feel safe. Once you press a button, UAPD officers will be dispatched to make sure the area is safe.
• UAPD offers safe escort around the main campus, based on officer availability. The Associated Students of the University of Arizona provides free rides – call 520-621-SAFE (7233) for information.

UAPD also provides a comprehensive list of resources and safety tips, including how to stay safe at home, in your car and in public, as well as how to protect your belongings.