February 3, 2010

5:15pm

To the Bentley University Community,

We'd like to update you on the latest information regarding this morning's isolated incident on campus.

The Bentley student has been released from the hospital.  Please note that we need to honor the privacy of the investigation until all additional facts are uncovered.

We can share that the two non-Bentley female suspects were arrested by Bentley University Police this morning.  They are both charged with assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery.  As we shared in this morning's email, this was not a random act and the suspects did know the student.  The suspects were apprehended within minutes of the incident being reported to University Police.  As soon as all facts were verified, the campus was informed via email.

We want to assure everyone that we understand the concern for safety on our campus.  Our community is a close one and we want everyone to feel as secure as possible.

While this morning's incident was an unfortunate, singular one, it does serve as a reminder to take all safety precautions very seriously.  Here is some advice from the University Police Safety and Security Report:

• Do not invite unknown guests into your dorm room.
• Never prop open a door on campus. Doing so could result in uninvited and unauthorized persons entering the residence hall.
• Always lock your room, even if you'll only be gone a minute. Do not leave money, jewelry or other valuables out in the open.
• Do not leave notes where anyone can read them stating where, when, or how long you will be gone, including on Facebook, Twitter, instant messenger or elsewhere online.
• Always ask who is at the door before you open it.
• Notify professional staff if there are maintenance or lighting deficiencies that may compromise building security.
• If you receive harassing or annoying phone calls, hang up right away with no conversation, reaction or emotion. Then call University Police at 781.891.2201 to report it.

While You are Out and About

• Communicate nonverbal cues that you are calm, confident, and know where you are.
• Stay in well lighted, busy areas.
• Trust your instincts - if something or someone makes you uneasy, get out or away.
• Walk or jog with a companion.
• Keep your car locked at all times.
• Avoid flashing cash or valuables.
• Have your key in hand as you approach your car, dorm or apartment.

Call University Police for a personal safety escort if you feel concerned for your safety while on campus.

F O R  E M E R G E N C I E S , C A L L  7 8 1 . 8 9 1 . 3 1 3 1

Thank you all for looking out for each other.  We all need to be a part of the solution in keeping our campus safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the student affairs office at 781-891-2161.

Sincerely,

Andrew Shephardson

Dean of Student Affairs