US Campuses
A Message from President Gash: Pepperdine’s Emergency Preparedness
Each year, Pepperdine prepares this message to better inform parents and students of the University’s emergency response plans. Most years, this letter shares what Pepperdine does to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe. In other years, it also serves as a reminder of how important awareness, emergency preparedness, and resilience are for the entire University—and the role each member of our community has in managing our collective response.
As we bring our community together again this school year, you can take comfort in knowing that life safety is our top priority. We remain poised to address natural and man-made disasters. Pepperdine University is like a small, well-equipped city. We have fire trucks and emergency response personnel; capable facilities employees able to respond 24/7; medical supplies, food, and water; health and counseling centers; and numerous other resources available to us in an emergency. Additionally, faculty and staff who live on campus are present and active in assisting the University’s response.
Through diligent training, equipping, studying, staffing, and commitment, we are prepared to be our own first responders until local and state agencies reach campus. We are prepared to be self-reliant in the event utilities and other infrastructure services are disrupted. When the University activates an emergency response plan, our expertly trained staff gather support personnel, disseminate information, and, if necessary, open pre-planned relocation centers. The University has an exhaustive and well-rehearsed protocol to evaluate risks and make decisions in the best interests of both our community and our campuses.
I can attest from personal experience that, in the middle of an emergency at Pepperdine, a sense of calm permeates our community, which may be radically different than what is portrayed in the media. This is because we have done our due diligence to be prepared. One of our greatest tasks is to transmit accurate information from, to, and within the campus community. Our emergency notification system, Everbridge, allows the University to send voice messages to the cell, office, and home phones of every faculty, staff, and student, as well as deliver text messages and emails. The system is dependent upon each of our community members entering his or her contact information into the University web portal that feeds into Everbridge.
In addition, the latest updates and decisions of the University’s Emergency Operations Committee are posted on Pepperdine’s Emergency Information Page. You may also call our Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4442 (non-emergency line) or 310.506.4441 (emergency line) at any time. The only things that may impair our communications are things we simply cannot plan for or control. Throughout all of this, our every effort is directed toward protecting our community and returning to safe and normal operations, including classes, as soon as possible.
Furthermore, we use the StepUp campaign to emphasize the importance of looking out for one another, both in emergency situations and in daily life. Through the StepUp campaign, our students, faculty, and staff have received valuable bystander intervention and Title IX training that encourages participants to step up and speak up for themselves and others who may be in distress.
Another instrumental tool in this effort is the LiveSafe campus safety app, which allows users to submit emergency and non-emergency messages to Public Safety; utilize SafeWalk, a peer-to-peer virtual security escort allowing users to ensure their loved ones reach their destinations safely; and see a full list of the University’s emergency procedures. Importantly, the app also works for users who are traveling or participating in one of our international programs. Further, we partner with International SOS, a global emergency medical and security services firm that provides assistance to our students, faculty, and staff abroad.
Pepperdine maintains a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team that meets as needed to immediately address potential threats to our community. The team includes University leaders, members of our Counseling Center, and outside experts and law enforcement when applicable. The group is experienced and well-trained, and it always works to serve the best interests of the University community and the individual about whom the concern was raised.
Our emergency plans are living documents, regularly updated to include the latest best practices adapted to best serve our community. In addition to learning from our own experiences, we also study disasters around the world to better inform our plans. This thoughtful preparation places us in a state of readiness as we move into this new school year. While we hope and pray our emergency preparedness efforts each year are unneeded, our response teams and plans are ready to be activated if needed.
All of us at Pepperdine are excited for the school year ahead, and we look forward to completing it successfully—and safely—with each student who has been entrusted to us.
NON-CREDIBLE Bomb Threat Received
Today, we learned an unknown individual sent anonymous bomb threats to multiple colleges and universities across the country, including to some people at Pepperdine. In collaboration with law enforcement and threat assessment experts, Pepperdine, along with other schools, has determined that the threats are not credible. Out of an abundance of caution, you may notice an increased security presence patrolling on campus.
The University’s first priority remains the safety of our community. If you see something suspicious on campus, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4441.
West LA Campus In-Person Work/Class Resumes on Tuesday, June 25
University officials and the Department of Public Safety have been working closely with law enforcement to investigate an anonymous report of a potential threat to the University’s West LA campus as communicated in last night’s message. Despite efforts, in consultation with law enforcement and nationally recognized threat assessment experts, the University has not uncovered any information to verify the credibility of the threat.
As a result, in-person classes and work at the West LA campus will resume on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The University will work with West LA security to ensure an appropriate level of security presence is maintained.
If material developments occur in the investigation, the University will update the community.
Remote Classes and Work at the West LA Campus – Monday, June 24, 2024
Late this evening, the Los Angeles Police Department alerted the University of a possible threat to the West Los Angeles campus, which was reported to the department through an anonymous phone call. The caller reported seeing a social media post, which included a potential threat of violence. At this time, neither the University nor law enforcement have been able to verify the existence of this post. However, out of an abundance of caution, while the University works with law enforcement to investigate the credibility of this reported threat, on Monday, June 24, 2024, all West LA classes will be held remotely and all West LA employees should work remotely.
The University will provide additional information as the investigation proceeds.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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