Statement from President Simpson on the shootings at Northern Illinois University

John B. Simpson, president of the University at Buffalo, issued the following statement on behalf of the university after today's tragedy at Northern Illinois University:

"Today the entire UB community is thinking of our friends and colleagues at Northern Illinois University. The tragedy that occurred there is, unfortunately, another sad reminder that our universities, while places of openness and learning, are not immune from the acts of those who wish to do harm.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families, President John Peters, and the entire Northern Illinois University Community. As fellow members of the Mid-American Conference, there are many strong ties between our institutions. UB stands ready to help in any way we can.

The University at Buffalo has established policies and procedures to respond to any campus emergencies. An overview of these procedures is available at http://www.emergency.buffalo.edu/index.htm.Our University will be reaching out to students to share information about the resources available to them on campus should they wish to discuss the events at Northern Illinois University.

The university takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure that our students, faculty and staff have a safe environment within which to live, work, and learn. This is an ongoing challenge that undergoes continuous evaluation and assessment."