Campus Safety

Emergency Notifications & Timely Warnings

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Welcome to the webpage for Emergency Notifications & Timely Warnings. The information provided here will help the campus community understand the purposes and criteria for each type of notification and the differences between them.

Colorado College issues Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications to inform the campus community about serious safety concerns. These notifications are evaluated and issued based on federal Clery Act requirements, campus geography, and the nature of the threat.

Colorado College works to issue Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications as quickly as possible while confirming accurate information. Details may change as situations are assessed, and updates will be provided when appropriate.

Emergency Notifications

Notifications alerting the campus community to immediate threats to health or safety that require urgent action.

Purpose:

  • Rapid life-safety communication
  • Clear instructions for protective action

Timely Warnings

Provide notice of certain serious crimes that have occurred and may pose a continuing threat to the campus community.

Purpose:

  • Alert the campus community to Clery-reportable crimes
  • Enable protective action
  • Reduce the risk of further harm
  • Promote transparency

Assessment Criteria

Emergency Notifications:

An Emergency Notification may be issued when:

  • A significant emergency or dangerous situation is confirmed
  • The situation poses an immediate threat to campus safety
  • Prompt action is necessary to protect life or health
Examples Include
  • Active threat or violence
  • Fire or explosion
  • Hazardous materials release
  • Severe weather is impacting the campus
  • Gas leaks or major utility failure

 

Timely Warnings:

A Timely Warning may be issued when all or most of the following apply:
Clery Geography
  • The incident occurred:
    • On campus
    • On public property immediately adjacent to campus
    • In non‑campus properties controlled by the College
Clery‑Reportable Crime
  • Crimes that may trigger a Timely Warning include:
    • Robbery
    • Aggravated assault
    • Burglary (pattern‑based or risk‑driven)
    • Sexual assault
    • Dating or domestic violence
    • Stalking
    • Hate crimes
Continuing Threat Assessment
  • Unknown or at‑large suspect
  • Similar incidents or patterns identified
  • Credible risk of recurrence
Each situation is evaluated individually. Not all reported crimes require a Timely Warning.

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FAQs

What is the difference between a Timely Warning and an Emergency Notification?
Why doesn't Colorado College send a notification immediately after an incident occurs?
Why does information sometimes change after a notification is sent?
Are all incidents reported to Campus Safety Shared through campuswide alerts?
What factors might delay notification?
Who decides whether a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification
How can community members help?
Report an issue - Last updated: 04/02/2026