Violent tragedies take their toll in human life and property. The manner in which university or college personnel respond to such events affects how that institutions is viewed by its student body, parents of students, alumni, and the surrounding community.

In Campuses Respond to Violent Tragedy, Dorothy Siegel describes actual events and responses of various university department personnel who approached and handled unfortunate episodes and shares the procedures that grew out of both successes and failures. From the faculty and administrative staff to the student government president, Siegel stresses how important it is for all members of a university campus to respond to violent tragedies with both professionalism and concern for human distress.

The author also includes numerous examples of letters, press releases, lists, action memos, and a complete chapter devoted to "A Crisis Preparation Checklist." The possibility exists for every member of a campus community to be called upon to respond to a violent tragedy. Campuses Respond to Violent Tragedy offers constructive advice and valuable insight to prepare those who will have to make decisions under great stress.