Lockdown at joint DC/UOIT Oshawa campus now over

Friday, May 9, 2014 – 3:15 p.m.

The joint Durham College and UOIT campus went into lockdown between approximately 2 and 3:15 p.m. on Friday, May 9 due to a Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) investigation.

The lockdown is now over. Please be assured that there is no risk to staff or students and people are now free to enter or exit campus.

The safety of everyone in our campus community is of utmost importance to Durham College and UOIT and we thank you for your co-operation and support.

Friday, May 9, 2014 – 2 p.m.

Please be advised that there is currently a police investigation underway at the joint Durham College and UOIT Oshawa campus and the campus is now in lockdown. No one is being permitted to enter or exit campus at this time.

Please do not leave the building. Proceed to the nearest classroom or office immediately and follow the official lockdown procedures listed below.

The Office of Campus Safety and Security will provide further instructions over the PA system, CIRENS, campus voicemail system, digital signage, email, the website and our social media feeds when the lockdown is over.

We will provide more information as it becomes available via the Durham College website; www.twitter.com/durhamcollege and www.facebook.com/durhamcollege.

 Official lockdown procedures for students, faculty and staff:

1.Remain calm:

  • Remain calm and encourage others to remain calm;
  • Provide assistance to those with physical disabilities and challenges with language comprehension; and
  • Immediately stop all teaching, group work, meetings, etc. 

2.Move to a secure location and remain quiet:

  • Enter or remain in the nearest classroom, office or secure space;
  • Lock or barricade all doors. Do not permit entry into the room once you have locked the door;
  • Turn off lights and computers;
  • Mute cell phones and limit communication to texting only to avoid indicating that a room is occupied;
  • Close curtains and lower blinds if safe to do so and stay away from windows and doors;
  • Lie on the floor away from windows and doors and under a desk if able; and
  • Do not respond to anyone at the door/open the door until the all clear is announced.

3.Wait for instructions:

  • Durham Regional Police, the Office of Campus Safety or Campus Security will provide further instructions over the PA system, digital signage, email, the DC and UOIT websites, Twitter and Facebook accounts (when appropriate) including the termination of a lockdown;
  • If asked to leave your secured area, assist others in moving as quickly and quietly as possible; and
  • In the event the fire alarm is activated during a lockdown, await direction on the PA system before taking action.