Measures immediately after the tragic event.
Following the tragic event at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University on 21 December 2023, increased security measures were immediately introduced at the VSB - Technical University Ostrava, including increased readiness in all buildings. All processes and communications in similar situations at VSB-TUO proceed according to set steps and in working groups that are determined according to the type of security event.
Prevention at the University
The safety of our students and staff has long been a priority for the University. Safety protocols for potential situations (e.g. evacuation, operational accidents, fire alarms) are regularly updated, and videos have been produced on how to deal with crisis situations. In 2023, the University also tested a controlled cyber attack, based on which existing processes were modified and new training was prepared.
Psychological and other counselling services
Of course, we are also working long-term to support the counselling services available to students, including psychological counselling. Students today are affected by many burdensome realities that can interfere negatively with their studies and personal lives. These can range from social isolation, lack of self-organisation, change of environment linked to the demands of study, lack of support, fear of self-presentation, and increasing frustration at failure. All of these situations can be solved at the VSB-TUO Counselling Centre within the psychosocial and psychological support framework and with professional coaching or cooperation with external experts. It is possible to use personal and online or telephone forms of consultation.
https://www.vsb.cz/en/study/international-contact-point/
Follow-up measures – initiatives from the Czech Rectors' Conference and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
On Wednesday, 4 January 2024, the Czech Rectors' Conference held a meeting with the Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, where the entire situation was discussed at the level of all universities. The conference showed that closer cooperation with the Regional Directorate of Police of the Czech Republic will be newly set up; in collaboration with their experts (specifically with specialists for the protection of soft targets), our current processes will be reviewed, and other possible recommendations will be proposed. Communication further into the University will be primarily through the Rector's College. Possible next steps will depend on an assessment by the experts of what is realistic and best for us as a University with such a large number of students, staff and other visitors. This is not just about investment in technical support (e.g. card access, CCTV) but, of course, also prevention and support for counselling, as already mentioned. It is essential to mention that neither the prevention nor the resolution of a given crisis can be done without our cooperation - following the rules and guidelines, however, is everyone's personal responsibility.