Penn State Launches New ‘Active Attacker’ Canvas Module

Penn State released a new module in Canvas on Wednesday, entitled “Active Attacker Response.” While the module was temporarily taken down Thursday, it will be required for students to complete once it’s back up and running.

While not required for faculty to complete, the module is available as part of the Learning Resource Network.

“As Penn State students, it’s important to recognize active attacks and threats as well as violence can happen anywhere, including on our own campuses,” Jacqueline Sheader, a spokesperson for Penn State University Police, said in a statement. “Safety is our number one priority and the Run, Hide, Fight model has been in place for several years — and we have been working for months to make it more accessible and visible to all of our students. It is critical that everyone within our community understands how to respond in situations that require fast thinking and training in order to save lives.

“University Police and Public Safety regularly urges our campus communities to familiarize themselves with Penn State’s Active Attacker Response protocol based on the Run, Hide, Fight model. The model offers three steps if confronted with an active attacker – RUN if you can, HIDE if you can’t, and FIGHT if needed.

“The new required learning course in Canvas is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the model. In the course, students will learn how to identify active attacker situations, the options they have in response (run, hide, or fight), and what to expect from a police and University response. Through the course, students can empower themselves, prepare for such situations, and  contribute to a safer campus environment by being informed and ready to act.”

Folks interested in learning more about the run, fight, and hide technique can visit the University Police website here .