WCDB NEWS -- *UAlbany Student Dead After Shooting*

UAlbany senior Richard Bailey's life was taken in a senseless act of violence at 11:20 PM on October 20, 2008. He was 22 years old.

Times Union coverage here.

Email from Interim President George Philip
Subject: Off Campus Incident

To: University at Albany Community

It was with great sadness that I learned of the tragic shooting of one of our students that occurred off-campus last night in the city of Albany. The student was attacked at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Lake Avenue and Yates Streets...

We are deeply troubled by this event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the student, his family, friends, and loved ones.

Albany Police Department officers responded to the scene, and the University Police Department is cooperating fully with the Albany Police investigation.

I want you all to know that the University remains steadfast and proactive in its approach to student safety. As Chief Wiley said in his earlier messages, the University Police Department is immediately strengthening its directed police patrols and presence in the midtown area. At this time, we are reiterating our safety precautions to students, faculty and staff, urging all to:

* If you must walk at night, walk in the company of others
* Keep a cell phone handy to call authorities
* Be aware of your surroundings
* Avoid dark places
* Be aware of places people can hide
* Walk in the middle of the road if you are walking on a dark, quiet street with no traffic
* Report any and all suspicious person(s) or activities to the Albany Police Department (911) or the University Police Department (911 or 442-3131)

We will continue to work cooperatively with APD to ensure the safety of our off-campus student population. The University conducts many safety initiatives including:
* Operation Safe Corridor, a joint initiative with the Albany Police Department and the College of Saint Rose
* A Midtown Neighborhood Watch program
* Door-to-door visits to off-campus students through the Committee on University & Community Relations
* The Light Sense Program provides free miniature flashlights to individuals to illuminate poorly lit areas

In addition, the University issues e-mail safety alerts to all students both on and off campus to make them aware of crimes. And at all times, if anyone in our campus community feels threatened or unsafe, you can request assistance from the University Police Department by calling (518) 442-3131 or 911.

In order to raise awareness about existing safety programs and address any safety issues or concerns you might have, the University will be hosting a " Safety Forum " this evening. Please join the University Police and other staff from Student Success at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Campus Center 375.

The University will continue to keep you apprised of further developments related to these unfortunate events.