UVU employees return to work after Charlie Kirk shooting closed campus

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Valley University employees returned to campus on Monday after the shooting that killed political commentator Charlie Kirk last week. 

The area felt somber as employees returned, passing through a courtyard that was only recently cleared of police tape. 

Utah Valley University employees David Phillips and Susanne Hallin Sowa said they’re still coming to grips with the fact the shooting happened on the Orem campus. 

While they generally feel safe returning, they’re concerned about how their colleagues, and the school’s students, are holding up. 

“This isn’t normal for us, of course. It’s not normal for anybody,” said Phillips. “I think (it’s) very important that we’re all here for each other and thinking of each other and basic humanity … regardless of differences.” 

Phillips said he is still coming to terms with the fact that Charlie Kirk was shot on the Orem campus. But, he feels that returning to work is park of the process. 

“At least for a little while, there’s going to be some slowness, I think. Brain fog,” he said. “Students, faculty, staff, everybody here, there’s a very strong people focus (here) and I think that’ll shine through even brighter in these upcoming days and weeks.” 

“Things that may be people don’t talk about is the fear and panic, even for those who haven’t been there,” Sowa added.  

UVU suspended schedule following Charlie Kirk shooting

UVU cancelled the remainder of last week’s classes after the shooting, which occurred Wednesday.

A reopening schedule shared on the school’s website outlined what a return to campus would look like. On Sept. 13, students were allowed to retrieve items they may have left, as long as they were not in the courtyard at the center of the shooting investigation. 

“Due to the ongoing investigation, items left in the UVU Courtyard and the Losee Center will be available for pickup early next week,” the school wrote. Individuals that left items in those areas are allowed to collect them beginning Monday. 

Mental health support for students also began to be offered that day.

Student services, such as financial aid and advising, will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Sept. 17. 

“UVU will be implementing increased security on campus as we heal from this tragic event, and we are committed to returning to the safety for which the university is known,” the school wrote on its website. 

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Mariah Maynes contributed to this report.