Both events claimed numerous lives and left consequences that are still felt by the wider public today.
“Our university has long been strengthening security measures and developing counselling services so that we are as well prepared as possible for any potential crisis situation,” said Prof. Igor Ivan, Rector of VSB-TUO, who represented the university at the memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of the attack at the University Hospital Ostrava.
Commemorating the tragic events
On Wednesday, 10 December 2025, six years had passed since the attack in the waiting room of the trauma ward at the University Hospital Ostrava, in which seven people died. On 21 December, the entire Czech Republic will commemorate the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, which claimed fourteen lives and left many injured. These two events fundamentally affected public life in the Czech Republic and became an impetus for increasing security in public institutions.
Security at the university
The VSB-TUO Security Department has again this year worked intensively on implementing new measures aimed at ensuring that students and employees feel safe on campus. A warning and information SMS system has been launched for the entire academic community and will be activated in case of a crisis. The university also continues to cooperate closely with the Integrated Rescue System and strengthens teachers’ knowledge in the area of training for so-called soft targets.
Cooperation with the Czech Red Cross was also carried out, enabling students and staff to acquire basic first-aid skills. The university further expanded its camera system, installed safety SOS buttons, and gradually introduced master key and general access card systems in selected buildings to facilitate quicker Police of the Czech Republic intervention when needed.
Part of the preparations also included developing security cards for individual buildings. These contain photographs and key information and were handed over to the Police of the Czech Republic to enable faster orientation and intervention in crisis situations.
Psychological and counselling services
The Counselling and Career Centre serves as a key support point for students in the areas of mental health, resilience, and coping with stressful situations. It offers preventive programmes focused on stress, study habits, communication, and overall wellbeing, with an emphasis on early detection of difficulties and preventing overload.
It also provides professional psychological and socio-psychological assistance in challenging or crisis life situations and prepares educational activities that help students navigate difficult moments.
The year 2025 brought two major developments in the field of counselling. Thanks to a newly acquired project, the centre was able to strengthen and centralize its services, expand its expert capacities and facilities, and provide more comprehensive psychological, social, and career support complemented by new programmes focusing on mental health and wellbeing.
A new student tutoring association was also established, helping first-year students adapt to the university environment and transition from secondary school. More experienced students offer personal support and share practical advice related to studying.
Memorial site on campus
The university management has established a memorial site in front of the Rector’s Office building as of 10 December 2025. Students and staff can honour the memory of the victims of both tragic events by lighting a candle or laying flowers.