MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia University police are offering two online training courses they hope students will never have to use.

"Flashpoints" focuses on the signs of potential violence on campus, while "Shots Fired" focuses on actual violence scenarios. Instructions for registering are on the police website.

Chief Bob Roberts says that while he hopes students will never need the knowledge the courses offers, he'd rather they be prepared.

New students and parents are also encouraged to sign up for WVU Alerts, the school's emergency notification system.

Roberts urges students to use the buddy system when attending parties this fall and to decline drinks from strangers.

Police also recommend locking doors at all times because most thefts on campus are crimes of opportunity.

Classes start Monday.

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Online:

WVU Police: http://police.wvu.edu