Letter to Families of UMass Students

September 12, 2001

Dear Families of UMass Students,

We are grieving and struggling here on campus to understand the tragedies of the terrorist acts in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. The night of these terrible events, at least 4,000 students, faculty and staff gathered for a candlelight vigil to support each other. The respectful silence of this large gathering was enormously moving.

Although we cancelled classes and sent home all but essential staff at 1 p.m. September 11, the campus is now open and classes are being held as scheduled. Faculty have been asked to mark these horrible events in their classes by discussion, a moment of silence or other appropriate action. In the spirit of the vigil held at the Campus Pond, we would hope that we could all advocate for each other in supportive ways, and be respectful of each other's feelings. We are especially concerned about those students who may be able to come to class but who will be unable to focus; students who will be unable to discuss topics even though their mouths may move; students who are even unable to come to class; students who may be in class when they recoil from the horror of an image recalled.

Safety for every member of our campus community is of utmost concern, as is providing care for all who need a chance to talk, a shoulder to cry on, help travelling or academic assistance. Faculty, the Dean of Students, staff in the residence halls, Mental Health, University Health Services, Public Safety and members of the Student Government Association are all working to provide the safest and most supportive environment possible. International Programs is staying in close touch with our international students and visiting scholars to provide support and information.

In the coming days and weeks, we will be offering opportunities to discuss these tragedies and their short and long term effects on individuals, this campus, the nation and the world. There will be programs in the residence halls, the Campus Center and classrooms. Information will be sent regularly to all students, staff and faculty via e-mail, the internet at www.umass.edu, and campus media. A special link on the campus Web site will provide updated information, a schedule of activities and text of the remarks from last night’s vigil. We will continue to gather in different ways and in different groups to help each other at this time.

Staff in the Dean of Students Office (413-545-2684) are available if you have questions or concerns that have not been addressed by this letter or information on the web site.

The students on our campus have risen wonderfully to this devastating occasion. They are somber and struggling, but they are also putting their energy into planning ways to help such as a blood drive, a clothing drive, and raising money. Our students are our treasure and our future. You have entrusted them to us and we will do everything in our power to provide what they need to grieve, to cope and to begin to heal.

Sincerely,

Marcellette G. Williams
Chancellor

Charlena Seymour
Provost

Javier Cevallos
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs