Classes cancelled following national tragedy

UPDATED 8:40 p.m. Sept. 11

Classes cancelled following national tragedy; campus respondsThe following statement was issued at noon today (Sept. 11) by University of Michigan President Lee C. Bollinger:

“This is an enormous human tragedy for our country. Out of respect and grief for the magnitude of this loss, the University will suspend all classes today, effective immediately. Also, it is very important that all supervisors provide maximum flexibility and support for staff during this difficult time. Patient care will continue uninterrupted throughout the Health System.

“Although we wish it were not so, many members of our community will be seriously and personally affected by this loss. I ask that we draw together today to sustain our community in every way possible. I encourage faculty and staff to reach out to students in their classes this week and throughout our campus, using class time to discuss and reflect. I ask that faculty dedicate tomorrow’s classes to that end.”The following statement was issued this afternoon (Sept. 11) by Lisa A. Tedesco, U-M interim provost and vice president and secretary of the University and E. Royster Harper, vice president for student affairs:

“We are deeply proud of our diverse, multicultural community. Regardless of ethnic or national origin, we stand together in our grief and concern. We are committed to the safety and security of every member of this community and reaffirm our enduring respect for all who are a part of the University of Michigan family.”The cancellation of classes announced by Bollinger applies to the U-M’s Ann Arbor campus. The U-M-Flint campus also canceled classes today, while the U-M-Dearborn campus held classes as scheduled.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the community have organized a vigil for 9 p.m. tonight (Sept. 11) on the Diag. Invitations to the vigil were circulated throughout the campus community by student government leaders.

The U-M Library, after closing Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m., reopens at its normal time, 8 a.m., Wednesday morning, Sept. 12.

Extensive counseling support is being offered to students through each of the residence halls and in central locations such as the Kuenzel Room of Michigan Union. Students who have questions or need support can call (734) 763-9595.

Parents of U-M students are encouraged to get in touch with their children. Because of the scope of this national tragedy, phone lines
The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) is available for faculty and staff who need counseling support. U-M faculty and staff who need support or who have questions about their work situation should call (734) 763-9700.

The American Red Cross is in need of blood to replenish the nation’s supply. Call (800) GIVE-LIFE—(800) 448-3543—to schedule an appointment near where you live. .

William Bess, director of public safety, said the U-M Department of Public Safety is attending to heightened security issues and is working with local, state and federal agencies as appropriate, but the department will not discuss details of any security measures being taken. A bomb threat affecting the Literature, Science and Arts Building was called in today at noon. The building was evacuated and thoroughly investigated including being swept with a specially trained dog, but nothing was found. Individuals with security concerns can contact DPS at (734) 763-1131.

As additional information becomes available, we will post updates to the University’s main Web site at www.umich.edu.

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