The University community responds to national tragedy

UPDATED 2:40 p.m. Sept. 25

The University community responds to national tragedy

The Alumni Association of the University of Michigan has opened a Message Board, an open forum of information about Michigan alumni.

The U-M Center for Research on Learning and Teaching has compiled suggestions for U-M instructors leading discussions of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Telecasts—Some of the U-M discussions regarding the Sept. 11 tragedy were videotaped and are being telecast on the U-M educational access channel 22 in the Ann Arbor-area Comcast cable system.

Tuesday (Sept. 25), the University of Michigan Department of Near Eastern Studies, with the support of the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Center for Middle East and North African Studies, convenes a symposium/teach-in: “The United States, The Middle East and Islam: Reflections on the Current Crisis” 7 p.m. in the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater of the Michigan League.

Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planningholds the second in a set of meetings to discuss the tragic events of Sept. 11 in the Lecture Hall (room 2104) Art and Architecture Building 12:30-1:30 Wednesday (Sept. 26) and may schedule a third meeting Oct. 5 in the Lecture Hall.On Sept. 26—Urban planning Prof. Hemalata Dandekarwill speak on the geopolitics of Asia.Architecture Prof. David Scobeywill address the cultural dimensions of the tragedy.Architecture Prof. Will Glover will speak on the geopolitical and cultural dimensions of the crisis, outlining the USA’s involvement in the Afganistan and Pakistan region before opening the discussion to the audience.

The School of Social Work andthe School of Nursing are among supporters of a public teach-in 8 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 27) in room 100 Hutchins Hall on Islam, backlash against Arabs, the hijab (headscarves) and the importance of coalition building.

Brave New Works, a new music group dedicated to presenting, promoting and performing contemporary classical music for a broad audience presents a mini-festival featuring music of Albert A. Stanley Distinguished University Prof. Emer. of MusicLeslie Bassett 8 p.m. October 6 and 7 in the Britton Recital hall of the Moore Music Building on North Campus, offered “as testimony to those values that we all honor.”Performers will include the Ambassador Duo, Matthew Ardizzone, WinstonChoi, Jennifer Goltz, Scott Conklin, Robert Auler and other Brave New Works Members.The composer will be on hand to talk about his music before each concert.

The U-M has created a Web site to help families and friends affected by the tragedies locate one another.

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.If you are unable to get through to the toll-free number, the U-M School of Business Administration has an online formthrough which people can contact the Washtenaw Chapter of the Red Cross to set up appointments.Open message to the University Community from the Red Cross

U-M Human Resources & Affirmative Action has issued an e-mail Benefits Special Edition – Your Retirement Plan

Counseling resources

Cancellations and postponements

Statements from University community leaders

William Bess, director of public safety, said the U-M Department of Public Safety and Security 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. Individuals with security concerns can contact the department 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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Other information resources

News and Information ServicesUniversity of Michigan

Alumni AssociationCenter for Research on Learning and Teachingare being telecastDepartment of Near Eastern StudiesTaubman College of Architecture and Urban PlanningHemalata DandekarDavid Scobey