The University community responds to national tragedy

UPDATED 3:45 p.m. Sept. 14

The University community responds to national tragedy

The University is observing the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance (Sept. 14) in a variety of ways, but classes are being held as scheduled. A nondenominational campus event was held at noon on the North Campus and Central Campus diag areas.Memo from Interim Provost Lisa A. Tedesco to the campus community

U-M Intercollegiate Athletic spokespersons say the Michigan/Western Michigan football game scheduled for Saturday (Sept. 15) has been postponed.Intercollegiate Athletics schedule changes

School of Music students and faculty lead a public commemoration of the Sept. 11 tragedies Friday, (Sept. 14) at 8 p.m. in Hill Auditorium.

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

The American Red Cross at 2729 Packard Road holds a public candlelight vigil Friday (Sept. 14) at 7 p.m. as a memorial to all who have suffered this tragedy. The Red Cross requests that people bring their own candles and suggests bringing American flags.The 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 CrossAlpha Phi Omega sponsors a blood drive Friday (Sept. 14) until 8 p.m. in Michigan Union, 530 South State St., Ann Arbor, appointments not needed.

U-M officials say Tuesday’s tragedy has not shaken the commitment of the University of Michigan to international education.Statement

Cancellations and postponements

Counseling and Psychological Services(CAPS) provides walk-in counseling at 3100 Michigan Union. The CAPS phone number is 764-8312.CAPS-produced materials to assist students, staff and faculty—Creating Caring CommunitiesHelping a FriendGrief and LossSleep DifficultiesManaging Traumatic StressWhy Should I Ask for Help?

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 following statement was issued at noon 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 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.”

Open communication to U-M students from officers of Michigan Student Assembly (campus-wide student government)

About 15,000 students, faculty, staff and members of the community held a vigil honoring the victims Tuesday night (Sept. 11) on the Diag. Invitations to the vigil were circulated throughout the campus community by student government leaders.

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 Tuesday (Sept. 11) 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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Other information resources

News and Information ServicesUniversity of Michigan

Memo from Interim Provost Lisa A. Tedesco to the campus communityhas been postponedIntercollegiate Athletics schedule changesSchool of MusicWeb siteSchool of Business AdministrationOpen message to the University Community from the Red Cross