The University community responds to national tragedy

UPDATED 11:05 a.m. Sept. 20

The University community responds to national tragedy

The School of Nursing is sponsoring a session, open to all university students, faculty and staff, on “Understanding andDealing with Stress Responses to the Current National Events” 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday (Sept. 20) in room 2184 School of Nursing Building, led by nursing Profs. Bonnie Hagerty and Reg Williams, specialists in psychiatric-mental health issues.

The School of Education and the School of Social Work are among sponsors of a teach-in on understanding one another 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 20) in Michigan Union Ballroom, with Near Eastern Studies Prof. Sherman Jackson and a panel of students discussing the tragedies of September 11 and the recent backlash against Arab-Americans and Muslims.

The Law Schoolwill be sponsoring a panel discussion, “International Law, the Use of Force, and the Response to the Terrorist Attack ofThe panel will be chaired by Law School Dean Jeffrey S. Lehmanand panelists will include—law Prof. Karima Bennoune,law Prof. Robert Howseaffiliated overseas law Prof. Bruno SimmaandHessel E. Yntema Professor Emeritus of Law Eric Stein,all from the U-M Law School.

Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planningis holding a series of up to three meetings to discuss the tragicevents of last week.The first meeting is noon-1:30 p.m. Friday (Sept. 21) in the Lecture Hall (room 2104) Art and Architecture Building, where Profs. Harry Giles and Peter von Buelow will explain structural issues of the building collapses and Prof. Scott Campbellwill introduce the urban implications.There will be follow-up meetings 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and, possibly, Oct. 5 in the Lecture Hall.

Saturday’s (Sept. 22) U-Mfootball game will be a publictributeby the Michigan Athletic Department to those whose lives havebeen changed by the events of September 11.U-M Director of Athletics Bill Martin announced Friday (Sept. 14) that the football schedule has been adjusted after postponing the Saturday (Sept. 15) U-M/Western Michigan game in view of the national tragedy. The Wolverines will eliminate the Sept. 29 bye week in their schedule and push back both the WMU and Illinois games one week.Intercollegiate Athletics schedule changes

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

U-M officials say the Sept. 11 tragedy has not shaken the commitment of the University 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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School of NursingBonnie HagertySchool of EducationLaw SchoolJeffrey S. LehmanKarima BennouneRobert Howse