October 28, 2018

To the UD Community:

The tragic and senseless mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue yesterday — believed to be the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in United States history — has left us all deeply saddened and disturbed.

On behalf of the whole University of Delaware, I want to extend our sincere condolences to all those families and friends affected by this horrific and divisive act, including members of our own UD community who are of the Jewish faith. As a demonstration of our values and our solidarity, Hillel and the Division of Student Life have planned a vigil for 2 p.m. today on the north side of Memorial Hall on The Green for all members of the UD community to remember the victims and take a stand against hate and prejudice.

The University of Delaware welcomes everyone, and on this campus we work hard, with both compassion and intention, to create a safe and supportive environment for all our students, faculty and staff. We want everyone to feel encouraged and inspired to succeed in their endeavors, and we have several systems and resources in place to support the needs of our community, which are listed at the bottom of this letter.

During this complicated time in our society, we must all remember that we can lean on the humanity and values that unite us in the shared progress of inclusive excellence, respect and support for one another.

Assistance for Students:

RAs or Residence Hall Coordinators for students living in residence halls,

Office of the Dean of Students for connection to on- and off-campus resources (you can call 302-831-8939 to schedule appointment or stop by Room 101 of Hullihen Hall),

Center for Counseling & Student Development (CCSD) for students in need of support, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F (phone: 302-831-2141),

UD Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (phone: 302-831-1001).

Student Diversity and Inclusion; staff within these areas are prepared to speak to any students about their experience on this campus,

UD Hillel connecting the Jewish community within our University,

Assistance for Employees:

HMS/Health Advocates provides UD-benefitted employees with counseling needs 24/7 (phone: 800-343-2186 – give the the name: STATE OF DELAWARE. This password also applies to online access on the website).,

On-campus counseling services with Cecily Sawyer-Harmon, who is available Wednesdays and Thursdays at the STAR Campus, 8:30am – 3:30pm (phone: 302-831-3987).

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President