Dear UD Community,

I am writing regarding information distributed today by state and federal authorities that reports the filing of criminal charges against a University of Delaware undergraduate student. The student was arrested Nov. 24 in Wilmington and is currently in police custody. The student faces state and federal charges. The University has temporarily separated the student from the University, including a ban from all UD campuses while legal matters are being resolved. We have been working closely with law enforcement throughout this matter and are sharing this information with you now that we have been cleared to do so. 

There are no known or immediate threats to the University of Delaware community. However, the press release describes evidence of a plan that targeted the University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD). This is frightening to all of us. The press release contains relevant information about the timeline and the actions of the New Castle County Police, the FBI, the Department of Justice and UDPD. I am incredibly grateful to these teams for their diligent investigation and coordination. 

My purpose here is to talk about how we are working through this as a community. At times like this, I appreciate evermore how strong our community is, and how we come together and care for each other both in good times and when we learn about something alarming like this. To that end, the Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall will be open for walk-in conversations all this week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students are encouraged to stop in if you want to talk to someone. (More details on drop-in hours and resources for faculty and staff support can be found below.)

Our top priority is the safety of everyone who studies, works, or lives at the University of Delaware. UDPD is staffed 24/7 and I encourage you to contact them if you witness suspected criminal activity, see suspicious behavior, or have any questions pertaining to your safety.

I also encourage all members of the UD community to download the free LiveSafe app, which lets users submit tips to police, receive important broadcast notifications and contact UDPD directly. I encourage you to learn more about the LiveSafe app.

Finally, resources are available for anyone in need, including a number of campus safety and wellness resources. Please see below for more information. 

Thank you again to law enforcement for their diligent work and swift action, and to all of you for your vigilance and the care you show one another every day. 

With appreciation for each of you,

Yours in UD,

Laura Carlson
Interim President

Resources

The Center for Counseling & Student Development is available to support students both in person and virtually. In person support is available weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Students can walk in or book in advance. For unscheduled walk-in support, students should come to 305 Warner Hall and request to speak with a counselor. For in-person appointments, students can use the web-booking feature in the UD Health Portal. 

Virtual mental health support is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through TimelyCare, UD’s telehealth partner that is free of charge to all students. TimelyCare provides scheduled counseling and on-demand 24/7/365 virtual support with licensed professionals through its TalkNow service. TimelyCare offers translation services and access to its TalkNow service while in the U.S. and abroad.

For UD employees, the University provides a number of wellness resources. Also, employees have access to personalized expert care and support through HealthAdvocate.
University of Delaware   •   Newark, DE   •   udel.edu/president
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