The Tragedy at Virginia Tech
Greig Stewart, Executive Director April 16, 2007
In light of the horrific events unfolding at Virginia Tech, College Park Scholars is sharing the following information to respond to many of the questions and concerns coming forward from our students, parents, faculty and staff. All of us at College Park Scholars are shocked and saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives and hold the Virginia Tech community in our thoughts and prayers. Below please find resources available to students should they be personally impacted by this tragedy or simply wish to sit down with someone to talk. To those families personally affected by this tragedy, we extend our deepest sympathies. As always, if any members of our community have any questions or concerns, we invite you to contact us.
College Park Scholars & Cambridge Community Resident Life Contacts:
Martha Baer Wilmes
Associate Director for Student Affairs, Scholars
mwilmes@umd.edu
301.314.2777
Greig Stewart
Executive Director, Scholars
gstewart@umd.edu
301.314.2777
Kevin Baxter
Assistant Director, Scholars
bax@umd.edu
301.314.2777
Andrew Goretsky
Cambridge Community Director
301.314.7925
Joshua Beeson (Cumberland)
Alan Rucker (Bel Air, Cambridge, Chestertown)
Tanesha Leathers (Centreville)
Cambridge Community Resident Directors
301.314.7925
Resources for coping:
Counseling Center (301.314.7651)
(Shoemaker Hall near South Campus Dining Hall)
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Memorial Chapel (301.314.9866)
(University Chaplains)
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(See contact information for at http://www.chapel.umd.edu/chaplains)
Mental Health Unit, University Health Center (301.314.8106)
HELP Center (301.314.HELP)
(3105 South Campus Dining Hall)
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Friday 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
The tragedy taking place at Virginia Tech University can obviously take a toll on students’ emotional well-being. Consequently, there are members of the Department of Resident Life who are trained to deal with difficult situations and can refer students to the appropriate resources on campus. The Resident Directors (RD) and the Community Director (CD) are always available to sit down and talk with students who feel affected by the current tragedy. Students who feel the need to sit down with someone or perhaps seek out more direct counseling may first wish to visit with their Resident Assistant (RA) or one of the aforementioned Resident Life professionals. Commuters may want to be in touch directly with the Counseling Center or our offices to connect them to the appropriate resources.
University Statements
President C.D. Mote
On behalf of every member of our campus community, I extend our support and deepest sympathies to the Virginia Tech Family, as well as to our University of Maryland faculty, staff and students who have friends and colleagues in Blacksburg. A tragedy of this proportion shocks our nation and especially every college and university. I am personally deeply saddened by this stunning news. Please join me in pausing for a moment of silence following the Chapel Bells at noon on Tuesday to reflect on life and values in remembrance of those whose lives ended so abruptly.
All of us in higher education are one at a moment such as this. While Blacksburg is hundreds of miles away, our anguish is not bounded by distance. I know and have worked with President Steger and offer to him and the entire Virginia Tech community our support and expertise in the fullest measures.
This morning's attack has again demonstrated that no community can be completely shielded from such an incomprehensible act. Yet, in the wake of this tragedy, we are marshaling our resources to support the emotional needs of our community.
Counseling for Students—Maryland's Counseling Center is available for students or parents to call with any concerns related to the Virginia Tech shootings. The Counseling Center is located in the Shoemaker Building, between the Chapel and LeFrak Hall, 301-314-7651, http://www.counseling.umd.edu/. Each residence hall and the Greek homes on campus have their own designated psychologist. Students can contact their resident director for help in contacting the designated psychologist.
Counseling for Parents—Parents have their own "warmline" operated by the Counseling Center, 301-314-7651, http://www.terpparent.umd.edu/educating_parents/parent_warmline, or by email to parentwarmline@umd.edu.
The Chapel (Main and West) will be open until 5:00 PM on Tuesday for reflection and quiet space.
I want to assure every parent and every member of our campus family that we have reviewed our own safety and security initiatives in light of this tragedy. Our ongoing commitment to safety is our highest priority, and we want to make sure we have left no stone unturned.
Safety and Security – Led by more than 90 officers in our internationally accredited Department of Public Safety, the University provides a multi-layered approach to safety and security, including (1) the gate system (which screens vehicles attempting to enter campus between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. each night); (2) a keyless card access system installed on the exterior doors of every residence hall that limits access to the buildings to those with a valid access card and records every person who legitimately enters a UM residence hall; (3) the capacity to electronically lock all buildings from the Police Emergency Communications Center if necessary; (4) a keyless card access system to all interior barrier doors, which prevents access from the lobby area of each residence hall; and (5) a deadbolt system installed on each residence hall door. Every member of the faculty, staff and student body should seek to understand and use the University's comprehensive safety and security measures. It is only through this effort that this system's value is maximized.
Communications – In an emergency, the University will use a wide range of communication vehicles to ensure that everyone is kept informed, including: campus-wide email and voicemail, the university website, and the communication systems that are available in our Early Warning Siren and StormReady Systems (http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/uniini/release.cfm?ArticleID=816).
Blood Drive – The University's Red Terrapins will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday in the Atrium of the Stamp Student Union from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another drive will take place on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Prince George's Room, Stamp Student Union. Sign up in advance for either time at: www.donorsforlife.net. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to support the drive. Blood given will not go directly to Virginia Tech, but it will increase supplies at the Red Cross, which will be supplying blood to injured students in Blacksburg.
As we support the Virginia Tech University through this terrible time, I want to also reach out to every member of our own family and assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure our safety, security, and well-being.
C. D. Mote, Jr.
President
Contact Information
Should you have any further questions, please contact the appropriate office on campus:
- Cambridge Community Resident Life: 301-314-7925
- Cumberland Desk: 301-314-2864
- Centreville Desk: 301-314-2368
- College Park Scholars: 301-314-2777
- Health Center: 301-314-8180
- Counseling Center: 301-314-7651
- Office of Community Service Learning: 301-314-2273
