Welcome to the University of Arizona Safe Cats Blog!

Welcome to the University of Arizona Safe Cats blogging site. This site is specifically designed and created to address the culture of safety and promote a safe campus community. Please provide thoughts or feedback to any issues you see on or off campus relating to the student, staff, and faculty population. This is a safe campus community and we are interested in seeing what you think.



Friday, June 24, 2011

University Boulevard Closure

From: Building Managers
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011
To: UA Campus Community
Subject: Street Closure

SERVICE INTERRUPTION: Street Closure

BUILDING: University Boulevard (Campbell to Cherry) and Cherry Intersection

DATE: Monday, June 27-Monday July 11, 2011

DESCRIPTION: Facilities Management will be repaving University Boulevard, from Campbell to Cherry, and the University/Cherry Intersection. East and west bound traffic on University will be closed beginning Monday, June 27, 2011 and remain closed until Monday, July 11, 2011. Concrete curbs along the mall and concrete pads for city buses will be installed the first week with milling and asphalt work being completed the second week.

The University/Cherry intersection will remain open until Saturday, July 2, 2011 at which time it will be closed until Monday, July 11, 2011. Southbound traffic on Cherry will be closed just south of the Flandrau parking entrance. Northbound Cherry traffic will be closed north of the Optical Science parking entrance.

CONTACT: Luis Rocha 626-4915

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Statement on drug free schools and campuses

Date: May 3, 2011
To: Members of the University Community
From: Allison M. Vaillancourt, Vice President of Human Resources
Subject: The University of Arizona Statement on Drug Free Schools and Campuses

Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (“Act”), no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The Act requires the annual distribution of the following information to students and employees.

Policy and Prohibition

To achieve the policy and objective of providing a drug free environment for all University students and employees, the University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities. Further, the University prohibits employees while on duty from consuming or being under the influence of a) alcoholic beverages while on duty or b) a controlled substance not prescribed for the employee by their health care provider. University of Arizona students and employees are subject to all applicable drug and alcohol policies including policies set forth in the University's Staff Personnel Policy Manual, University Handbook for Appointed Personnel, Arizona Board of Regents Code of Conduct, the University of Arizona Alcohol Policy and Regulations, or other applicable rules when adopted.

Sanctions

  • Local, state, and federal laws make illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. Conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines and assigned community service.
  • In order to assure fair and consistent treatment of all students or employees who are accused of illegal use of drugs and alcohol, the University will handle all cases which come to its attention within the guidelines of the applicable policies and procedures of the University (e.g. Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures, Staff Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action, ABOR Code of Conduct) and where appropriate, local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Sanctions will be imposed on students or employees who violate Arizona Board of Regents or University drug and/or alcohol policies. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for students and, for employees, disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Health Risks

There are definite health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal substances. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, and death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use, or more subtle and long term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. In addition to health related problems, other concerns relating to substance abuse include the following:

  • Regular abusers of alcohol and other drugs often have erratic lifestyles which interfere with sleep, nutrition, and exercise
  • Alcohol and substance abuse may lead to financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries, and reduced job performance
  • Repeated abuse of alcohol can lead to dependence

Support Systems and Resources for Employees

If you are experiencing problems with alcohol and/or other drugs, there are campus and community resources available to assist you.

Services are available through the University of Arizona health plans to assist staff, faculty or appointed personnel who are experiencing problems with chemical dependency. Individuals can speak with their primary care physician or their health carrier's Member Services Department to access those resources. Additionally, the University's Life & Work Connections Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation service provides free, voluntary and confidential short-term counseling when appropriate, or supervisor consultation, information and referrals to individuals requesting assistance for drug and/or alcohol problems. Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation also provides ongoing consultation and supervisory training each semester in conjunction with Human Resources to educate about signs and symptoms of alcohol/drug problems, ways to help troubled employees, and resources available on campus and in the community. For more information or to schedule an appointment, pleas! e call (520)621-2493.

Reporting Responsibility

Employees and students are required to report to the University if they are convicted of any alcohol or drug-related offense arising from the use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Appointed personnel and classified staff employees must report such information to the Vice President for Human Resources (520-621-1684); student employees must report such information to the Dean of Students Office (520-621-7060). These individuals are also available to answer any questions pertaining to the legislation or the University's compliance.

Statement on the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203)

Arizona voters recently approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203) which, under certain circumstances, permits individuals to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, however, the University has and will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose.

Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, "no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees." Federal law, entitled The Controlled Substances Act, prohibits the possession, use or production of marijuana, even for medical use. Therefore, the University will continue to enforce its current policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Employees and students who violate University policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.

If you have any questions regarding this email, please contact Campus Health at 520-621-6489.

Related Links

University Classified Staff Policy Manual
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/09_rel/clsstaffmanual.php

University Handbook for Appointed Personnel
http://uhap.web.arizona.edu/

Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual
http://www.azregents.edu/policymanual/default.aspx

University of Arizona Alcohol Policy and Regulations
http://policy.web.arizona.edu/Alcohol.pdf

Student Code of Conduct and Student Disciplinary Procedures
http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/policiesandcodes/studentcodeofconduct

Classified Staff Rules of Conduct
http://www.hr.arizona.edu/policy/401

Life & Work Connections
http://lifework.arizona.edu/

Life & Work Connections - Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation
http://lifework.arizona.edu/ea

Friday, April 29, 2011

Message from UAlert!

To: All UA Employees and Students
From: UA Campus Emergency Response Team
Subject: UAlert Notifications
Date: April 28, 2011

To ensure that members of the University of Arizona community receive immediate notification of campus emergencies, the email addresses of all students and employees have been added to the UAlert system.

During an emergency, short updates are sent through the system to all registered users via email, text message or both. Users can add a second cell phone number and email address so that a friend or family member can receive the same information.

Administered by members of the UA's Campus Emergency Response Team, UAlert messages are only sent during critical situations, including road closures that affect travel near campus. The most recent alerts were sent April 5, when the intersection at North Park Avenue and East Speedway Boulevard was closed due to a traffic accident.

This service is free and voluntary and is not used to distribute advertising or other unsolicited content.

Employees and students are strongly encouraged to also register their cell phone numbers by going to http://alerts.arizona.edu and clicking on "sign up now." You'll need your UA NetID and password. While UAlert is a free service, you may be charged a standard text messaging fee by your service provider.

For more information about UAlert, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page at http://alerts.arizona.edu/faq.php.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sexual Assault Awareness Month Roster

To: Campus Community

From: Oasis Program Against Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence: Erin Strange, Violence Prevention Specialist
Date: Month of April
Subject: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and the Oasis Program Against Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence is partnering up with various campus groups, departments, and organizations on the following events.

RAD Self Defense:
RAD Self Defense courses will be offered to female identified individuals interested in learning basic self- defense. RAD demos last
two hours and are hosted at Campus Health. Those interested in registering for RAD classes should contact Melanie Fleck at 621-3941
or fleck@health.arizona.edu .
Schedule:
Thursday March 31st: 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday April 5th : 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday April 28th: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

UA Hands Project:
Come show your support for violence prevention! A table will be set up on the Mall where students, staff, and faculty, can come together to show their support and further the message that our hands are not for hurting. Dip your hands in paint and add them to the banners that will be used at the Take Back The Night rally. Don't want to get your hands messy? Don't worry, we'll have plenty of opportunities for people to create posters and add messages of support!
Schedule:
Monday April 18th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday April 19th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wednesday April 20th 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Take Back the Night:
The UA Oasis Program Against Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence in collaboration with the Women's Resource Center, Fraternity and Sorority Programs, Men Against Violence, and other campus organizations, is proud to announce this year's Take Back the Night, a national march and rally to end sexual assault.

The Take Back the Night movement unifies community members by educating and
inspiring them to speak out against sexual violence. The event will include a march around campus, a community resource fair, speakers, poetry and music by CatCall.. Our keynote speaker this year is Emily May from Hollaback!, a movement dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology. The evening will conclude with a survivor speak-out to honor victims and empower survivors.

Take Back the Night is a great opportunity for anyone impacted by or passionate about ending sexual assault to come together and create positive social change.

Date: April 26, 2011
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
Location: The march will begin at the parking lot of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Center, located at 1322 E. First St. at 5:30 pm.
The march will conclude at the UA Women's Plaza of Honor, located on the SE corner of University Blvd and Park Ave., next to Centennial Hall.

For additional information contact Erin Strange, Violence Prevention Specialist, at (520) 626-1829

Monday, March 21, 2011

Plagiarism Prevention Workshop



Tragedy in Japan

TO: UA Campus Community
FROM: Meredith Hay, Executive Vice President and Provost
DATE: March 18, 2011
SUBJECT: Tragedy in Japan

The University of Arizona community has been closely monitoring the tragic situation in Japan.
While heartbroken over the devastation that has claimed countless lives, I am thankful to inform you that no University students or employees were hurt. The situation remains delicate and continues to change daily.

The earthquake, tsunami and damage to some of Japan’s nuclear reactors have resulted in the issuance of a Travel Warning from the U.S. Department of State, which strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time and asks those currently in the country to consider departing.

The Travel Warning has prompted the University to ask any UA students and employees currently in Japan to leave the country.

If planning to travel as a University employee to countries under a Travel Warning, you are required obtain approval from the UA Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost before commencing travel.

If you have imminent travel plans to Japan, please contact Gail Burd, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, at 520-626-4099 or gburd@email.arizona.edu to initiate the approval process and discuss potential options for deferring travel.

It is important that you are aware of the UA Interim Policy Concerning Study, Travel and Research in Countries under U.S. State Department Travel Warnings (http://policy.web.arizona.edu/~policy/Interim_Travel.pdf). This policy outlines expectations regarding student and employee travel in areas where there are Travel Warnings.

The essential elements of this policy are that:

• Employee travel to countries under a Travel Warning that forbids, restricts or otherwise urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to a certain country, is generally prohibited unless advance authorization is obtained from the Executive Vice President and Provost.

• You should evaluate your planned itinerary against the information in the Travel Warning and avoid or defer travel to identified dangerous areas.

• Students and employees must be allowed to opt out of travel if they wish, and must be provided with an alternative to participation in any scheduled trip to countries under a Travel Warning.

• You should print out the Travel Warning and provide a copy to each trip participant.

• Students are required to sign the Travel Warning Release Form, which is available from Risk Management & Safety (http://risk.arizona.edu/forms/TravelWarningReleaseForm.pdf).

For additional questions regarding the UA Interim Policy Concerning Study, Travel and Research in Countries under U.S. State Department Travel Warnings, contact Steve Holland or Herb Wagner (520-621-1790) at Risk Management & Safety.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Have a Safe Spring Break

Subj: Spring Break Travel
From: casares@email.arizona.edu
***********************

Many students will choose to travel to different destinations over spring break. As you make your final preparations I would like to make you aware of an upcoming campus educational program that may be of interest to you.

March 3, 2011, 10:00-2:00 -Spring Break Safety Fair, UA Mall

There will be a variety of booths, demonstrations, and interactive educational opportunities available for students to obtain safety information and other resources on spring break travel. This program is jointly sponsored by ASUA, UAPD, and the UA Parents & Family Association.

For those students traveling abroad, the U. S. Department of State website provides extensive information regarding travel requirements and safety information. In addition, information is provided regarding Travel Warnings and Alerts for specific locations around the world. Travel Warnings and Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term and long-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

September 10, 2010, The Department of State placed into effect a Travel Warning for Mexico. This warning describes recent violence, and provides guidance and additional links regarding travel in Mexico. If you choose to travel to Mexico for spring break, I urge you to familiarize yourself with this information and the following resources, tips and suggestions to increase your safety.

--Going to Mexico - Spring Break Safety Information http://www.health.arizona.edu/health_topics/mexico-brochure.pdf
--Spring Break in Mexico - Know Before You Go http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_5014.html

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jason Casares, Assistant Dean of Students & Campus Safety Coordinator, through any of the following options - 621-7057 or casares@email.arizona.edu.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Spring Break Safety Fair and Workshops


Beginning on March 12th, 2011 through March 20th, 2011, University of Arizona students will be on Spring Break and enjoying their time away. Please remind students to “Stay Safe”, “Stay Smart”, and most of all, “Stay Alive."

The University of Arizona Police Department has partnered with the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and a plethora of other units and departments to host a Spring Break Safety Fair. The purpose of this fair is to provide students with travel and safety information during their break. It will take place on this Thursday, March 3rd 2011 from 10-2pm on the UA Mall. There will be FREE FOOD, PRIZES, and MORE!

In addition, the following week, March 7th-March 10th, will include the kick-off of the Spring Break Safety Workshops which will be taught by your peers about a variety of safety topics. There will be FREE PIZZA and SODA everyday of the event. Please see the flyer for more information about the locations.


Thursday, February 10, 2011

"Week of Civility" at the UA

To bring attention to the need civility in our daily lives, officials at the University of Arizona are holding a "Week of Civility" with five days of events bringing to light the values of social civility in Tucson and across the globe.
Here is a bit about the line up:

Feb. 14: Athletic Director Greg Byrne will present his lecture, "Civility in a Sports-Mad World: University Fan and Student Behavior.” The lecture will be held in Room 210 of Modern Languages, 1423 E. University Blvd.

Feb. 15: Arizona Illustrated host Bill Buckmaster will moderate "Civility in Political Discourse," a panel discussion on civility in political discourse with former Arizona senator and current Arizona Board of Regents member Dennis DeConcini, as well as Tom Volgy, former Tucson mayor and current professor in the UA's School of Government and Public Policy; Arizona Daily Star cartoonist David Fittzimmons; and Communications Professor Kate Kenski. The discussion will be held in the North Ballroom at the Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.

Feb. 16: "Civil Discourse in a Conflicted Community" will bring to light the importance of respectful debate within higher ed. Panelists are professors Pat Hoyer, Miranda Joseph, J.C. Mutchler and J. Jefferson Reid. The event will be held in the Tucson Room of the Student Union.

Feb. 17: Sheri Bauman, a UA associate professor of disability and psychoeducational studies, will present "Civility in the Digital Age," concerning electronic civility and bullying. This event will be held in the Tucson Room of the Student Union.

Feb. 18: UA Attorney Steve Adamczyk will present his talk, "Civility and the First Amendment" addressing the need to balance the right to free speech and the responsibility to respect to the beliefs and opinions of others. The event will be held in Room 318 of the Education Building, 1430 E. Second St.

For more information, visit http://uanews.org/node/37707.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Message to UA Community regarding situation in Egypt

TO: UA Campus Community
FROM: Meredith Hay, Executive Vice President and Provost
DATE: February 3, 2011
SUBJECT: Situation in Egypt

The University of Arizona community has been closely monitoring the demonstrations in Egypt for the past several days. The situation remains volatile and continues to change daily.

As of today, we have two students in Egypt. They are safe, accounted for and in the process of leaving the country. We are not aware of any UA employees in Egypt at this time.

UA personnel have been in frequent contact with each of the UA students in Egypt since the protests began. We have worked with our study abroad partners to offer the necessary resources to these individuals to ensure their safety and security, and will continue to do so as they leave the country.

The protests and political uncertainty have resulted in the issuance of a Travel Warning from the U.S. Department of State, which orders the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Egypt. It also recommends that U.S. citizens avoid travel to Egypt at this time.

If planning to travel as a University employee to countries under a Travel Warning, you should obtain approval from the UA Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost before commencing travel.

If you have imminent travel plans to the Middle East, please contact Gail Burd – vice provost for academic affairs – at 520-626-4099 or gburd@email.arizona.edu – to initiate the approval process and discuss potential options for deferring travel.

It is important that you are aware of the UA Interim Policy Concerning Study, Travel and Research in Countries under U.S. State Department Travel Warnings
(http://policy.web.arizona.edu/~policy/Interim_Travel.pdf
). This policy outlines expectations regarding student and employee travel in areas where there are Travel Warnings.

The essential elements of this policy are that:

• Employee travel to countries under a Travel Warning that forbids, restricts, or otherwise urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to a certain country, is generally prohibited unless advance authorization is obtained from the Executive Vice President and Provost.
• You should evaluate your planned itinerary against the information in the Travel Warning and avoid or defer travel to identified dangerous areas.
• Students and employees must be allowed to opt out of travel if they wish, and must be provided with an alternative to participation in any scheduled trip to countries under a Travel Warning.
• You should print out the Travel Warning and provide a copy to each trip participant.
• Students are required to sign the Travel Warning Release Form, which is available from Risk Management & Safety (http://risk.arizona.edu/forms/TravelWarningReleaseForm.pdf).

For additional questions regarding the UA Interim Policy Concerning Study, Travel and Research in Countries under U.S. State Department Travel Warnings, contact Steve Holland or Herb Wagner (520-621-1790) at Risk Management & Safety.

If you are currently traveling on University business or plan to do so in the near future, please make sure to enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (https://travelregistration.state.gov). Departments or family members can enroll on behalf of travelers who do not have Internet access. This allows the government to account for each citizen in the event of a mandatory evacuation.

Please monitor the U.S. Department of State website – http://www.travel.state.gov – for additional updates.

We will continue to keep you information as the situation unfolds and changes occur that impact UA employees and students.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

STATEMENT ON THE ARIZONA MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT (Proposition 203)

To: Members of the University of Arizona Community
From: Allison M. Vaillancourt, Vice President, Human Resources
Subject: Statement on Medical Marijuana
Date: January 26, 2011

Last November, Arizona voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which permits the use and possession of marijuana for certain medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, the University of Arizona will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose. A statement from the Office of General Counsel explaining the University's position follows.

STATEMENT ON THE ARIZONA MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT (Proposition 203)

Arizona voters recently approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Proposition 203) which, under certain circumstances, permits individuals to possess and use limited quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. Because of its obligations under federal law, however, the University has and will continue to prohibit marijuana possession and use on campus for any purpose.

Under Federal legislation entitled The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, "no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless it has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees." Federal law, entitled The Controlled Substances Act, prohibits the possession, use or production of marijuana, even for medical use. Therefore, the University will continue to enforce its current policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Employees and students who violate University policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on campus will continue to be subject to disciplinary action.

Prepared by:Office of the General Counsel
Date:January 18, 2011
Contact:Glenn George, Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel
Vicki Gotkin, University Attorney

Monday, January 24, 2011

Be a Friend. Do Something.




SafeCats just launched a new website!

College is an exciting time and provides us all with many new experiences. As we meet new people and discover new interests, sometimes it's all too easy to become wrapped up in our own lives and not recognize what is happening to those around us.

Be a Friend. Do Something. is here to help. Through offering no-nonsense advice, this site will walk you through the most difficult of situations. Have you ever been concerned about a friend driving home drunk or hooking up while intoxicated? What about someone in class who you've heard make threatening remarks or an organization that you're sure is hazing its members?

Be a Friend. Do Something. answers your questions in the most in your face way. Visit the website
at http://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/beafriend/

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Support for our community

To: University Community
From: Robert N. Shelton, President
Subject: Support for Our Community

The past few days have been both heart-wrenching and remarkable. We moved from shock at Saturday’s shootings, to anguish over the loss of life, to gratitude that many of those injured survived and that others were unharmed, to overwhelming pride in the talents and bravery of first responders, healthcare professionals, and quick-thinking citizens who stepped up to ensure the safety and survival of others.

So where do we go from here?

Last night we held a ceremony that was designed to begin a healing process for our community. It afforded a chance for all of us in the Tucson region to come together and renew our sense of hope, and purpose, and pride in this wonderful place we live. It was cathartic for many to have a chance to cheer the heroes of that tragic day, and share a commitment to reach out to our friends and neighbors with a greater sense of love.

But memorial services will soon conclude, community gatherings will cease, the injured will recover, and news media from around the world will move to another story. What are we to do next?

Perhaps our most important task is to give ourselves and others the opportunity to grieve.

Grief and trauma manifest themselves in many ways, and understanding our reactions to tragic events is a key first step in the healing process. Being sad, disoriented, unable to concentrate, less productive, or prone to sudden emotional changes is normal and expected. It will take time for life to feel normal again.

Some people have expressed confusion and even embarrassment about the degree of their grief or anxiety given that they were not directly connected to the individuals who were injured. This, too, is normal. Our hearts ache for the friends and families of those harmed and we are mourning the loss of our own sense of safety and security. It is completely reasonable for each of us to feel affected.

In the weeks and days ahead I encourage you to take special care of yourself. This is the time to focus on eating well, getting rest, exercising, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and connecting with others. You may find it helpful to review newly posted advice that is available on the UA Life & Work Connections website http://lifework.arizona.edu/

I ask you to look after one another as well. Accept that colleagues and students may have trouble focusing or may be distracted. Reach out to those who appear withdrawn, distraught or unusually irritable. Remind students about counseling resources are available to them through Counseling and Psychological Services http://www.health.arizona.edu/webfiles/caps.htm and refer faculty and staff to UA Life & Work Connections http://lifework.arizona.edu/

It is important for us to recognize that it will take time for an entire community to recover and we must acknowledge that life as we know it has been forever changed. It is important, too, to recognize that we are an extraordinary community filled with compassionate people. Tucson’s essential soul has been revealed and that should offer us all a sense of hope.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Saturday's Tragedy

To: University Community
From: Robert N. Shelton
Subject: Saturday's Tragedy

Saturday’s tragic shooting in Tucson, which critically wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and resulted in six deaths, is having a profound effect on the University of Arizona community. I want all of our students, faculty and staff to know that the full resources of the UA are available to anyone who is personally impacted by this tragedy.

Please join me in extending our prayers and best wishes to the victims of this unspeakable attack, along with their families.

The medical professionals at UMC have provided extraordinary care to Rep. Giffords and many of the other victims. We are confident that they all are getting the best care possible at UMC.

For years, Gabrielle Giffords has been a tremendous friend of the University of Arizona, and in her two terms in Congress has worked tirelessly on behalf of education. She has always been a voice of moderation, which makes this shooting even more difficult to comprehend.

U.S. District Judge John Roll, a UA alumnus and Arizona’s chief federal judge, lost his life on Saturday as a result of this tragedy. He is remembered by his colleagues and friends as a brilliant jurist, a devoted family man, a person of faith and a gentleman.

Daniel Hernandez, a UA junior and an intern for Rep. Giffords, was at the scene of the shooting and provided live-saving first aid prior to the arrival of medical personnel. Thankfully, he was not injured. I thank him for his courageous and heroic efforts during a time of crisis.

Finally, I know that many of you personally know some of the victims, live in the area where the shooting occurred or have ties to the police, fire and medical personnel who are heroically serving.

In one way or another, the entire UA campus community has been shaken by this tragedy. I encourage you to look out for one another – our classmates, colleagues and friends – as we all cope with the grief and uncertainty that accompanies such an egregious act of violence.

Please remember that students may obtain services from Counseling and Psychological Services and that our Life & Work Connections program is available to UA faculty and staff.

To access counseling services, call 520-621-3334 (Counseling and Psychological Services) or 520-621-2493 (Life & Work Connections).

We will continue to keep you informed of new developments, the conditions of the victims at UMC and additional resources available to the campus community.