I know many of you have mourned with the community of Virginia Tech, the tragic loss of life suffered recently. When these events occur, they affect us all. Seeking rationale for the irrational sometimes constrains our ability to adequately mourn and move beyond the fear that these situations often evoke in many of us.

Making safe the campus environment has been and continues to be an institutional priority. Specifically, we want to make certain that you understand current and additional steps we have and/or will have in place to communicate as well as respond to a potential campus emergency. Moreover, it will be important for you to always monitor your SU issued email account for important notices addressing a range of campus related issues. Meanwhile, the following outlines many of the policies, procedures, and strategies in place, or that are being considered at Salisbury University.

In the event of an emergency:

The University will secure buildings under the direction of the Chief of Police
Local and state agencies (e.g., city police, county police, state police) would assist our University Police Department in addressing any emergent issue
The University would communicate through multiple venues including all university and local, commercial media outlets, the university website, signs in all campus buildings, the Gull Line, and Facebook.
A campus-wide email would be generated announcing the nature of the emergency, along with any instructions regarding your safety.
For students living on campus, SU residence hall staff will ensure quick and effective communication in each building. This is also the case for University Park, a public-private partnership for student housing which borders the campus. The SU Office of Student Affairs will make contact with local landlords where applicable.

To keep you informed, a web link has been created on the Front page of the Salisbury University website posting all of our communications to the campus concerning the Virginia Tech tragedy as well as important safety information for concerned parents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Office of Student Affairs by calling 410-543-6080.

As a show of continued support a couple of events have been scheduled. On Monday, April 23, 2007 students, staff, and faculty will gather in front of Holloway Hall at 10:50 a.m. where a group photo will be taken to send to Virginia Tech. The photo will be engraved with the phrase "Today, we are all Hokies, and beyond today you will remain in our thoughts and prayers here at Salisbury University." We are requesting everyone to wear SU or VT (maroon, orange and white) school colors for the photo, if possible. Also on Monday evening there will be a memorial candlelight vigil at 8:30pm in Red Square to remember the Virginia Tech victims. Candles will be provided.

Sincerely,

Ellen Neufeldt
Vice President of Student Affairs