April 16, 2007
Dear students, staff and faculty,
The entire campus community is stunned and saddened by today?s shootings at Virginia Tech. On our behalf, I faxed a letter today to Virginia Tech President Charles Steger that said, in part: "I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to you, your campus, and its wider community of parents, family, alumni and friends, for the tragedy that took place on your campus today. ? Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of those affected."
The University of California Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all of us on this campus. We have highly-trained and equipped sworn police personnel who work 24 hours a day to prevent and respond to crimes and critical circumstances.
Mike Lane, our police chief, said as details emerge from Virginia Tech, his department will make use of their tragedy to keep our campus safe. He said he relies on each student, faculty and staff member to take an active role in telling UCPD about any criminal or suspicious activity. He asks all members of the campus community to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
The UCR Counseling Center is a resource for anyone from the campus community who is distraught. Our counseling center is staffed with a number of trained and licensed professionals who are experienced in helping our students with a broad range of emotional questions and challenges. The UCR Counseling Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding university holidays. The phone number is (951) 827-5531, for appointments.
The Center also offers a walk-in service between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for individuals who are in crisis. The Web site is
http://counseling.ucr.edu.
After hours, students in crisis should call the HELPline at (951) 686-HELP for a 24-Hour Crisis/Suicide Intervention Hotline. Additional assistance is also available by calling 9-1-1 and the police will respond promptly.
The campus will lower flags to half staff and will plan a campus memorial for the lives lost.
Sincerely,
France A. C?rdova
Chancellor