Dear colleagues,
As the war between Israel and Hamas continues to cause suffering and horrific loss of life, we recognize the anguish and difficulty it is creating for all those in our community with cultural, religious, familial and experiential ties to the region. We share our concern for you, and we further acknowledge that, for some, carrying out the university鈥檚 mission in all its forms and functions may be difficult, if not impossible, right now.听
Ways to act in support of our colleagues and classmates
This situation demands not only our attention but also our compassion and a commitment to support one another and strengthen our community of learning. With this in mind, we offer the following:听
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to provide individualized support and flexibility for students and employees whenever possible, consistent with campus and department policies.听
- For example, if people need time for counseling appointments, to make contact with family members affected by events, or to support mental and emotional health, supervisors and baby直播app are encouraged to provide reasonable accommodations.
- When following policies, approval from other offices is not necessary. When responding to requests, baby直播app and staff are encouraged to consider your tone very carefully and provide an empathetic response, even if you are unable to accommodate the request.
- Students and staff are encouraged to be proactive in identifying their needs and in seeking accommodations. Work directly with your supervisor or baby直播app and your support networks.听
- Faculty and students are encouraged to work together in a spirit of care.听
Tips for supporting students and colleagues
- Start by making a connection. Initiate the dialogue privately during office hours or other scheduled meetings.
- Convey that you are concerned and that you care about their well-being.
- Ask open, inviting questions that do not suggest a problem or a solution, and take your time to listen to concerns.
- While anyone can refer a student to Student Support and Case Management or the Office of Victim Assistance, we encourage students to reach out directly to help them get through the challenging situation and succeed.听
Notes on public safety听
- The university鈥檚 main focus is on creating a safe environment that allows us to carry out our academic mission. In the days since the war began, most students, baby直播app and staff have conducted themselves with respect and civility.
- While we have no reason to believe a threat to our community exists, law enforcement is continuing to carefully monitor the local, national and international situations. Should circumstances change for CU Boulder, the campus community will be alerted. For more information on our alerts and to make sure you鈥檙e signed up, please visit our . 听听
- The university employs tools such as Don鈥檛 Ignore It and as resources for reporting or sharing concerns of potential violence on campus. 听
- In the meantime, we encourage our community to continue to conduct itself with a commitment to peaceful protest, free speech and the impassioned but civil exchange of ideas.
- CU Boulder condemns racism, violence and any acts that fail to live up to our core values. There are dedicated resources available for anyone affiliated with CU Boulder who is experiencing discrimination, harassment or bias.听
We have heard the voices of many community members, including those who have been affected by the war. We want CU Boulder to be a place committed, always, to finding better ways to understand each other and better ways to live together.听
As we act on this aspiration, we encourage everyone to care for colleagues, classmates, and co-workers affected by the tragic events of the moment with a clear recognition that some of our colleagues, friends and students are simply overwhelmed and require our compassion and concern. 听
With best wishes for all in our community,听
Russell Moore听听 听听听 听听听 听听听 听听听 听
Provost听听 听听听 听听听 听听听 听听听 听听听 听
Patrick O鈥橰ourke
Chief Operating Officer听
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