Dear Campus Community:
Throughout the history of higher education we’ve experienced world events that have given us the opportunity to reflect, learn, engage, and have open dialogue among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. These interactions have been extremely important learning opportunities because we were able to share thoughts and opinions in ways that were safe and respectful to everyone involved. That is exactly what the college experience is about.
The election and the events of this past week have had a profound impact on all of us at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, across the state, and around the world. It’s made us reflect on our core values and beliefs in many ways.
Just this past Friday, on Veterans Day, we sent a message to the campus community asking everyone to remember the men and women who have served our country in times of war and in times of peace. We remarked in that message that our Veterans have served to protect all Americans and our freedom to have civil discourse and disagreement.
Over the last few months, you have heard me discuss how 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is different, daring, and diverse. As a university we have celebrated this identity and it’s important that we continue to embody these traits and live them every day. This means embracing our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and continuing to be receptive to change, listening to others with an open mind, and supporting each other in our differences.
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is dedicated to shaping the lives of our students and offering them the best possible educational experiences. The university will continue to focus on its core mission and will do so in a safe, respectful environment that is inclusive for everyone. We will not accept any less for our campus community, nor will we accept any bullying or threats. That is not who we are.
On Thursday afternoon and again on Friday, we offered open forums for anyone wishing to voice their concerns or needing reassurance after the election. Over the next few days you will see additional messages about campus counseling resources, safety information, and other related services that can be accessed by anyone on campus. I encourage you to review the information and utilize the services if you have any need or if you have any questions and/or concerns.
I am proud to be a part of a university that values diversity and respects the viewpoints of others. I look forward to our continuing work to ensure that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a welcoming campus to everyone from all walks of life.
Cordially,
Len Jessup
President
President
