Bulletin: Chancellor discusses Virginia Tech tragedy

April 16, 2007

Dear Members of the Campus Community:
 
I know I join so many across our campus and across the nation in expressing profound shock and sadness at the horrific shootings at Virginia Tech and in extending our deepest sympathies to all who are coping with this unfathomable tragedy.
 
I can’t imagine the depth of loss and grieving of the Virginia Tech family, a family that includes our former dean of biological sciences, Mark McNamee, who is now Virginia Tech’s provost, and Brad Fenwick, a former American Council on Education Fellow at UC Davis, who is currently Virginia Tech’s vice president for research.  

We have been in touch with them to offer our condolences and our assistance in any way that might be helpful.
 
Our thoughts turn, as well, to how important it is that our own campus be as prepared as it can be for such an unthinkable circumstance.  Our campus-wide emergency management team focuses on both prevention and response and continually assesses the campus’s readiness.  

We are aided by a full-service Police Department and Fire Department, and by strong violence prevention teams, including the Violence Prevention Program (530) 752-3759, Counseling and Psychological Services for students (530) 752-0871, and the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (530) 752-2727.  These teams can also be reached through the campus Police Department, (530) 752-1230.
 
There are also steps you can take to help ensure your safety and the safety of others on campus:

• Be sensitive to your surroundings and report any suspicions to the campus Police Department (dial 911 from a campus phone or 530-752-1230 from a cellular or non-campus phone).
• Be familiar with campus policies related to emergency response.  
• Bookmark the campus’s home page and emergency services Web page, where breaking news related to emergencies on campus will be posted.

With your help, we can best ensure the continued safety and well-being of all members of our campus community.

Sincerely,
 
Larry N. Vanderhoef
Chancellor
 

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