A message from UMSL Chancellor Tom George

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Our annual fall break begins when classes end this Saturday. I hope that you take time during that week for joyful reunion with family and friends – with classes resuming on December 1 for us to complete a successful semester.

I wanted to update you on our operations planning for after a St. Louis County grand jury renders its decision on Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

We have and will continue to support and encourage civil public discourse through discussion, service and art. The campus has remained a safe place, and we will work hard to ensure it stays safe. But I understand that this is a difficult and stressful time inside and outside of the classroom. Whatever the outcome and its consequences, I promise you that your safety is our number-one priority.

While no one knows for sure what will happen over the next few weeks, we are well prepared to address any impact to campus. We have an Emergency Operations Plan that has been updated by our teams in student and academic affairs, communications, information technology, facilities and campus police. This includes plans to increase staffing and resources to ensure all needs are met should any disruption occur.

We are also prepared to activate an Emergency Operations Center, if needed, with staff on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That includes fall break. I want to reassure all faculty, staff and students who will be on campus next week that your safety is our top concern. For our students in residence, while the university will be closed Nov. 27 through Nov. 30, please know that residence hall staff will continue to be on call and available.

UMSL will keep you updated with any changes to daily operations of campus and residential facilities. The primary communication vehicle likely will be through campus email such as this. Other channels will be employed as conditions or urgency warrant, including:

Emergency notification system users will receive phone alerts
UMSL website
UMSL Facebook page and Twitter account

If you are not already enrolled in the emergency notification system, you can sign up on the UMSL website. And you can learn more about campus safety efforts here.

Also, I strongly urge you to carry your UMSL ID while on campus. This could be helpful if access to facilities and events becomes an issue.

Again, I know this has been a stressful time. Our campus has several resources available that could help. They include:

I am confident that together we will maintain a civil, respectful and safe environment on this campus. And as we look toward the return to classes following break, keep an eye out for further opportunities to engage in dialogue and reflection with peers and other members of our campus community.

Enjoy this break in our class schedule!

Regards,
Tom George