Administrators call for compassion, counselors offer support
(Sept. 11, 2001--5:30 p.m.)--As members of the Tri-Campus community prepared for work Tuesday morning, the first of a series of apparent terrorist acts against the United States was carried out in New York City, with the crashing of a hijacked commercial airliner into the World Trade Center.
What does this mean for the UTSA community? At this time, all university operations remain on schedule. Unless directed otherwise by either the Governor's office or UT System administration, UTSA will maintain its usual schedule of classes and activities with one exception: Tuesday evening's volleyball game against Southwest Texas State was postponed and tentatively rescheduled for Nov. 13. For more information on the game, go to the Athletic department Web site.
Those with immediate family in the areas affected by the attacks can call the American Red Cross at (210) 224-5151 or 1-800-775-6803.
President Ricardo Romo said, "Gov. Rick Perry has requested that all state offices remain open. We encourage people to remain calm in this national crisis."
Romo added that it is important to be compassionate toward all members of the Tri-Campus community.
In a statement today to UT System components, Chancellor R.D. Burck said, in part, "The Governor's office has informed all state agencies and institutions that there are no plans to close agencies. Security has been upgraded throughout the UT System complex and components, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is on a heightened state of alert. System administration and all component institutions remain open for business, and classes are being conducted as usual."
Burck said today in a statement to the UT Austin student newspaper The
Daily Texan, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families
and friends of those lost or injured in today’s national tragedy. This
is a time for prayer and vigilance--and I ask that everyone in the UT System
continue to operate in support of our student, faculty, staff and patient
populations throughout the state. Our campuses are havens for academic freedom
and service to society. It is our obligation to continue to serve those noble
ends."
"I have asked that wherever possible all of our campuses and administrative
offices continue to provide classroom instruction, research, health care and
support services on a normal basis," Burck added. "At the direction
of Governor Perry, I have also asked that all of our campuses fly State
flags at half-staff in commemoration and sympathy for this great tragedy our
country has experienced. This is a day none of us will forget."
Following is the protocol for changes in the university's operational status:
1. Should a decision be made to close the university or to suspend classes
at any time, a notice will be posted on the 458-SNOW line.
2. Members of the Tri-Campus community who have access to a computer at home
should also check the UTSA Today page periodically.
3. The local news media will be notified, in the event the university's operational
status changes.
Televisions were placed Tuesday at numerous areas around the 1604 and Downtown Campuses in order for the UTSA community to watch news about the developing events. Counseling services conducted a support session Tuesday afternoon in the University Center Retama Room on the 1604 Campus. Approximately 50 students, faculty and staff attended the gathering to discuss their feelings and listen to others comments about the day's events. Downtown Campus participants gathered in the Frio Street Building Commons for a discussion session.
Kathleen Glash, director of counseling services, said that counseling staff are standing by at the 1604 and Downtown Campuses to assist those who may want to talk about the day's events. At the 1604 Campus, the counseling office is located in University Center Room 2.01.04. At the Downtown Campus, the office is located on the first floor of the Buena Vista Street Building behind the bookstore.
Should you observe any suspicious activity on the Tri-Campus, call University Police immediately at 458-4242.
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TODAY'S HEADLINES:
Administrators call for compassion, counselors offer support
Athletes,
other students, staff participate in blood drive
More
crisis support meetings offered Wednesday at 1604 and Downtown Campuses
How
do people respond to tragedy?
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