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Yesterday, our higher education neighbors at Utah Valley University experienced a horrible and violent tragedy.
Our hearts go out to the families, and to Utah Valley University’s campus community, who have been impacted. Universities have always been places where dialogue and genuine discourse from many perspectives are welcome, and all people, regardless of beliefs, can freely express their ideas. Violence has no place on our campuses or in our communities.
Ensuring that our students and employees are safe on all of our ISU campuses is a top priority. As a reminder, our institution uses the Rave Guardian app for employees and students as a tool for enhanced communication and connection. ISU’s emergency response system alerts all students and employees immediately via phone, text and email when there are safety concerns or emergency situations. Please make sure your contact information is updated through MyISU to ensure that you receive emergency notifications. In addition, the Public Safety website contains information about emergency preparedness and procedures on our campus.
If needed, mental health resources are available to all employees through the Employee Assistance Program. Students should reach out to the Counseling and Mental Health Center, where they can find free services and resources.
In particular, on this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we are reminded that respectful exchanges of ideas, even when they differ, is a cornerstone of higher education and a vital part of any community. It is my sincere hope that we can all continue to work together, with steady commitment to our shared institutional values of community, inclusivity and learning, to create an environment where all ideas are welcome and can be safely shared.
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