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IDEAS FOR RESPONDING TO THIS TRAGEDY IN
YOUR HALL
Many
of you have been responding to this tragedy in creative and
effective ways. Following are some responses from the
ResidentAssistant.com listserves about what people are doing on
campuses around the nation:
The University of
Arizona responded by:
1. The University
gathered students and staff at noon yesterday for a vigil that
included an opportunity for the President to speak as well as the
Dean of Students. It also allowed students and staff an open
mike.
2. The university created a "wall of expression"
for community members to write prayers and words of encouragement.
3. Counselors provided in the Student Union for grieving
students and staff.
4. University would remain open.
5. Information Center was created on the 2nd floor of the
student union to allow for the most recent information regarding
the attack.
6. Information included on the U of A web site with the most
updated information.
7. Heightened security on campus by police.
Particularly watching areas with International students that may
be targetted.
Residence Life at the
University of Arizona responded by:
- To have all hall
staff to be on duty this evening in their halls/complexes.
- To have all hall
staff to be very visible in the buildings and checking in with
residents to see how they are doing through-out the evening.
- To have additional
rounds will be done to circulate through buildings.
- To lock all front
entrance doors at 7:00pm as opposed to midnight.
- For each hall/complex
to have three ways/areas for residents to express themselves
- A media room be
created and staffed to allow residents to collectively
view what is happening together.
- A quiet space is
created to allow residents to talk about what is on their
minds without media or news talking to them.
- Create a space in
each hall/complex where residents can express their
thoughts, emotions or anything
- To have all desk
assistants be sure to enforce the escort policy as well as
review emergency procedures for fire alarms, bomb threats or
other emergency situations.
- We will be holding
spaces open in the event that we need to move residents who
need a safer environment.
- Several campus
resources were identified to assist residents with contact
numbers as well
- We have cancelled all
area meetings Wednesday, so staff all would be able to be in
your buildings to serve resident, staff and their own needs.
- A meeting was set
Thursday to check-on how all of you are doing and how our
residents are doing
- Everyone was asked to
keep a close check on themselves and not to overextend.
Folks were urged to call supervisor if they needed any
assistance.
- We provided a roster
of all students from the Northeast and International students
to just to help try identify for potential people who might be
grieving.
In
my hall, we had a discussion about the issues/concerns/feelings
everyone was having. We're not as close to the action as you
are, but it still helped to have a healthy dialogue about the
events.
Becky
Berea College, Berea, KY
We
had a info/counseling/support meeting as a campus. RA's
are supporting residents by floor. We are making patriotic arm
bands for students to wear. We bought fabric that has American
flags all over it. Students can wear them knotted on their
arms or tie them on their schoolbags.
Here
at Millikin University, we set up TVs and refreshments in
classroom hallways, auditoriums, student union, etc.
Professional staff cancelled all appointments and wandered
around campus talking and being visable to students. We're
a campus of 2400. Tonight we had a candle vigil outside, with a
tremendous turn out. We had area clergy available
afterwards and one of our choirs sang some religious songs,
civil rights songs, and the national anthem with the crowd
joining in. Then staff, professors and clergy hung around
if anyone needed to talk. RAs were also advised to be
visible in their hall since most classes were cancelled or only
lasted a short while. International students, especially
Palestinian students were checked on personally by Student Life
staff.
Millikin
University also had our chapel (although we're not supported by
any religious institution) open for prayer and discussion every
hour starting on the hour. Some RAs also initiated a floor
discussion before attending the candle vigil.
Karin
Area Coordinator
Office of Residence Life
Millikin University
At
Indiana University various residence
centers held gathering like "Night of
Caring and Support" where anyone from our center or other
place ' s
could come and share their feelings, concerns or clarification
of rumors. We
had campus ministers and counselors in attendance.
Many centers held candlelight vigils also. The RAs
are all expected to be in the building and present for
the residents. IU did not cancel classes, which I think
was a very wise decision. I would attach pictures, but they
exceed the limit.
Kimberly
Assistant Residence Manager
Indiana University - Forest Quadrangle
At
Southern Oregon University we have started a "Purple
Ribbon" campaign. We chose purple because it is the
color that is traditionally associated with courage. Our
students came up with this.
Shelly
Greensprings Area Coordinator
Southern Oregon University
FOR
DETAILS ON THE PURPLE RIBBON CAMPAIGN, CLICK HERE
What
we've done:
- a room in the student center designated as place for quiet
reflection, with a chaplain present. an escape from the
media...
- student affairs staff stationed at several media (TV) stations
around campus, to help students cope with the news.
- organized a midnight candlelight vigil tonight, with members
of the clergy and community members
from the neighborhood also invited.
- in the process of organizing a shuttle to the blood drive.
Our
students have pretty much been the guide...organized a prayer
service. An RA of mine came up with the idea to work with a
local blood bank to have students go donate. I feel this
gives students a chance to "do" something in a time
when they feel so helpless. We're also having a memorial
service
tomorrow evening in honor of those students whose lives were
taken.
Christine
Shorter College
Rome, GA
We
had one of our international studies professors hold a question
and answer session yesterday @ 3:00 PM. This gave the
students a chance to ask questions and share their fears.
Last night we had a prayer service and included prayers from
many faith groups.
Thursday - we are helping a local community college in their
blood drive. Since the need for blood is so great and they had
this drive already planned
-
we are shuttling students to donate and to volunteer to help
with the
anticipated crowds.
We
set up a satellite feed in our Union Ballroom and had professional
student affairs staff as well as counselors available all day
and throughout the night to provide support to students.
The Residence Life Coordinators walked continually through their
halls to check with students. Also, mentor groups
(first-year program) were encouraged to meet together.
There were two prayer vigils. One was at noon and the
other was a candlelight vigil that took place last night.
From the students I have talked with, they are appreciative of
the responses and support. Please continue to keep all
students in your thoughts as there are many who still do not
know how deeply this will impact their lives in terms of missing
family members, active duty, and returning to a city so
completely altered.
Sarah
Residence Life Coordinator
DePauw University
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