May 2, 2017
Dear Students,
The entire UT Austin community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Harrison Brown and the injury of three other students yesterday afternoon. Our thoughts and condolences are with Harrison’s and the other victims’ families. Please make plans to join us for a community gathering tomorrow from 7-8 p.m. on the Main Mall.
Many of you are wondering why we have class today. While there is no immediate threat to campus, tragedy affects each of us in different ways. Having class is a way for many of us to be together. The routine of our daily lives helps us in times of tragedy.
While not everyone can go to class, the provost has communicated with faculty asking them to be flexible and understanding with your needs. We ask students to work with their faculty and their advisors if they are in need of accommodations. Additionally, the provost has extended the deadline for registration in a class to pass/fail through May 5 for undergraduate students. Please work with your academic advisors to ensure this does not have any adverse impact on your academic progress. Remember most core and major requirements must be taken for a grade.
During times like this tragedy, it is normal to experience a range of emotions that may affect your daily routine. These emotions could come up now, in the coming days, or even the weeks and months ahead. Please remember to take care of yourself and utilize these campus resources.
- Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students: A resource for affected students, offering absence notifications, support and advocacy.
- Counseling & Mental Health Center (CMHC): UT Austin students may call CMHC Crisis Line at 512-471-2255 to speak with a trained counselor. CMHC also has information available on its website.
- Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): BCAL provides a central resource to anyone who is concerned about an individual on our campus and may not be sure about how best to help them. By calling the advice line (512-232-5050), or submitting information online, campus and community support networks may be accessed, optimizing the chance that individuals will receive needed assistance. Contact BCAL if you are concerned about someone and want to help.
- Student Ombuds: The Student Ombuds office is a free and voluntary confidential resource to listen to student concerns in a safe setting, provide conflict resolution techniques and identify solutions.
A full list of campus community resources can be found here.
As we learn more about this tragedy in the days ahead, we’ll continue to share information, updates and resources.
Remember, Longhorns take care of each other.
Dr. Soncia Reagins-Lilly
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students