Dear graduate students:
I am shaken and stunned by the shooting yesterday at the King Soopers in South Boulder. Words can’t even fully capture the horror and sadness I am feeling from this terrible event. While tragically senseless gun violence seems to have become a regular occurrence in our lives, this act hits very close to home. I’m reaching out to offer support to those members of our community who may be struggling during this difficult time.
As details about the incident emerge over the coming days, I first want to reiterate the chancellor’s message that there are a variety of campus resources ready to assist you: the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). If you are suffering and experiencing anxiety, stress and grief related to yesterday’s shootings, I encourage you to please seek support from campus resources.
I would also encourage you to reach out to your advisor or professors in your unit if they can be of assistance as you navigate your academic work and other commitments in the coming weeks. For those who are teaching, I would ask that you extend this same flexibility and empathy to your students who may need to miss classes to cope with the impacts of this terrible tragedy. We know that you are part of an invaluable support system for your students, and we ask that you encourage them to seek assistance as well.
We have gone through a lot these past few months–and this past year–and the stress and trauma can sometimes be cumulative. Please take care of yourself and one another. Please also know that Graduate School is here if you have any questions or need assistance. Feel free to reach out if we can offer direction as to where you can go for further help.
Sincerely,
E. Scott Adler, PhD
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs
Professor of Political Science