College of Arts & Sciences

Dear faculty and staff of the College of Arts and Sciences,

Many of us are feeling great fear and uncertainty, anger and sadness in the wake of a close and highly-contentious election. I walked around campus yesterday and saw these emotions on the faces of our students. We are all wondering what’s next. We face a time of uncertainty; but we face it together. What’s next for our college community is to be here for our students when they are ready.

Several organizations on campus provide places for students to gather and support one another. I encourage you to share these resources with your students:

• Multicultural Center
• Pride Center
• Campus Ministries Council
• Center for Health Education and Wellness
• Student Counseling Center

As we transition from a deeply divisive and polarizing campaign, it is up to us to continue to support students regardless of their gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, immigrant status, or physical or mental abilities. Encourage students who feel isolated and alone to reach out to friends or faculty and be there to provide empathy and support. We will not stop listening to the concerns of every student on campus. We will move forward and create a more inclusive environment on campus.

Like Pearl S. Buck said, “Inclusion is the only safety if we are to have a peaceful world.”

And remember, VOL MEANS ALL is not just a slogan; it’s our mission.

Sincerely,

Theresa M. Lee
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences