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LETTER TO JMU PARENTS FROM PRESIDENT ROSE | |
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From: Media Relations April 24, 2007Dear Parents of JMU Students: The James Madison University community joins with people throughout the world in struggling with the national tragedy that took place at Virginia Tech last week. The many expressions of support shown by JMU students, faculty and staff for the Hokie Nation are both comforting and inspiring and demonstrate the deep compassion our community feels for its friends at Tech. As many Virginia Tech students resume their classes and as the university community continues to mourn and begins to heal, I want to reassure you of my resolve to maintain JMU's tradition as a safe, welcoming place for students to study and flourish. Like colleges and universities all over the country, people at JMU work selflessly in service to others to ensure that our campus environment is a nurturing one in which its members feel safe and secure. But, as April 16's tragic shootings demonstrated, none of us are completely protected from acts of random violence. I cannot promise you a safe haven. No university president can, and if he or she did, it would be a shallow assurance. However, I am confident about the policies and procedures we have in place to foster a safe and secure learning environment. I am reassured by the knowledge that we have a comprehensive crisis management plan established and we have a professional and responsible staff that is trained and prepared to serve you. Our safety is a privilege that can only be protected by our own observation and vigilance. Abnormal actions and behaviors need to be addressed before they are manifested in acts of violence against oneself or others. I don't suggest paranoia or over-reaction, but simply responsibility as engaged citizens in our communities. Already, like every other university in the country, we are examining our crisis response protocols so that we will be as prepared as possible to serve our community if an emergency occurs at JMU. We are exploring preventative measures, including emerging technologies, and considering recommendations from safety and security experts. We currently have an emergency audible alarm system (siren) that is used for severe weather. We are designing an educational program to use the siren as a warning system for other dangerous situations on campus. As we in JMU's administration look to further safeguard the campus, please encourage your son or daughter to seek out the assistance of trained counselors on campus if they need to talk to someone. The Counseling and Student Development Center is staffed by psychologists, counselors and graduate students, and the services rendered to students are free, voluntary and confidential. The center can be reached by calling 540-568-6552 or by stopping by the office in Varner House. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dr. Lennie Echterling and Dr. Anne Stewart, two professors in psychology at JMU, have developed a guide to assist parents in helping their students with such tragedies. This guide is also available on the parents' gateway. Remember those who need our thoughts and support. We are committed to protecting the strength and opportunities of our community. Sincerely, Linwood H. Rose President |
 
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Publisher: JMU
Web office For Information Contact: Parents
& Family Gateway Management |
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