Letter from Dr. Albert C. Yates Regarding the Columbine High School Situation

TO: The Colorado State University Community

FROM: Albert C. Yates, President

Like the rest of our state and nation, the Colorado State community has been horrified and saddened by the shootings yesterday at Columbine High School in Littleton. Many of our students are graduates of Columbine, and many others among us have relatives and friends who may have been profoundly affected by this incident.

My office and those of our student government have received numerous inquiries from people wanting to know how they might best respond and offer help in what is clearly a tragedy for the entire state of Colorado. Several opportunities are available for those who would like to offer support of some kind to the families affected:

The CSU Foundation has agreed to serve as a collecting point for money donated to assist the school, the victims and their families. Those who would like to contribute to this fund should make checks out to "Colorado State Cares," and mail them to The Colorado State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1870 – or deliver donations to the office at 410 University Services Center.

*ASCSU has set up several banners for people to sign to send a message of hope to the high school, its students and staff.

*The staff and residents of Corbett Hall will be hosting a candlelight vigil – open to everyone – at 9 p.m. tonight in the Corbett Hall courtyard.

*Silver and blue memorial ribbons – in the colors of Columbine High School – will be available tomorrow at the Lory Student Center Information Desk.

*In response to the tremendous need created by this tragedy, a blood drive will take place on campus May 5 and 6 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the North Ballroom, Lory Student Center. (Call 495-5695 to schedule an appointment for donation.)

*At the order of the Governor, flags on campus have been lowered to half-mast until further notice.

*A special web page has been established as a link from the University’s homepage (www.colostate.edu) to provide more detailed information on these and other related activities.

Finally, I ask with the greatest sincerity that we all support one another during this time, and that we make a particular effort to reach out to those students who may be dealing with some very difficult personal struggles as a result of what has happened. The staff in Residence Life already is working closely with the students in the residence halls. The resources of the University Counseling Center, (970) 491-6053, are available 24 hours to students who feel a need to talk to someone about this incident. The Employee Assistance Program, (970) 491-5900, offers support to faculty and staff who need assistance or simply want to talk. Faculty and staff who have questions specifically about how best to address this issue with their students are encouraged to call either the EAP or the University Counseling Center at the above numbers, and they will happy to consult with you about this.

Thank you, as always, for your consideration and assistance.