Resources and Guidance

Feb. 14, 2023

Dear Faculty and Academic Staff,

I am deeply saddened by the events of last night. Since the news broke, I have been working with Interim President Woodruff, Police Chief Lynch, our trustees, and other members of our leadership team on our response.

I will provide updates periodically as institutional decisions are made. In the meantime, let’s come together as a community to support one another. It would be both appropriate and prudent to adjust expectations for yourself and your students in the wake of this tragedy. Please show both yourself and your students grace and empathy in the coming days and weeks.

To provide time and space to grieve, all classes – online and in person – have been canceled through the remainder of this week and will resume Monday, Feb. 20. Instructors in the medical and health colleges should communicate with your college leadership for specific guidance.

In support of our students’ well-being, please modify your assignments and adjust test schedules and due dates to allow students the time to begin to process yesterday’s events. I ask that you be generous in lifting all expectations for your students until Monday Feb. 20. Contact your dean or chair if you have questions about what is expected of you, your staff, and your students during this time.

Our priority at this time is the safety and well-being of the entire MSU community, so please utilize the resources we have made available to support your own well-being.

• MSU’s Employee Assistance Program and Counseling and Psychiatric Services are making programming and services available to all members of the MSU community, including yourself.
• Resources in support of teaching after a crisis are being developed and will be shared on this #iteachmsu playlist. Please check back throughout the week. Resource documents already available are “Teaching in the Face of Tragedy,” “Crisis Response Resources,” and “Tips for College and University Students: Managing your Distress.”
  
  

Additional non-MSU resources are also available.

• Community Mental Health at 517-346-8460
• Disaster Distress Helpline available 24/7 at 800-985-5990
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7 at 800-273-8255
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) warmline – operates 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-733-7753
• Intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma

For updates and the most current information, visit the Campus Safety Information page. Please take care of yourselves during this challenging time.

Thomas D. Jeitschko (he/him)
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Economics