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Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

Chancellor asks for calm, campus solidarity in light of tragedy

LAWRENCE -- Flags were lowered to half-staff today on the University of Kansas campus as Chancellor Robert Hemenway issued a statement calling for empathy, solidarity and calm in response to the tragic events.

"Today's shocking events have cast a pall on our campus. On behalf of the entire university community, I offer our prayers and thoughts for those who have lost their lives or been injured," Hemenway said. "We offer support especially to those students, faculty and staff who have family or friends in the areas that were attacked. We offer them every means of assistance.

"In this time of tragedy we must pull together as a community and exercise calm. Because KU is a major national university with a large international population, it is especially important that we actively discourage unwarranted accusation, intimidation or threats of any kind directed toward our international students, faculty or staff."

Earlier today Hemenway emailed a letter to faculty and staff, encouraging them to follow the Kansas Governor's office recommendation that state agencies maintain normal operations, to the extent possible. Hemenway encouraged faculty to hold classes and consider using them as opportunities for students to express concern about today's tragic events.

Four sites have been set up on campus by Counseling and Psychological Services to offer professional counseling services to students, faculty, and staff. Counselors will be on hand in the Kansas Union in the lobby on the 4th floor and in the Centennial Room on the 6th floor, the lobby of Ellsworth Hall, and Watkins Health Center. These sites will be open throughout today and, as needed, through the rest of the week.

Tonight counselors will be available in residence halls from 6 to 8 p.m. On Wednesday counselors will also be available at three campus locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- the Kansas Union lobby, the Wellness Fair on the Strong Hall lawn and in the lobby of McCollum residence hall.

On Wednesday, at previously scheduled health fair, staff will provide information on how and where to donate blood for the relief effort. Counselors will also be available. Other health fair activities will take place as scheduled on the lawn in front of Strong.

Members of the University of Kansas Religious Advisers group will be on campus Wednesday distributing white ribbons in recognition of the suffering caused by the tragedy and the need for healing. --30--