This message was sent via email to the Penn State community by Justin Schwartz, Executive Vice President and Provost, on 13 October 2023.
Dear Penn State Staff and Faculty,
Many of you have reached out as the violence persists in the Middle East. As Neeli said in her most recent message to the community, we unequivocally condemn the appalling atrocities committed by Hamas, a terrorist organization, and grieve for the innocent lives we continue to lose.
I am reminding you all to please offer support and understanding to one another, our students, faculty, and staff, through this period of global uncertainty broadly, and during times of acute concern.
I know the unrest and violence are affecting many in our communities in so many ways. This horrific situation is hugely impactful to our students, staff, faculty, families, and friends, and particularly those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths. Neeli’s message (Bendapudi shares message with Penn State community on violence in Middle East | Penn State University) includes comprehensive information about resources available to those in our community who would like or need support. And the news, threats of attacks, and horrifying stories and images we have seen this week also weigh on the hearts of many in the University community and beyond, and impact us all in ways large and small.
Many of our students are struggling. As the broader repercussions of the brutality reverberate across our campuses, please offer great flexibility for those who may need to make alternative arrangements for attending class, completing assignments, or taking exams. This is a moment that calls for us to go beyond in giving grace. We must create community for all students who are in need.
I want to be clear that our partners in University Police and Public Safety know of no specific threats against our campus communities at this time. However, as they often do at times of high sensitivity, they will have a heightened presence across our campuses as necessary and as determined by conditions in each campus location.
We know that our faculty are able to manage minor classroom disruptions. In the event that you experience a serious classroom disruption that causes you or any student considerable distress, you may choose to ask the disruptive student(s) to leave class, dismiss your class, and/or reach out to the Office of Student Conduct. In rare cases of disruptive behavior, instructors may decide to contact University Police or call 911. You may find the document Classroom Disruption Protocols — Educational Equity (psu.edu)helpful for managing both minor and major disruptions both minor and major classroom situations. Other resources for managing minor and major classroom disruptions can be found on the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence website and in these excellent resources from the University of Washington.
I have heard from many of you in recent days and encourage your continued outreach. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns from an academic perspective — my team and I are here as a resource for you. As always, you can reach out to Jennifer Wilkes and her team at any time. If you hear of or witness potential safety concerns in your classes or elsewhere on campus in the coming days and weeks, please immediately contact University Police and Public Safety. Penn State police can be reached at 814-863-1111 (non-emergency) and 911 for emergencies at University Park. Contact information for police at Commonwealth Campus locations is available here
Justin
