Letter to parents from Dean of Students Lori Berquam
Dear parents,
At this time when I am certain that many of you have questions and concerns about your sons’ and daughters’ safety on campus, I wanted to address you directly.
As I stated in a message to the entire UW-Madison community, I want to assure you that the university has developed a plan to respond to major incidents that might impact the campus community. The UW-Madison Police Department coordinates planning and training, and on- and off-campus stakeholders take part in both the planning and the training. The plan is an evolving document under continual review to account for changing circumstances and technologies.
Many of you have requested copies of the university’s plan. We do not, however, make the plan publicly accessible. Making the plan public would, we believe, undermine the very safety we are working hard to maintain. I can assure you that the plan involves multiple types and layers of communication and that we are keeping abreast of new technologies that may help us effect rapid and efficient communications in a crisis.
Understandably, many in the university community are wondering whether a similar incident could ever happen here. The university works hard to provide students, faculty and staff with the support they need to address any issues that may arise. These efforts, in tandem with crisis planning, are ongoing and comprehensive. Unfortunately, mental illness can be a difficult and at times perplexing problem, and the best planning and preparation in the world are sometimes not enough to prevent determined acts of violence.
I also want to make you aware of the many resources the university offers for students who may be struggling in the aftermath of the catastrophic loss of life at Virginia Tech. If you feel that it would be helpful, please make sure your son or daughter is aware of Counseling and Consultation Services (115 N. Orchard St., (608) 265-5600). The staff has offered special availability of appointments for students who are feeling the impact of the tragedy.
Similarly, the staff of Student Advocacy and Judicial Affairs (75 Bascom Hall, (608) 263-5700) is available to meet with students, help connect them to resources on and off campus, and discuss with them the impact of these events.
Thank you for your concern about campus safety. We, as you, place the utmost importance on campus safety, and we will continue to strive to take all appropriate steps to keep our university community safe.
If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my staff at dean@odos.wisc.edu.
Sincerely,
Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students