Dear faculty and staff,

I recognize that global conflicts may be weighing heavily on members of our campus community. These unfolding events can have deeply personal impacts, particularly for those with familial ties and lived experiences connected to affected areas, as well as for veterans and active-duty military members. It's also understood that global violence and instability can affect individuals in different and sometimes unseen ways.

Moments like these can shape our work and interactions on campus. Some members of our community may be navigating concerns for loved ones. Others may find that world events arise in classroom discussions or workplace conversations in unexpected ways. 

In whatever ways this moment may be affecting you, I want to acknowledge it and express where you can find support at GVSU. As we navigate ongoing challenges, below is a reminder of some of the resources available to support you and the students we serve:

We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. If you have concerns related to campus climate, harassment or discrimination, please submit a Campus Climate Concern report at www.gvsu.edu/ccc or contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX directly.

If there are concerns about immediate harm or safety, please contact emergency services by calling 911. GVSU’s Department of Public Safety is available 24/7 and remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for our community.

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), AllOne Health, is a confidential resource providing 24/7 crisis support, consultation, and coaching to employees and members of their household. Call AllOne Health at 1-800-788-8630 to get started, or access resources online by creating an account (use code "GVSUNI").

Students are encouraged to seek support through the University Counseling Center (UCC) as a confidential space to talk during this time. Additional resources for all students, including support for students with marginalized identities and online self-help tools, may also be available during times when world events affect the campus community.

The CARE Team is available to support students who may be going through a difficult time and can help connect them with helpful resources. A CARE referral can be submitted by students themselves, as well as by faculty, staff, friends or family members who are concerned about a student.

Campus Social Justice Centers may provide supportive spaces for students who would like to connect with others, and trained Residence Life staff remain available to assist and support students living on campus.

The Padnos International Center and the International Student Support (ISS) team supports international students through advocacy and serves as the primary resource for legal, cultural and social matters international students navigate.

While we are sharing these resources in consideration of current events, please know this support is available to you at all times.

If you are looking for further resources or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for the care and compassion you continue to show our students and one another as we support our campus community.

Sincerely,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer