Dear UMass Boston Community,
I write today with sincere gratitude for the way our community responded to yesterday’s serious and unsettling incident. Your resilience, thoughtfulness, and support for one another reflect the very best of who we are as Beacons.
While this is still an ongoing investigation, we want to reassure the community that after a thorough assessment by multiple law enforcement agencies, there is no evidence that any gunfire occurred anywhere on campus or in any adjacent building or campus locations.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain the highest priorities of this university. After careful consultation with Campus Safety, external law enforcement partners, Emergency Management, Senior Leadership, and University Health Services, we made the decision to resume normal operations today, grounded in confidence that our campus is a safe place to learn, teach, and work.
I encourage students to attend class, as maintaining routines, connections, and support systems is especially important in the aftermath of difficult events. At the same time, I recognize that some members of our community may understandably feel uneasy returning. Students who have concerns should not hesitate to reach out to their professors, who are prepared to provide understanding and support. Likewise, faculty and staff who may be struggling are encouraged to speak with their managers, who will extend compassion and flexibility as needed.
As we move forward, I ask all members of our Beacon community to continue showing patience, kindness, and consideration for one another, mindful that we each process challenging experiences in different ways.
Please remember that support services are available for our entire community. The following resources and opportunities are available for all faculty, staff, and students:
- Students: Please be aware that Counseling Services are available to you 24/7. Should you wish to speak with a clinician, please contact the Counseling Center directly at 617-287-5690.
- Faculty and Staff: Confidential support is available through ComPsych Guidance Resources at 844-393-4983 (TDD: 800-697-0353) or online at guidanceresources.com (Web ID: UMASS).
- Residential Hall: Counselors and support dogs will be available all day in the residential hall.
- Campus Center: Beginning at 11 a.m., we will have tables for our community to come together.
- Counseling Center: We have a serenity room available in the Counseling Center in Quinn for anyone to use.
Sincerely,
Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Chancellor
