In this note and the video I highlight two key points that have come up in several conversations and communications: status of the students with pending Code of Conduct charges, and how we might improve campus communications.
First, the 74 students arrested for non-violent offenses on May 1-2 have been notified that there will be no University Code of Conduct charges for their actions. This does not include one individual who was charged with assault of a State Police investigator.
Regarding campus communications, I’ll be convening summer and fall listening sessions with faculty, staff and students to learn more about ways to build and sustain more efficient communications.
A few additional details about the faculty, staff and student listening tour:
- Listening sessions with faculty and department chairs are being coordinated by the Provost with dates currently scheduled in June and August.
- We recognize that summer is a difficult time to gather faculty off contract and we are working with Presiding Officer of the Faculty Reynolds Scott-Childress to create equitable opportunities for participation in these sessions over the coming months. Please stay tuned for information about additional dates and times.
- We are presently working with a third-party facilitator/mediator to engage with students who participated in the May 1-2 encampment, so that these important conversations with campus leadership can be supported by a neutral arbiter.
I hope that students, faculty and staff are taking advantage of opportunities this time of year to recharge, travel, take on new projects, spend time with family, or otherwise enjoy the respite between the spring and fall semesters. Without interfering with these important activities, I look forward to keeping you informed about our efforts throughout the summer.
Darrell P. Wheeler
President
