Feb. 14, 2023: Update on canceled classes and modified operations
Dear faculty and academic staff,
Yesterday was a day of shock and horror, and our Spartan hearts are broken. We are devastated by the loss of life and injuries inflicted. Our hearts are with the victims and their families.
We need time to begin to grieve and collect ourselves, which is why we are canceling classes, both in-person and online for the rest of the week. No faculty should hold classes either in-person or remote this week. As we begin the healing process, we know it will not be swift. We must take time to think, mourn and be together.
Please know the university is here to support you. MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services, or CAPS, is partnering with local providers to offer counseling to students in need starting today, Feb. 14 and continuing for the next several days. Counselors will be available at the Hannah Community Center located at 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823.
The Employee Assistance Program is also available and providing counseling and resources at the Hannah Center for university faculty and staff during this difficult time.
Additional on campus locations for counseling and support services can be found here.
Currently, the university is operating under modified operations through Wednesday, Feb. 15, which means there is a temporary suspension or delay of some or all university designated operations. During this time, faculty and academic staff deemed non-critical may use their professional judgement in deciding to engage in any workplace activities, so long as they do not interfere with emergency operations.
We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. Thank you again for securing in place so quickly last night. I know you join me in gratitude to law enforcement and other first responders who acted swiftly to react to emergency calls, secure campus facilities and locate the perpetrator.
We are heartbroken, but I am certain of this: Our community will not be broken. As we always have done, we will draw strength from one another and stand together even through our shared shock and grief.
Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Interim President
Michigan State University