From the President
April 24, 2007, Volume 53, No. 31	Print Issue

The University of Pennsylvania extends its heartfelt condolences to the Virginia Tech campus community. The thoughts and prayers of Penn’s students, faculty, and staff are with the victims and families affected by Monday’s horrifying and tragic events.

In the wake of campus violence elsewhere, it is natural to ask questions about safety here at Penn.

Penn has in place an emergency response plan that would be implemented in the event of a campus crisis such as the one that occurred at Virginia Tech. This plan is continuously reviewed and refined to reflect best practices. The University understands the crucial importance of communication during emergencies and would relay information about such events to faculty, staff, students and families as quickly as possible. We will continue to work to  improve this campus emergency response plan, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety of all members of our Penn community.

I would also invite all students, faculty and staff who may be troubled by Monday’s events to reach out to Penn’s many support resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)—for students (215) 898-7021

Office of the Chaplain (215) 898-8456

Office of College Houses and Academic Services (215) 898-5551

Division of Public Safety, Special Services Unit (215) 898-6600

Penn’s Employee Assistance Program—for faculty and staff (888) 321-4433

Student Health Service (215) 662-2850

We at Penn again offer our deepest sympathies to our friends and colleagues at Virginia Tech. We hope and pray they may find some comfort during this difficult time. 

For a listing of events and services relating to the Virginia Tech tragedy please visit the VPUL’s Penn Supports the Virginia Tech Community page, www.vpul.upenn.edu/virginiatech.html.

—Amy Gutmann, President