This is a time of reflection–a time when all Americans are pulling together to support the families of all the victims of yesterday's tragic events. It also is a time when we, as a campus community, are coming together to support one another. At times like these, we realize the value of community.

The University held a teach-in yesterday, facilitated by Student Affairs professionals Deb Moriarty and Patty Perillo and featuring two of our expert faculty and scholars, political scientist Lou Cantori and sociologist Chris Hewitt. The teach-in focused on the devastating impact of terrorism on our nation. The session also allowed us to give each other moral support. In addition, emergency health services professor Jeff Mitchell and other UMBC faculty are helping the nation cope with the tragedy. Other experts from campus–faculty and staff–are working with students and with all of us to put this tragedy in perspective and to understand its implications for our lives.

We made the decision to continue with classes today with the full realization that a period of mourning, reflection, discussion, and healing is essential for all of us. Many professors and staff will be working to support students, and each other, in different ways. We encourage those in need of special support to see Counseling Center staff in Math/Psych 201 or UC 310/312. A prayer and meditation room is available in UC 314. Also, there will be a campus candlelight memorial service on the UC Plaza on Thursday, September 13, at 8:00 p.m. (Please continue to refer to announcements posted on the UMBC homepage, which will be updated as the situation warrants.)

Each of us will struggle over the coming days and weeks to resume our normal activities at UMBC while experiencing the intense feelings that this horrific tragedy has created. UMBC is a special community, and we will continue to support one another through this difficult time.

Most important, we must remain calm and act in ways that reflect our respect for the value of human life, and our understanding that our humanity is enhanced through that respect and not through hatred. We can hate the evil deed, but not other human beings.