February 15, 2008

TO: The UMBC Community

FROM: Freeman Hrabowski

RE: The Tragedy at Northern Illinois University

In the wake of yesterday’s tragedy at Northern Illinois University, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to all members of the university community there – students, their families, faculty, staff, and alumni.

I know that we are all saddened by this latest campus tragedy, and that it is unsettling for the UMBC community. I want to assure you that our University Police continue to work daily with the entire campus community to maintain a safe environment and are always available if you have questions or concerns about safety at UMBC. If you observe suspicious activity or need to report an emergency, please contact them at ext. 5-5555.

UMBC has emergency phones installed around the campus along sidewalks and buildings. Look for a telephone with a blue light above it. These phones connect directly to University Police. Please visit the “Contact Us” page on the University Police Web site (www.umbc.edu/police) for locations of emergency phones.

We also now have an emergency text notification system, E2Campus, and I encourage all students, faculty, and staff to sign up at http://my.umbc.edu/notifications. The system is compatible with mobile phones, Blackberries, “smart phones,” satellite phones, e-mail, wireless PDAs, and pagers. (Normal text-messaging rates apply. There are no additional charges.)

Members of our University Counseling Services (410-455-2472) are available to anyone on campus who may be in need of support. The Web site is www.umbc.edu/counseling.

Again, I know that you share my sorrow following yesterday’s tragedy. Please hold the Northern Illinois University community in your thoughts and prayers.