Dear Students,
This week marks the one-year milestone of our lives changing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I know the past year has not been easy. Many of us have experienced a sense of loss, whether it鈥檚 a loss of time, experiences or loved ones. And some may still be feeling frustration, anxiety and exhaustion as we continue to navigate the pandemic.听
Whatever we may be feeling, it does not give any of us the right to blatantly disregard public health orders, damage private property, enact violence against law enforcement and put our community at risk. Like many of your peers, I am disappointed after Saturday evening鈥檚 events on the Hill. A portion of our students acted in a way that was not reflective of what it means to be a Buff, and this behavior is not acceptable.
Unacceptable student behavior
Expectations are made clear at the start of each semester. Part of those expectations include doing our part to follow public health orders, Protect Our Herd and keep each other safe. As Buffs, and especially during times like these, it鈥檚 more important than ever that we act with respect, integrity and compassion toward each other and our neighbors.
All students are held to the Student Code of Conduct, both on and off campus. Any student who is found to have violated current health orders or who refused to disperse when asked by law enforcement is subject to disciplinary action by the university. Any student who is found responsible for engagement in acts of violence or other egregious acts connected to the events鈥撯�搃ncluding damage to property and not dispersing when ordered by police鈥撯�搘ill face serious sanctions, with the most significant violations potentially resulting in expulsion from 兔子先生传媒文化作品 without the possibility of readmission, and may also face criminal and civil sanctions from the city and the county.
At this time, we plan to follow our normal student conduct procedures. We encourage anyone with information to report it to the . Police will then refer cases to 兔子先生传媒文化作品 as their investigation unfolds.
Wherever you are, remember that you鈥檙e a Buff and your actions impact not only you but your fellow Buffs as well.
To those exemplifying what it means to be a Buff: Thank you
I want to acknowledge that the actions of some students on the Hill this past weekend are not reflective of our community as a whole. To the majority of students who have made a huge effort in following public health orders so we can stay on campus鈥擨 see you. To those students, staff and community members who came out early Sunday morning to help clean up the Hill, thank you. You are setting the example for what it means to be a Buff, and I am grateful for your efforts and actions.
Again, this has been a challenging year. Even though there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, it will still be some time before we鈥檙e able to all be together in person again. One of the best ways we can get there as soon as possible is to continue following public health orders and keep our community safe. Knowing that many of us are still experiencing feelings of frustration, stress and anxiety, keep in mind that our actions often have an effect on those around us, whether we realize it or not.
Finishing the semester strong
As we finish out the spring semester, I encourage you all to take care of yourselves, take care of each other and make good decisions.
Find productive ways to relieve stress鈥攅ngage in physical activity, stay connected with friends and family, practice self-care and seek support if you need it. If you鈥檙e looking for things to do, there are many student events to help you take a break and connect with others.
In consultation with public health experts, all students who participated in Saturday night鈥檚 events should begin quarantining immediately and should complete a COVID-19 monitoring test on Thursday or Friday this week. Completing a monitoring test will not impact conduct sanctions related to what occurred on University Hill. Any sanctions that result from the March 6 incident will be as a result of the investigative process underway.
If you see something concerning, or notice that the health and safety of a fellow Buff is at risk, don鈥檛 hesitate to call for help. Know how you can be an effective bystander and look out for other members of your community.
We will get through this together. Please be mindful, respectful and kind, and remember, you are a Buff wherever you are.
JB Banks,
Acting Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs