Community Support Activities
As of December 6, 2023
In response to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine since October 7, the Burlington shooting on November 25, and rising concerns within the UVM community, the university has provided—and will continue to offer—opportunities to come together for connection, information, and support. Campus resources have been deployed to enhance security and provide support and comfort; student leaders have been engaged in a variety of meetings and outreach, and campus gatherings have been held to engage with and listen to the concerns of our community.
Campus Resources
- Increased security measures, including additional police presence visible throughout campus
- Optional escorted transportation for those feeling unsafe to and from campus through the end of the semester
- Expanded drop-in counseling sessions at identity centers
- Increased downtown bus station security as students leave for breaks and holidays
In-Person Gatherings
- October 10: Listening session at Hillel with Provost Prelock
- October 12: Vigil for Israel
- October 19: Vigil for Palestine
- November 27: Listening session at the Interfaith Center with Provost Prelock, Vice Provost Ahmed, Vice Provost Caloiero, Chief Safety Officer Schirling, and Chief of Police Bilodeau to discuss safety concerns
- November 28: Safety forum for all students, faculty and staff with Chief Safety Officer Schirling, Vice Provost Caloiero, and Vice Provost Ahmed
- November 30: Conversation with Hillel director and students, with Vice Provost Caloiero
- December 1: Special affinity space for Muslim and Arab students with Vice Provost Ahmed and DEI staff
- December 1: Provost Prelock and Vice Provost Caloiero attend Shabbat at Chabad to be in community and hear from students.
- December 1: Community listening session with Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, Burlington’s Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Kim Carson, and Vice Provost Ahmed.
Outreach and Engagement from the President and university leaders
- Multiple meetings with student leadership representing international students, Muslim students and graduate students:o Meetings with Graduate Student Senate leadership
- Meetings with Muslim Student Association President to discuss ways to support students.
- Multiple meetings with Student Government Association President and Vice President
- Outreach to 17 student organizations (Student Life) by Vice Provost Caloiero to offer support
- A variety of personal phone calls with family who call or email concerns
- Outreach to local Rabbis serving UVM students
Academic Engagement
- Political Science sponsored an educational session on Tuesday, Dec. 5 on the Israel-Arab conflict
- History Department hosted an educational session on the Palestine and Israel conflict with faculty experts in this area on Wednesday, Dec. 6