Dear students, faculty, and staff,

In the wake of last weekend’s shooting off-campus near UVM, I am writing to update and inform you about measures in place to keep the campus as safe as possible for all of our students, faculty, and staff. University leaders are particularly aware that our Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian community members feel specifically targeted at this time. There is no room for hate at UVM and we ask everyone to come together in helping to keep our campus conducive to the learning, working, and recreation that are hallmarks of the UVM experience.

While the possibility of Saturday’s shooting being a hate crime is foremost on our minds, the motive remains under investigation. The Burlington Police will hold a press conference later today with updates. In the meantime, UVM’s safety and security teams have been working since early yesterday morning to adjust and enhance our security posture. Some of these enhancements may be visible while others are not. We encourage everyone in our community to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and to report anything suspicious swiftly to Police Services at 802-656-3473 or via the CATSafe app. For more detailed information on safety and security initiatives visit www.uvm.edu/dsc.

We remain in regular contact with our colleagues in the Burlington Police Department as well as our local, state, and federal partners on an ongoing basis. Additionally, we have reached out to the security teams at Brown University, Haverford College, and Trinity College to offer support to them on the ground here in Burlington.

Tomorrow, November 28, at 11:30 a.m., UVM will host a forum addressing campus and community safety. The forum will take place in the Silver Maple Ballroom at the Davis Center and is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

We find ourselves at a moment when, more than ever, it is important to come together, support one another, and find common ground. Given the circumstances of this incident, it is especially important to support our Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian community members.

Professional support is available through the services listed below. I hope you will take advantage of the services you may need as well as recommend them to others. Thank you for also checking in with those around you who may feel unsafe or targeted in this unsettled environment. 

Sincerely,

Michael Schirling
Chief Safety & Compliance Officer

Support for Students
Vice Provost and Dean of Students office: 802-656-3380
Counseling and Psychiatry Services: 802-656-3340
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 802-656-8426
Office of International Education: 802-656-4296
*Students may also reach out to the dean’s office of their school or college*

Support for Faculty and Staff
Employee Assistance Program: 866-660-9533