Our Community and Nation Respond

With responses to the massacre in Orlando coming from across our campus and the country, it may be helpful to collect a few on this page.

University of Michigan Counseling and Psychological Services Response

A Message from President Obama found HERE

A Message from UM President found HERE

A Message from UM Central Student Government

In the wake of the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub this past Sunday morning, Central Student Government (CSG) would like to offer its condolences, love, strength, and support to the victims and their families, survivors of this attack, and our friends and peers in the LGBTQ+ community, for whom such awful and hateful acts are far too commonplace.

As a society, both here in Ann Arbor, and in the country on the whole, we must confront, fight, and stand against all forms of bigotry -- not just in the aftermath of tragedy, but everyday, in every waking moment of our existence, in our roles as students, teachers, friends, partners, children, siblings, and change-agents. Our identity as Michigan Wolverines, but even more simply as human beings demands that we do so.

In addition to actively combating homophobia, we must acknowledge and also confront the unfortunate presence of Islamophobia in our society. Immediately following the attack in Orlando, misdirected and unfounded attacks and accusations were leveled against the Muslim and Arab communities.

This past weekend saw both many PRIDE celebrations happening across the country and the continuation of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities have rich traditions of promoting peace, love, and justice, and yet, once again, they have come under threat from weaker and lesser forces. Each community’s respective strength and resilience in the face of such unfathomable tragedy and hatred serves to inspire us all. We must also not forget that our identities position us around this tragedy differently, and that Muslim, Latinx, and all LGBTQ+ People of Color are hurting, and are constantly targeted, on multiple levels.

Please refer to some on-campus resources at the University of Michigan that are at our disposal:

The Spectrum Center 
Drop-in times and locations:

  • June 13th, 4:30pm-5:30p, School of Social Work (1080 South University)
  • June 17th, 12pm-2pm, Spectrum Center (3200 Michigan Union)

Counseling and Psychological Services
Dean of Students

In Solidarity
Central Student Government

A Message From UM Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Dear Students,
Our hearts go out to the victims, friends, families, partners and all those affected by the horrific tragedy that occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando over the weekend. Love and support, for individuals and communities, is always the antidote to hate and the ingredients that will begin to foster healing. We must continue to stand against violence and stand together as members of communities, as allies and as people affected directly or indirectly by this senseless act of violence.

We are, of course, all affected by this tragedy, often in different ways. We know that many members of our own community share the multiple identities with those directly impacted by these events, and it can make things particularly difficult for us to learn, to study and to care for others.

Tragedies such as this can evoke unexpected reactions, sometimes immediately and often over time. We encourage you to discuss your feelings with others, check in with friends and loved ones and support one another during this difficult time.

I want to make sure you are aware of the resources at the University of Michigan, which are listed below. If you are not near Ann Arbor, we encourage you to find community where you are, at an LGBT center, a campus resource center nearby, or in an online community. You also can contact The Trevor Project crisis line (1-866-488-7386) for immediate assistance.

Take care of yourself and others,
E. Royster Harper
Vice President for Student Life
Laura Blake Jones
Dean of Students

Campus Resources
Spectrum Center
3200 Michigan Union
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
734-763-4186
The Spectrum Center works to create affirming and inclusive spaces for LGBT and similarly identified people throughout the University. As we seek to process the violence that took place at Pulse nightclub in Orlando this weekend, the University will be holding drop-in space for students, staff, and faculty to give and receive support from one another. You can also reach out to the Center during regular business hours to get connected to resources throughout campus and the local community.
Drop-in times and locations:
June 13th, 4:30pm-5:30p, School of Social Work (1080 South University)
June 17th, 12pm-2pm, Spectrum Center (3200 Michigan Union)

Counseling and Psychological Services
3100 Michigan Union
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
734-764-8312
It is not necessary to make an appointment as there is a always a counselor on duty.  Services are confidential and free. Group interventions also are available. Please contact CAPS directly to discuss your need for a group counseling discussion.

You can contact CAPS via phone during regular business hours to talk with the Counselor-On-Duty; after regular business hours, contact the CAPS After Hours urgent support at 734-764-8312 (press 0).

Dean of Students Office
3000 Michigan Union
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
734-764-7420
The Dean of Students Office can offer assistance to students in a variety of situations. Staff members can provide academic departments and faculty members with notification if you experience an interruption in your academics. Call or walk in at any time during regular business hours.

Messages from National Organizations
Association for Univeristy and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) HERE
Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach (AUCCCO) HERE
Higher Edcuation Case Managers Associaition (HECMA) HERE
National Association of Student Personell Administrators (NASPA) HERE
American Counseling Personell Association (ACPA) HERE
 

National Resources

Online Resources

 

Article published in June 2016