No president wants to abruptly cancel classes, close residence halls, or evacuate students into temporary quarters. But the safety and welfare of our students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors are UCF’s highest priority.
The first test for all of us is whether we are focused on protecting our campus community, and I am confident that UCF has passed that test. The test of compassion is also very important, and our prayers go out to everyone affected by Monday’s incident.
I have directed that all university resources be used to help comfort students affected by this incident and to return the campus to normal activity as quickly as possible.
I commend our students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation, sensitivity, and patience during extraordinary circumstances. Thanks also to Chief Richard Beary, the UCF Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners who provided essential assistance yesterday. A special thanks to our dedicated counselors and to our Housing and Residence Life staff members who responded so caringly to the needs of our students.
We will continue to update the situation on the UCF Website, www.ucf.edu.
All of us have a role to play in the welfare of our campus, and we will work together to use this experience to make us even more prepared, more alert, and more secure.