[Eoas-seminar] Yesterday

[eoas-seminar at lists.fsu.edu]

EOAS,

It is hard to put into words what to say after yesterday, but I will try.

First, at the current time it appears none in EOAS suffered injuries from the tragic events only one building over yesterday.  But, it is early in the investigation, so that could change.  Regardless, several others on campus were not as fortunate, and we deeply mourn for them.    Several in EOAS were in other buildings on campus (including the Union) either due to lunch, classes, or meetings (including me), unable to return to EOAS to help their friends and colleagues during the lockdown.   It was indeed traumatizing for all.

I have more than one personal experience with this type of event, unfortunately.   By pure coincidence, I was only a hundred feet away when the Hot Yoga incident happened in 2018, and I can tell you the images and memories of that still haunt me today.  In college myself in 1996, I missed being a potential victim of a mass shooting at Penn State by only 15 minutes as I walked across campus to classes.  I URGE you to seek out counseling to help you recover from yesterday’s trauma.   Even if it’s not evident right now, it may be needed as time goes on for some of you.   FSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services team is available at 850-644-TALK (8255).

Many in our EOAS community stepped up yesterday to protect each other during the threat:  Staff, Faculty, and Students.   Whether it was sharing information as they received it, barricading doors, or simply keeping their friends and students calm by selflessly remaining in the classroom to comfort them -- they are heroes for defending and supporting us all.  I profusely thank them for that courage.

Campus has been deemed secure and safe  – and today (Friday) has been designated as a day to retrieve your belongings on campus if you had to leave them there.   I will be in the EOAS building starting approximately 10am for those who need to enter and wish to be escorted to retrieve their belongings.  Card swipe will be needed to enter.   Starting at 10am, if you wish for me to escort you to your office, my email is rhart at fsu.edu and you can email me with your name when you arrive.     FSU has asked that you show me your FSU ID before entering, so please bring that with you.

Finally, several doors and door windows in the building were damaged during the evacuation process yesterday.   I will be doing an inventory of those rooms today.   If you find your office door compromised, please email me (rhart at fsu.edu) so I make sure it’s on the list.   Should your door, door lock, or door window be compromised, please do take any personal valuables with you when you visit today.

I will be in Room 2008D if you wish to talk today from 10am to 5pm.

We are here for you.

Official updates from FSU will be posted as always at:  https://alerts.fsu.edu/

Bob Hart
Chair, EOAS
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