Sharing Update - College of Law, April 23

April 24, 2023
Robert C. Robbins

April 24, 2023, 4:21 p.m. 
 

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Out of an abundance of caution and in the spirit of transparency, we want to share with you an email that the College of Law sent to its students, faculty and staff this past weekend.

Dear College of Law Community,

We write today to share with you an update on our plans as we move forward to the end of this semester.

As you know, two weeks ago, the College of Law transitioned to remote learning for a few days as members of law enforcement and our campus safety officials examined a possible threat.  To be clear, we believe there is no specific nor credible threat to our community at this time.

However, we have received direct requests and concerns from many members of our law school community, including requests that we share whatever information we are able to, and we want you to know that we understand and appreciate all of them.  

In our continued effort to act with an abundance of caution and to provide maximum flexibility for our community, we have made two decisions that will affect our operations in coming weeks.  The steps we outline below are intended to allow each of us to focus on care of ourselves and one another as we close out the semester.

Our College of Law personnel and appropriate UA entities and colleagues have partnered throughout in monitoring concerns raised, seeking more complete information, and working with individuals in the direct circle of impact.  

Here are two updates:

First, all classes that were scheduled to meet in-person at the College of Law on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of this week will meet via Zoom.  As a reminder, Wednesday, April 26, is our last day of classes.  Classes, clinics, and externships that are scheduled to meet in-person not being held on the College of Law campus are not affected by this decision.  

Second, for the same reasons stated above, we ask all supervisors to attempt to accommodate all Work From Home requests from College of Law employees through graduation.  

While we are taking these steps, the College remains open.  If you are working or planned to work in law school buildings today, it is safe to do so.  Additionally, should you choose to work and study at the College in coming weeks, we welcome that.  We've already taken steps to make sure that it is safe to do so.  These steps include:

  • providing additional security presence at the College.
  • prohibiting the person who precipitated these events that began on Monday, April 10, from campus.
  • requiring an active CatCard for entrance to College of Law buildings.

As a reminder:

  • Students, please look out for instructions from your professors about the details for individual classes. 
  • Faculty, if you need assistance moving your classes to Zoom, please contact IT support.
  • In addition, all exams have already been switched to remote.  Please visit the Examinations page for the latest schedule. 
     

To reiterate: we believe there is no specific nor credible threat to our community at this time.  We encourage everyone to take advantage of services available as they continue to process the uncertainty and vulnerability events like this understandably unearth.  The College of Law and University continue to offer the following resources for our community:

  • Students have access to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).  See https://caps.arizona.edu/.
  • Students have a private coaching and psychotherapy practice offering confidential counseling sessions at no cost or through student insurance. Details have been shared with College of Law students. 
  • Internal College of Law student support professionals. 
  • Employee Assistance Counseling (ComPsych) - Faculty and staff, please visit the Employee Assistance Counseling Page for information about free and confidential one-on-one counseling available 24/7 through ComPsych.  See Life & Work Connections, www.lifework.arizona.edu/counseling. 877-327-2362.
     

Thank you for your patience as we continue to ensure that all concerns are being heard and appropriate steps are being taken.  
 

In light of this situation, and as the academic semester draws to a close and stress levels are high, please remember that several campus resources are available to all faculty, staff and students.

If you need support, or if you know someone who does, please reach out:
 

  • The Dean of Students has crucial resources to help students and those who work with students. 
  • Students in need of mental health support can contact Campus Health’s Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) by calling 520-621-3334 for an appointment, schedule online, or drop in at one of the CAPS locations during operating hours. 
    • For crisis support, please call 520-621-3334 and press 1 if greeted by the automated message. 
  • The SOS service can help students find the right place for the support they need, including academic and advising guidance. Resources are also available for faculty and staff to help affirm and support students. Please know that the University leadership, our safety experts and local law enforcement, including UAPD and Tucson Police, are taking these matters very seriously.

We will share with you further updates when we have additional information.

Be well.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Robbins, M.D.

President
The University of Arizona 
 

University Resources

If you need support , please reach out to the following University support services:
 

  • Life & Work Connections resources for employees: 520-621-2493
  • ComPsych 1:1 Counseling for Employees: 887-327-2362 (TTY: 800-697-0353)
  • Campus Health's Counseling and Psych Services for Students: 520-621-3334
  • Dean of Students: 520-621-7057
  • University of Arizona Police Department: 520-621-8273

This email was sent to: all students, faculty, staff, and DCCs.