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USU reacts swiftly to national crisis A
summary of news on the USU web site Utah State University is concerned about the welfare of its student body in the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. The university management reacted swiftly to the horrific violence with virtually everyone from the president down getting actively involved in relief efforts. Colleges identified their interns working this semester in the Washington, D.C. or New York areas. The Political Science Department made contact with 12 of their 14 interns, all of who reported they were safe. Some 38 interns, graduate students, professors and researchers have been identified in the areas; 15 have been contacted and are fine. Efforts are being made to identify university students with families living in the affected areas. According to reports, USU has 103 students who come from the states of Virginia and New York. A more definitive number should be known within the next 24 hours. Student Services plans to contact each of these students on campus to assess their situation and offer assistance. The university has expressed special concern for the safety of international and study abroad students. The International Students and Scholars office e-mailed a letter to nearly every international student and scholar on campus Tuesday, written by President Kermit L. Hall, who expressed concern for their well being and assured them that the university is dedicated to protecting them. Hall also listed support services, including campus offices and community resources, and several counselors and administrators, giving personal phone numbers of those who are willing to be available after hours if students feel the need to talk. In his letter to international students, Hall expressed concern that "some people may rush to judgment assuming that people who committed these crimes are from countries outside the United States." He encouraged international students to call Campus Police on 797-1939 if they received any threats. Several staff have offered their availability after hours, including the Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Pat Terrell whose home phone is 750-7036; Craig LaRocco, whose home phone is 753-8614, and Dr. Mary Doty, director of USU Counseling who home phone is 753-5573. USU students studying abroad were quickly identified, and efforts were made to contact each of them to make sure of their welfare and to listen to their concerns. USU has 13 students overseas and 10 more scheduled to leave the United States in the next 10-14 days. The Counseling Center mobilized to provide in-service training at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Resident Assistants in each of the university's residence halls to help them recognize signs that a student is not coping with the event. Counselors are available to talk with students as well. A Candle Light Vigil for Healing and Hope has been organized by the Associated Students of Utah State University as part of a statewide initiative to pay respects to the many people who died or were injured, and to give students, employees and community members who wish to participate, a place to mourn, share concerns and support one another. The vigil will be held Thursday evening, 8 p.m. on the quad. All students, faculty, staff, community members and families are invited.
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