MOSCOW, ID – The University of Idaho will remain flexible through the end of the semester as law enforcement continues to investigate the murders of four students on November 13th. University President Scott Green says the power and strength of the Vandal Family has never been more evident to him than it has this week.
“The emotion that has united our campus since the horrible deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin is incredible,” Green says in a statement this afternoon. “We will come together 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, on the Administration Building Lawn to commemorate the lives of these four Vandals. In our shared grief, we find strength.”
From Scott Green:
Course Delivery
We have heard from many of you about how you hope we will proceed as a university after Fall Break. Each idea, concern and fear has been heard and considered. We will strive to respond accordingly. As such, faculty have been asked to prepare in-person teaching and remote learning options so that each student can choose their method of engagement for the final two weeks of the semester. Moving courses fully online is not preferred but may be necessary in limited situations. Students, your faculty will communicate course options soon. We still plan to hold the two Commencement Ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 10.
Resources
We are grateful for our faculty who are working hard to meet students where they are, while also dealing with their own grief. Faculty, please communicate with your classes and work with students to help meet end-of-semester requirements. The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has resources to support you as you make these adjustments.
We appreciate our staff who are keeping offices open, providing resources and helping our students, again while dealing with their own natural reactions to this tragedy.
For all employees, the Employee Assistance Program is available to provide you support during this difficult time. Additional Emergency Crisis resources have been made available through EAP.
Drop-in counseling for students will continue the week of Nov. 28. Watch for details. The Counseling and Testing Center will also be open for drop-in or by appointment at 208-885-6716. This phone line provides 24/7 access to counselors (select option three in the evenings and weekends to be connected to someone).
Safety
We continue to push for answers to this case while recognizing the enormity of the task ahead for dozens of law enforcement experts across agencies. We are not accustomed to this kind of violence in our town or at our university and are grateful to the Idaho State Police for increasing their visibility on our campus and in our community. This will continue for the foreseeable future.
Student and employee safety remains our priority. In addition to the increased Idaho State Police presence, we have increased our own security force. Safewalk continues to be available 24/7 by calling 885-7233 (SAFE). Extra safety precautions are being taken in the residence halls, and Fraternity and Sorority Life chapters are encouraged to review their own facility security protocols with their housing corporation boards.
Tips and Updates
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 208-883-7180 or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.
For more information, access to all university communications on this incident, resources and information on the vigil, visit uidaho.edu. Moscow Police will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 23. It will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/bXEo-AMZbkg. Watch your email early next week for further information from the university.
As the case unfolds, we will better know how to proceed in the new year. We will endeavor to find balance among safety concerns, the need to grieve and the long-term needs of all our students and employees.
As we gather with family and friends this week, remember those who have empty seats at their tables. Remember those who grieve. This senseless crime has shaken us all. It has also brought us closer, caused people to step up and support one another, and perform selfless acts of kindness. For that, I am thankful for this Vandal Family.
Scott Green
President
