Communications

Date: Jan 14, 2011

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, U.Va. Student Affairs

Re: Welcome Back

Dear Students:

Happy new year to each of you, and welcome back to second semester. I am writing with several reminders that I hope will be helpful.

Inauguration of President Sullivan

April 13-17

This will be a memorable semester in the life of the University with the inauguration of our new president, Teresa A. Sullivan. Please note the dates and plan to participate in many of the inauguration-related events, which will be occurring over a five-day period. The installation ceremony will take place Friday, April 15, at 3 p.m. on the Lawn (rain site: John Paul Jones Arena). More information will be available soon.

Personal Safety

As you return to Grounds and perhaps adopt new routines for second semester, please remember to make personal safety a priority. The police and others are always here to help, but your actions and reasonable precautions are important to maintaining a safe environment for yourself and for your fellow community members. Several reminders:

• Walking alone at night puts you at added risk. Use SafeRide (434.242.1122), walk with friends, or take a late-night bus. A student-run walking escort service also will be available in the near future. Please stay tuned for more details. If you are participating in upcoming sorority or fraternity recruitment activities, some of which are after dark, make a plan in advance to get home safely.

• University buses run late Thursday through Saturday evenings (the Thursday night pilot program begun last semester is continuing). For schedules, check the P&T Web site.

• If you come across a suspicious package, do not pick it up or attempt to open it. This is an ongoing reminder, recently reinforced due to mail facilities in the Washington, D.C., area receiving threatening packages. More information and safety tips are on the University’s Web site.

• Crossing a street calls for your full attention. Listening to music or talking on a cell phone can distract you from unforeseen dangers – whether a speeding vehicle or icy pavement.

• If a person or situation makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Immediately report your concerns and pertinent details to police by calling 911 (or pick up one of the blue-light phones if you are on Grounds).

• If you live off Grounds, get to know your neighbors and look out for one another. Talk with your landlord about replacing burned-out exterior lights or trimming overgrown hedges that create opportunities for criminal activity. Contact the Off-Grounds Housing Manager if you need help in this regard.

• Additional safety reminders are available on the University Police Web site.

• The University’s Office of Emergency Preparedness also provides many helpful resources on its Web site.
  

Combating the Flu and other Illnesses

Flu season has arrived, and several steps can be helpful in avoiding the flu or minimizing the chance of spreading germs to others:

• Keep your hands as clean as possible. Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more with soapy water.

• Avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils with friends and roommates.

• Cover your mouth and nose, preferably with a tissue, when coughing or sneezing.

• If you do develop symptoms suggestive of the flu or another contagious disease, stay home from class, rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you need to see a doctor, you can make an appointment with Student

• Health through the online Healthy Hoos secure Web site.

• Flu vaccine is still available at Student Health and other facilities, and it is not too late to receive it. To make an appointment at Student Health, please go to the Healthy Hoos Web site.

Inclement Weather

Although it is extremely rare for the University to cancel classes for bad weather, other activities, services (such as UTS buses), and events may be altered, postponed, or cancelled. To stay up to date on weather-related messages, please check the University’s home page or call 434-924-SNOW (7669).

Resources

In addition to the offices and resources already mentioned, please remember that you can always find help and support from the following, and as a suggestion, you may want to add these numbers to your cell phone:

Office of the Dean of Students: 434.924.7133 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; after hours, call University Police and ask to be connected with the Dean-on-Call, who is available 24/7.

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 434.243.5150 for appointments; 434.972.7004 for after-hours emergencies. For more urgent needs, walk-in services are available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

University Police: 434.924.7166 for non-emergencies and lost-and-found; 911 for emergencies.

Best wishes for a safe, healthy and successful semester. If my colleagues or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail or at 434.924.7984.

Warm regards,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer