Offerings of Solidarity and Support

To our students, staff and faculty at the University of Denver,

We were deeply saddened to learn of the horrific, anti-Muslim terrorism that occurred in New Zealand yesterday. We mourn the lives lost by the terrible mass shooting at two Christchurch mosques during prayer. To you, our community members of the Muslim faith, we extend our full support and condemnation of this massacre.

It is in these moments that coming together, for hope and healing, is so vital. We encourage all members of our community to touch base with friends, fellow students and colleagues, to share and make use of appropriate resources, some of which are listed below, including some resources with 24-hour support:

 Campus Resources for Students

• The Health & Counseling Center (HCC) provides many medical and mental health services, including crisis and after-hours support. All DU students have access to crisis services at the HCC, regardless of insurance coverage (phone: 303-871-2205; Ritchie  Center, 2240 E. Buchtel Blvd., Suite 3N). 
• The International Student Support Program, known as My SSP is free to use and offers online resources and International Student Support Counselors that can help you succeed while studying in the United States. You can connect with an International Student Counselor who speaks your language, understands your culture and can help you address the unique challenges you face when studying in another country. 
• If you need help coordinating a response of your own or programming;  contact the Office of Cultural & Spiritual Life (OSCL) at jasmine.pulce@du.edu.
• Student Outreach & Support is a University resource where trained staff members ensure that students are connected to appropriate campus resources, have a plan of action to meet their goals, and learn how to navigate challenging situations. The Student Support Pathway can be activated by completing a report at http://carereport.du.edu or by calling 303-871-2400 to consult.
• The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides leadership, guidance and resources in support of the University’s commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive institution. To contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, please email inclusion@du.edu

Campus Resources for Employees

• Employee Assistance Program: Benefited DU employees are eligible for the EAP, which offers up to six counseling sessions each fiscal year. These individual sessions are available at no cost. Call 303-871-2205 and follow the prompts for an after-hours counselor on call.

National Resources

• Institute for Muslim Mental Health offers a hotline managed by professionals:  800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) available 24/7
• The Institute also offers an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed academic journal and articles exploring social, cultural, medical, theological, historical, and psychological factors affecting the mental health of Muslims in the United States and globally.
• Amala Hopeline: 855-95-AMALA (1-855-952-6252) This Muslim hotline for youth is provided by a group of Muslim college students who have grown up in California and have seen and experienced the challenges that come with growing up as Muslims in the United States. The Amala Hopeline is open 7-11 p.m. MST on Saturdays and Sundays as well as Mon., Wed., and Fri. each week.

Let us remember that at DU, we deeply care about each other, and we work daily to foster a unified community whose members may rely on one another for support. In this time, we are all connected in expressions of our solidarity and grief with those in New Zealand and in the broader Muslim community of faith. 

Sincerely,

Rebecca Chopp, Chancellor

Jeremy Haefner, Provost nd Executive Vice Chancellor