Message from Ellen Badger Regarding the tragedy at Virginia Tech

To the BU International Student and Scholar Community:

It is hard for me to write about the events that took place Monday, April 16 on the campus of Virginia Tech, except to say that it is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Many of you may have received telephone calls from your family back home, troubled by what they have seen on television or read on the Internet or in the newspaper, and wanting assurances that you are safe.

The recently released images of the gunman that were sent to NBC News have received world wide publication, and have served to heighten concerns and worry.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is here to help. Your safety is of paramount importance to the University, and to us.

Any international student or scholar who would like to speak with me or other members of the ISSS staff is encouraged to come to the ISSS. Staff in the University Counseling Center are also available to speak with any student, either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. In addition, there are many publications and resources available to help you on the Counseling Center's website at http://counseling.binghamton.edu . The Counseling Center can be reached by calling 607-777-2772.

Should any student encounter verbal or physical harassment of any kind on campus, or knows of someone who has had a similar experience, report it to the University Police. Those who seek to verbally or physically harass others may be charged with violating the student code of conduct, and where appropriate, with criminal charges. University Police is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the ground floor of the Couper Administration Building. The non-emergency number is 607-777-2393. The emergency police number is 911 from on campus land-line phones and 607-777-2222 from off campus or cellular phones.

Students who are concerned about walking alone or in small groups at night are encouraged to take advantage of the campus Escort Service, which is available beginning at 7pm daily and can also be reached at 607-777-2393.

To quote from the BU Student Handbook:
" Binghamton University's strength lies in its people. We are proud that our students, faculty, staff and administrators represent a great variety of cultures, backgrounds and ideas. Our members contribute to the creation of an open, supportive campus environment with high levels of intellectual and creative energy. Building on our strengths, Binghamton aspires to become more than a multicultural institution; it strives to be a genuine inclusive community, one where those with differing backgrounds and allegiances feel themselves to be valued and learn from one another, and one where civility, respect and reasoned debate prevail."

Sincerely,
Ellen H. Badger, Director
International Student and Scholar Services
April 19, 2007