MSU Alert

A Message from Dean Greene

Friday, February 17, 2023 12 PM

Dear Students:

We are still processing—reeling from— the tragic incidents on Monday night. We are grieving the loss of fellow students and holding in our hearts those who remain hospitalized and the families and friends who have been directly affected. We will not forget those who endured the hours-long experience of being in lock-down. We have watched other communities endure similar events. Now, it is our turn to find our way forward.

We have consulted with mental health professionals and learned the importance of creating physical space for communion and support. I felt the power of that communion on Wednesday night at The Vigil at the Rock. What an amazing, inspirational experience. I walked over with our law students and happened to be walking next to a law student who was in his first march ever. That intergenerational experience was quite characteristic of the vigil. Out of this tragedy we have already experienced solidarity.

To continue that spirit of solidarity, we are creating Community Gathering Spaces at the College of Law. When you return to the law building on Monday, we will have coffee in the lobby before 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. classes.

Additionally, the Castle Board Room will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday with light refreshments all day and lunch at 12:15 p.m. Additionally, a counselor from Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) will be available there for group and individual discussions from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Community Gathering Space will move to Sparty’s, the seating space behind the lobby on the first floor, on Tuesday through Thursday with light refreshments available from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We understand that some of you are looking forward to returning while others may need more time. Therefore, although classes will be held as originally scheduled, we are offering the following accommodations to lessen your stress:

  • We’ve asked faculty not to “cold call” next week and to be flexible with assignment deadlines.
  • If you feel uncomfortable returning to campus, please email your professors and the Office of Student Affairs at osa@law.msu.edu to share your decision. Faculty will record their classes over the next two weeks and provide you with recordings as expeditiously as possible. OSA will also reach out to ensure that you have the resources you need to continue your legal education.

We are reeling with grief, but we are also resolute that this tragedy will not deter us from our duty to maintain and strengthen our wonderful Michigan State University College of Law community. As Interim President Teresa Woodruff said: “This is our campus, and today and in each of our tomorrows, we take it back as our own.”

Warmly,

Dean Greene

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 4 PM

Dear MSU Law Community,

While there are no adequate words to address the violence and senseless loss of life that fell upon our campus Monday evening, we continue to find ways to come together as a community and offer mutual kindness and support.

Members of our law student community have organized a walk to join the Vigil at the Rock this evening to do just that, and I will join them at 5:40 p.m. on the veranda in front of the College of Law to walk them to the vigil, which starts at 6 p.m.

In remembrance of the victims of Monday's tragic incident and in prayer for their families, we will walk together in an expression of compassion and community. Everyone is welcome.

In strength and with hope,

Dean Greene

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 5 PM

Dear MSU Law Students,

I am heartbroken at last night’s events, and I want to emphasize the importance of all of us taking time to process what has occurred. To provide time and space to grieve, all classes – online and in-person – are cancelled the rest of this week. They will resume Monday, Feb. 20.

Faculty have been instructed to make no assignments due before classes resume on Monday. Other deadlines may also be adjusted and communicated to you by OSA or your professors.

The building will re-open on Thursday, Feb. 16. Student services and the library will also resume operations then. Library hours will be communicated soon.

Our priority at this time is your safety and well-being. I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources that the University has made available to you. In addition, Abijah Taylor, Assistant Dean of Students; Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Equity Services; and Rosa Jarquin, Assistant Director for Student Affairs; stand ready to support you.

Additional non-MSU resources are also available.

  • Community Mental Health at 517-346-8460
  • Disaster Distress Helpline available 24/7 at 800-985-5990
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24/7 at 800-273-8255
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) warmline – operates 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-733-7753
    • Intended to serve individuals living with persistent mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma

For updates and the most current information, visit the Campus Safety Information page.

We will continue to update you with additional important information as we are able.

Stay safe,
Dean Linda Sheryl Greene

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 7:15 AM

Dear MSU Law Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am thinking of all of you this morning, as we absorb the horrible news of last night and find a path forward in the coming days.  

You should all have now received a communication similar to that below from the Office of the President. This remains our best guidance about work, classes, and activities on campus. For clarity, our building will be closed for at least the next two days and no employees should come to the building unless authorized by public safety officials or Chief of Staff Frank Aiello.    

In addition to the resources identified below, students are also encouraged to contact Abijah Taylor, Assistant Dean of Students; Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean of Diversity and Equity Services; and Rosa Jarquin, Assistant Director for Student Affairs; if you need support in the coming days. Additional resources for students and employees will be posted to Campus safety information as they become available.  

We will pass on more information as it is provided to us, but please continue to monitor communications from central MSU, which will be leading our community’s response in the coming days.  

Stay safe,
Dean Linda Sheryl Greene