University Message to Parents and Families October 31, 2023
Dear Worcester State University Parents, Guardians, and Families,
Saturday morning, a tragedy unfolded on our campus that has left us all heartbroken, frightened, and uncertain. We know that you are concerned and worried about your student and have many questions. Acting President/Provost Lois Wims and I want to answer the questions we can and provide an update on the university’s response. Please bear in mind that there is an active investigation being led by the District Attorney’s Office, about which we are not allowed to comment.
Our first and most urgent priority remains the safety and well-being of our students.
Since Saturday morning, we have provided ongoing counseling services for students who live in our residence halls and off campus through one-on-one scheduled counseling sessions, daily walk-in/triage times, and our 24/7 ResilientU mental health program. We will continue to provide appropriate resources and support as needed. Be assured that support for our students will be in place for as long as necessary. We understand that many students are still processing the events, and that may take time. In addition to their physical safety, we are committed to the academic, emotional, and mental well-being of all our students.
As we resume classes this week, we are fully aware that a return to routine is a process, and students will have different needs over the coming weeks. If your student is struggling, please encourage them to reach out to Counseling Services or their academic advisor. Caring staff members will work with your student to provide any needed academic or mental health support to keep their education on track.
We want to outline for you the safety protocols in place and our plans for the future. First, our university is staffed by uniformed police officers in the Worcester State University Police Department (UPD). They are sworn officers held to the same standards of all other law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth with a mission to promote a peaceful quality of life, establish community partnerships, and foster a safe learning environment.
Residential students will experience enhanced security protocols in their halls starting this week. We have hired a private security firm to work alongside student employees at lobby check-in desks in the residence halls. Continuing from the weekend, we are implementing a short-term suspension of all visitors and guests to the residence halls.
In addition, we have increased police presence on campus with uniformed officers from six state and local law enforcement agencies. University leadership and UPD Chief Jason Kapurch are actively reviewing safety protocols and other potential enhancements to campus security. We will have more to announce in the near term.
Over the last few days, we have communicated with many family members of our students directly. We want to thank you for your sharing your concerns and suggestions for where we can learn and improve. We are aware of the trust you have placed in us and do not take it for granted. Our students are amazing, and we are confident in their resilience and our community’s resilience as we move forward together.
If you have continued concerns, please do not hesitate to contact campus leaders directly by emailing wsufamilies@worcester.edu.
Sincerely,
Barry M. Maloney, President
Lois A. Wims, Acting President/Provost