Good afternoon, UPIKE Campus Community,
The brutal and disturbing video of the killing of Tyre Nichols is traumatic. Our humanity demands justice, but even more importantly, these events call us to bring about change. We all come from different places, cultures, and homes and yet, we are all people living together on this journey of life.
When violence happens, and perhaps, even more, when it is public violence, our memories are triggered and old traumas rise fresh again. At UPIKE, we care for one another in times of pain. I have seen us come together over and over again. To our students, faculty, and staff who are again drawn into this pain, we see you, we love you, and we want you to know we suffer with you.
The University has resources available to help with the trauma and grief. The Office of Diversity is one place to go, as is the Chaplain's Office and the Thrive Center. Bears should not walk alone.
For immediate help from a counselor, please connect with our online resource called Uwill. This will help you schedule an appointment with a counselor at a time that is ideal for you. https://app.uwill.com/register/y5qtyN-00usnLozqFQAnAA
We have another online resource called Kooth which gives great resources and provides you with someone to immediately text if needed. kooth.com/upike
If you would like to schedule a face-to-face meeting at the Thrive Center, please email counseling@upike.edu.
If you would like to just drop in and see someone face to face, you can visit Chaplain Rob Musick in Armington 460 or text at 419-560-6381.
Finally, if you would like to speak to someone from the Office of Diversity, please email either Katrina Rugless at Katrinarugless@upike.edu or Stefan Morales at Stefanmorales@upike.edu or you can call the office directly at 606-218-5291.