Community Message from SUA Chair

In regards to the recent acts of violence on our campus and in our community -- ranging from gun violence to rape/sexual assault -- it brings great grief to my heart and the hearts of many to send you this message today. I know many of you are having great difficulty not only coping but also trying to find a sense of safety and security.

These acts have sent ripples of fear in students and make it difficult for us to focus and maintain a conducive learning environment. Our campus takes these issues very seriously and is working hard to assure that a sense of security is restored. Our UCSC Police Chief Nader Oweis has posted additional information about the steps our campus is taking to enhance security on campus as well as safety tips to utilize on a daily basis. It is important that we as students feel safe and secure on our own campus and in our community.

Efforts have also been made to provide two spaces for students to cope with the recent events. I highly encourage you all to attend the following events this evening:

UCSC Public Forum
To hear your concerns and discuss safety measures, the campus is hosting a public forum tonight with members of the UCSC Police Department and the Santa Cruz Police Department. For those who are unable to attend, the event will be videotaped and made available on the campus home page as soon as possible.

Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Location: Classroom Unit 2
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

Safe In The Dark: Reclaim Our Space
Members of Vagina Monologues, the Women's Center, and SAFE are calling the student body to come together to build strength in each other and ourselves, claim our collective right to safety and peace of mind, and ignite the passion, dedication, and absolute necessity for acting now.

Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Location: Quarry Plaza
Time:  9 p.m.

For more information on these events, please visit http://www.studentunionassembly.org/violence-in-our-community-2/