Message: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Published Friday, Feb. 25, updated Monday, Feb. 27
We are deeply saddened by Russia’s ongoing military attack on Ukraine. We condemn this attack and know how extremely difficult and frightening these events have been for our students, visiting scholars, faculty and staff with ties to the affected areas. We, along with the world, are deeply inspired by the courage and resilience the Ukrainian people have shown in the face of this attack, and we admire the Russian citizens who have risked arrest to speak out about the war being waged by their government.
Last week, we reached out directly to our Ukrainian and Russian Jayhawks to let them know we are here to support them in any way that we can and to direct them to campus resources that may be helpful. We are following the situation closely, including all discussions related to sanctions and White House conversations related to the granting of Temporary Protected Status to Ukrainians currently in the United States. Please know that as information becomes available, we will be advising impacted members of our community and supporting them in every way possible. This crisis brings tragedy and uncertainty to so many, and as a community, we will remain in support of one another.
We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support for all those affected over the past few days from our faculty and staff, as well as from members of our Jayhawk community beyond our campus. We join Chancellor Girod in calling our community to reach out directly to colleagues and students impacted by this tragic attack on a sovereign democratic state and let them know you are thinking of them. Support is available and we have listed some community resources below. We’d like to emphasize from the Chancellor’s message that “moments like this are precisely when truth, knowledge expertise, and free expression – the ideals upon which democratic states and higher education were founded – are most important. As a community of scholars, we experience watershed moments like this in the company of other learners, thinkers, and individuals who seek to better the world. Take advantage of this moment to learn, ask questions, get involved, and participate in our university and democracy however you can.”
To that end, on Wednesday, please consider joining CREES, the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Languages and Literatures, the Department of Political Science, and International Affairs for a teach-in on the war in Ukraine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, followed by a panel discussion with experts from KU from 2 to 3:30 pm. Both events will be held in KU Commons, Spooner Hall.
>> Read the Chancellor’s full message
>> Read the APLU Statement on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
We are in solidarity with all people in Ukraine, Russia and around the world who are against this war and we are committed to fostering peaceful ties between nations.
Best,
Charles Bankart
Associate Vice Provost for International Affairs
Nicole Hodges Persley
Interim Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
CAMPUS RESOURCES
International Support Services: The staff in International Support Services (ISS) are available to provide support however they can at 785-864-3617 or email iss@ku.edu. People may also utilize ISS in-person or virtual drop-in hours to connect with staff.
Talking with a trained counselor about your feelings and expressing concerns may also be helpful. Below is a shortlist of excellent resources that are available to all KU students:
KU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS):Watkins Memorial Health Center, 2nd floor, 785-864-2277. Phone or walk-in during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Request a same-day appointment.
MySSP (My Student Support Program): My SSP connects students with free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support available 24/7 via the My SSP app, telephone and web. Support is provided in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, French, and English. Ask about the availability of support in other languages. Call 1-866-408-2828 or visit the My SSP website.
HOPE@CAPS Drop-In Peer Listening:HOPE@CAPS Mental Health Peer Educators are trained to provide support and resources to KU students. Drop-in listening hours are available.
MANDATORY REPORTING EXPECTATIONS
In times of conflict, we need to ensure that all of our community members feel safe and supported. What is happening in Ukraine today is not the fault of anyone in our community and we should come together in support of peace and safety for all. Any acts of hostility or hate cannot be tolerated. To that end, there are several resources that we would like to remind you of, as well as mandatory reporting expectations.
Office of Civil Rights & Title IX: With only a few exceptions, all KU employees are “mandatory reporters.” Mandatory reporters are required to report incidents of discrimination to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, formerly the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, at 785-864-6414, civilrights@ku.edu or an online reporting form at civilrights.ku.edu. If a student, faculty member, or staff member reports concerns about discrimination, you should make clear your mandatory reporter status and report the discussion to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
While not an exhaustive list, the following resources may also be helpful:
KU Public Safety| emergency: 911 | non-emergency: 785-864-5900
KU Office of Public Safety has fully commissioned law enforcement officials certified by the State of Kansas and are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
University Ombuds Office | 785-864-7261 | ombuds@ku.edu
University Ombuds Office is a safe place where members of the campus community can seek informal, independent, confidential and impartial assistance in addressing conflicts, disputes, or complaints without fear of retaliation or judgment. The purpose of the Ombuds Office is to act as “an ear to the people,” and the Ombuds is exempt from mandatory reporting.
Office of Diversity & Equity | 785-864-4904 | diversity@ku.edu
In cases of non-emergencies, the Office of Diversity & Equity can help people identify what resources exist and what options might be relevant to address harassment or discrimination concerns. The Office of Diversity & Equity can also assist in the coordination of multiple university resources that might be involved after an incident.
Student Care Referral Team (SCRT) is an interdisciplinary, administrative team that identifies students through referrals who may be experiencing difficulty coping with their environment and/or life circumstance, assesses those referrals for needs and risk, and develops intervention and outreach plans in collaboration with Student Support and Case Management.
CARE Coordinator | 785-864-9255 | care@ku.edu
The CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Coordinator’s primary role is to provide institutional support for students who have been impacted by any form of violence. Services are free and confidential, and the CARE Coordinator is also exempt from mandatory reporting to University officials or organizations. The CARE Coordinator offers individualized therapeutic support, education and assistance navigating campus and community resources; support during the reporting process (both KU and criminal), and assistance with academic or housing needs.