Preparedness
On Campus
Dear
Members of the Penn Community:
As
all of you are no doubt aware, hostilities
have commenced between the United
States and Iraq, and the nation is
now on high alert for terrorist attacks.
We
want to reassure you that the University
is prepared to deal with any emergency
that may arise. We have spent the
past year developing a plan of action
with the advice of outside experts
to ensure the safety and security
of everyone who studies, teaches and
works at Penn. Our top administrators,
safety and security personnel and
Health System staff have rehearsed
what to do in the event of a hostile
act or other types of terrorist activity.
We
maintain close contact with federal,
state and city emergency management
agencies, as well as with law enforcement
personnel at all levels. Should an
emergency arise, we are ready to do
what we need to do as advised by government
staff. We have also taken steps to
ensure that extra security is available
to protect the campus if it is needed.
You
can assist us by staying informed
about events as they occur. In the
event of an emergency in the Philadelphia
region, you should stay tuned to local
television and radio for the latest
information. We will inform you of
any steps we may need to take through
broadcast e-mail, voicemail and messages
posted to our Penn Web emergency information
site, www.upenn.edu/about/emergency_preparedness.php.
We
understand that many of you are concerned
about the war. We have scheduled a
series of interfaith gatherings, academic
reflections and humanitarian projects
where the entire campus can share
concerns. Details about these events
can be found on the Penn Web calendar;
please check it often, as new activities
are continually being added. We have
also set up a space in Houston Hall
that will be open around the clock
for conversation, contemplation and
support, with staff and refreshments
on hand.
While
we send our troops our heartfelt wishes
for their eventual safe return, we
also believe the robust debate that
has taken place over the past several
months is good for the campus and
the country. We encourage you to continue
the discussion as you go about your
normal course of studies and activities.
We
urge you to continue your activities
as usual while remaining vigilant.
We appreciate your continued concern
for the safety of the campus, the
community and our country.
--Judith
Rodin, President
--Robert
Barchi, Provost
--Clifford
L Stanley, Executive Vice President
Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 26, March 25, 2003
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