Troy, N.Y. — As most of you know by now, the United States has sustained today the worst act of apparent terrorism it has ever faced. This is, of course, a horrible day for our country. Therefore, I have decided, effective immediately, to direct that both the Troy and Hartford campuses of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute be closed. In addition, I am directing the closure immediately of all Rensselaer facilities at every location. I am doing this to meet the needs of faculty, staff, and students, to allow them to contact their families and loved ones, to assist in their participation in the blood drive that is now going on in the Darrin Communications Center, and to attend the prayer service which is scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon at our Chapel & Cultural Center. We will pray for our nation and for all of those who have perished. This closure includes all faculty, staff and students, except essential staff in Public Safety, Communications, Student Life, and the President's Office. Staff will be notified by their management.

All counseling services will remain available including the Health Services Center, the Dean of Students Office, the Advising and Learning Center, Residence Life (including the RAs in the residence halls), and professional staff in the Commons, the Office of the First Year Experience, and the Office of the Chaplain. The Chapel & Cultural Center will remain open 24 hours for all faiths who wish to gather for prayer.

Recognizing that students may wish to come together for comfort, and of course, to eat, we will keep open, on their usual schedules, the Student Union, and the Mueller Fitness Center.

I anticipate that we will be open tomorrow for all classes and services of the university. However, if it appears that we need to keep the university closed to meet the needs of our faculty, staff, and students, we will do so, and we will inform the community through the following communications channels: rpi.edu, Rensserv, an e-mail broadcast for all those who have an RCS account, a voice mail broadcast on all Rensselaer telephones, and Rensselaer cable television, in particular the bulletin board. We also will send any messages of closure to the commercial television and radio stations. People also can call (518) 276-2222.

Even though it is difficult, I urge everyone to remain as calm as they can. What such attacks aim to do is to disrupt life, by ending life and by affecting the survivors. The greatest thing that we can do as a community at this point is to care and look out for each other, and to pray for all of those affected. God Bless you.

Contact: Bruce Adams
Phone: (518) 276-6531
E-mail: N/A