The School Responds
SAIC Rallies in the Wake of Shocking Attacks
By Lamaretta Simmons
9.11 As news of the attacks on New York and Washington, D.C, hit Chicago, the SAIC administration, like the rest of the nation, took quick action to try to ensure student safety by canceling classes and allowing students to venture home to watch the carnage unfold on television. A school-wide e-mail from President Tony Jones went out early and was followed by several updates telling students when classes might resume and that the add/drop period would be extended due to the crisis.
As news of the apparent terrorist actions on the East Coast drifted in, the SAIC administration quickly went about the task of setting up counseling services to assist students and faculty.
According to Felice Dublon, director of Student Affairs, the 112 S. Michigan building was the center for student help. Dublon said that not only were counselors present to talk with students who were in need, but phones were also present for student use in trying to contact loved ones who may have been more directly involved in the attacks.
Many students scrambled to call family and friends after hearing the
news of the massive explosions in lower Manhattan, New York, where the World Trade Center was demolished by terrorists. A sense of panic gripped the entire nation as citizens watched and listened in disbelief as the news unfolded.
Dublon added that Student Affairs was mobilized very quickly on the day of the attacks, and several faculty members went around to classes to announce the cancellations and the availability of counseling services.
"This is a time of reaction, student reaction... and we are trying to make sense out of the senseless," Dublon said.
The day following what has become known as simply "the attacks," the school's administrators and a key group of faculty and staff held a forum in the 112 S. Michigan building ballroom. There students were able to speak openly and hear what their peers had to say about the shocking news.
President Jones led the school in a moment of quiet reflection out of respect for the victims of the tragedies in N.Y and D.C. on Friday, September 14, and also wrote in a school-wide email some of his hopes for the SAIC community.
"The tragedies that occurred this week have significantly affected each of us as individuals and as a global and artistic community. It is important that we support one another through this difficult time." Jones' email read.
In an effort to help with the grieving and healing process, a candlelight vigil was also held on Friday, where residents of 162 N. State Street walked to 7 W. Madison and joined up with Chicago Building residents. The group was comprised of faculty, staff, and students. The vigil ended at the entrance of the Columbus Drive building.
The administration, in conjunction with student government and other departments, there will host ongoing discussions and other programs available to assist students. The counseling department set up a week's worth of counseling services, which ran from September 24 through the 28. Included were depression screenings and a workshop called "Using the Creative Arts to Relax," which focused on using music, imagery, and art-making to relax and de-stress.
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