| Dear UNC Charlotte Alumni and Friends,
With the start of the new academic year quickly approaching, I want to share with you some updates about the work we have been doing over the past several weeks and what is planned in the coming semester.
Safety As I have said many times, there is nothing more important to us than ensuring the safety of our campus community. Our internal review of the April 30 tragedy and our response to it is complete, and I will receive the report within the next couple of weeks. Additionally, we will commission a thorough and completely independent external review that will include recommendations on any areas that the reviewers think could improve campus safety or emergency response. We have retained the National Police Foundation (NPF) to lead this process. They will partner with the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) and a cross-functional team of experts in emergency management, communications, behavioral health, and academic and student affairs to conduct this assessment. I expect the team to begin their work in earnest in late August or early September.
In the meantime, we have already taken some steps I want to bring to your attention:
- Community Active Assailant Response Training -- As the new academic year begins, the Department of Safety and Security will offer large-scale active assailant response training for the campus community.
- Enhanced Police Presence -- There will be an enhanced police presence on campus as classes resume in the fall. This isn't because we anticipate any increased threat to our safety. Instead, it is intended to reassure us all of the strength and accessibility of our police force.
- Increased Security for Large Events -- Beginning this fall, there will be increased security at football games, commencement, and other large events. This includes the use of metal detectors, the enforcement of more restrictive bag policies, and the presence of additional police officers. More specific information will be shared with attendees prior to each event.
- Classroom Safety Information -- The University will install posters in each classroom listing the room number, emergency contact information, and how to execute the three primary action directives given in a NinerAlert: lockdown, shelter in place, and evacuation. The posters will be installed throughout the fall semester.
Support Support services continue to be available to our students, faculty, and staff. This will continue throughout the fall semester.
Additionally, the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, the Dean of Students Office, and the Department of Safety and Security have partnered to offer a workshop for faculty and staff on how they can best support students as they return for the fall semester.
Niner Nation Remembrance Commission The Niner Nation Remembrance Commission will reconvene in August to chart its work and review research compiled over the summer to gain insight into how others who have experienced similar tragedies have chosen to honor their victims and to memorialize what had taken place in their institutions or communities. Stay Involved The outpouring of support from alumni and friends has been overwhelming, and there are many ways for you to stay involved in the life of the University this academic year. The upcoming football season promises to be a big one for the Charlotte 49ers and our new head coach, Will Healy. Come out to support the team and the University, especially during Homecoming Week, September 22-29.
Alumni and friends are always needed as volunteers. Use your story to educate potential Niners about the University by participating in college fairs in your area or at on-campus recruitment events. Give your time at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry, sorting food and stocking shelves, or at the Botanical Gardens, working alongside a horticulturist or welcoming visitors. The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association also offers many ways for alumni and friends to stay connected to the University.
Your commitment to Niner Nation is instrumental in our success, and we would love to see you on campus.
We Are All Niners Moving forward after a tragedy of this magnitude isn't easy. When classes begin in August, two important members of the Niner Nation family will be missing. We will never forget Reed and Riley, the injuries sustained by Rami, Sean, Emily, and Drew, or the collective pain we experienced on April 30.
The past few months have shown the world the depth and breadth of Niner Nation. The pride for this special place is evident. The importance of our University to the city and surrounding region has never been more apparent. The words "We Are All Niners" will be seen frequently in the weeks and months ahead, both on campus and off. It isn't a slogan or a motto. It is a declaration. Together, our future is bright, bold, and strong. | 
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