As parents, we know that you too are saddened by this tragedy and are concerned about the safety and well-being of your student. We want to assure you that their safety remains of the utmost importance to this university while we all work tirelessly to keep our campus well protected.

N.C. A&T has a team of professionals who coordinate emergencies, inclement weather and crisis situations. As soon as an emergency occurs, the Aggie crisis team immediately responds with a comprehensive plan. Emergency protocols and procedures are geared toward students, faculty, staff and campus guests to ensure their continued safety and welfare. Immediate notifications are disseminated by the Office of University Relations including emails, A&T’s radio station WNAA 90.1 FM, fax machines, the A&T website at www.ncat.edu, WNAA’s website at www.aggienewsonline.com, the Aggie InfoLine at 336.334.7325, Aggie Net TV screens, Aggie Info trees, and campus two-way radios. In addition, the A&T Public Relations Council and Aggie Marketing Team are working on plans for more advanced technology via cell phones as well as an emergency warning broadcast system using sirens. Please check the A&T website for detailed information regarding weather, emergencies and campus safety tips at www.ncat.edu.

We also know that your students may be feeling grief, fear, and experiencing a sense of uncertainty. To this end, we held a campus memorial on April 17 and allowed students to express their thoughts and want to further assure you that we are doing everything we can to provide assistance for any student in need. The staff of Counseling Services was present and is available to provide counseling for students to include extended counseling service hours. Students may also seek assistance through their Residence Hall Directors, the faculty, the Office of the Dean of Students, or any campus office. The number for Counseling Services is 336-334-7727, and the Dean of Students may be reached at 336-334-7791. Our University Police Department is accessible 24hrs. each day at 336-334-7675.

We also recommend that you maintain close contact with your student during this time.
Trauma reactions are normal reactions to extremely abnormal circumstances. It is difficult to predict what type of trauma reactions a person may exhibit following a disastrous event. We offer the following suggestions to share with your student as you help them manage during this time period:

• It is important to allow oneself to have reactions and take care of them both by yourself and by asking for help from others, as best you can.
  
• Keep reminding yourself that your responses are normal responses to a stressful situation. Give yourself permission to do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Your body and mind will tell you what you need to do--your job is to listen to them.
  
• Get plenty of rest when you're tired, and use the energy you have if you experience hyperactivity at times. Don't force yourself to be active if you don't have the energy, or rest when you feel tired.
  
• Talk to people as much as you need to. Reach out. You may experience a need to talk repetitively about the trauma. If you can find someone who is willing to listen, use her/him to talk to about how you are feeling.
  
• Spend time with others, even if you don't feel like talking. It can be very comforting to know you're not alone. Try to find someone or someplace that feels safe and comforting to you, and spend time there.
  
• Do things that feel good to you--take baths, read, exercise, watch television, spend time with friends and family, fix yourself a special treat, or whatever else feels nurturing and self-caring.
  
• Allow yourself to cry and verbally express your feelings when you need to. Try not to numb your feelings with alcohol or drugs. This will only complicate your situation.
  

At any time during this process, your student may find it useful to ask for professional help from a counselor or mental health professional. Your student should refer to the contacts mentioned in this letter or seek other professional help.
We do hope that this letter is helpful as you work with your son or daughter to cope with this national tragedy now and in the weeks to come. Please fell free to call on us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sullivan Welborne, Jr.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Dr. Judy Rashid
Dean of Students