Message to the USC Community
From: Michael W. Quick, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
November 8, 2018
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you yet again in the wake of another mass shooting. On behalf of our entire university, I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill.
Reports suggest many of the victims are college-age, which makes this latest shooting hit even closer to home. I know many of you are tired and angry, and I share those feelings. Please know that we are reaching out to those in our community who may have been affected, and we are reaching out to our colleagues at Pepperdine University, Cal Lutheran University, Moorpark College, CSU-Channel Islands, and the other schools where victims may be from.
As we try to collectively process another senseless tragedy, I want to reassure you again that your safety and security is our number one priority. Our Department of Public Safety and our Threat Assessment Team, working alongside the Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation when necessary, are continually dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming campus where everyone can thrive.
I want us all to keep these resources in mind as we work through the challenges that these events can bring:
- Students who would like counseling services can contact 213-740-7711 (UPC) or 323-442-5631 (HSC). Faculty and staff can contact the Center for Work and Family Life at 213-821-0800.
- Faculty, students and staff in need of support, including crisis support, can contact USC Support and Advocacy at 213-821-4710.
- If you are concerned about a fellow Trojan who may be struggling with personal difficulties, you can anonymously and privately contact Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T) at: https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/trojans-care-for-trojans-tc4t/.
I have been so proud of our community in the wake of past disasters. In each instance, we have banded together, supported each other, worked through our grief as a community, and rededicated ourselves to the creation of a better world where this no longer happens. While this gets more difficult with each new tragedy, I know that we will do the same this time.
Cc: Wanda Austin
Academic Senate
Academic Deans
President’s Cabinet
Provost’s Cabinet