U of I Memo

TO: University of Idaho Employees 
FROM: Scott Green, President 
DATE: Nov. 26, 2022
SUBJECT: Extra Support and Security in Place for Remainder of Semester

It has been a tough time for our community, so I hope you all had a chance to rest and enjoy time with your families over the Thanksgiving break. Below is an additional update for you on what you can expect when classes resume Monday, Nov. 28. Continue to check your university email for further updates.

Candlelight Vigil Update

The university will host a candlelight vigil for Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30. The vigil will be on the Administration Lawn but the location is subject to change should significant inclement weather occur. A final decision on location will be made early this week. As you plan your attendance, know there will be some road closures near the Admin Lawn to assist with event management. Moscow offices can close at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate attendance.

A candlelight vigil is planned in Boise to coincide with the Moscow event. The vigil will be at 6 p.m. Mountain time at the Idaho Water Center, 322 E. Front St., Boise.

Media

As students return and we stand together at the vigil, media will be present. You may be asked for comments or opinions. You are under no obligation to speak to the media. If you chose not to speak, clearly tell the reporter you do not want to be interviewed. If you choose to speak, be clear that you are speaking in your individual capacity and not on behalf of the university. Any comments will be used at the reporter’s discretion, in context or otherwise. Only talk about what you know is fact. Speculation and rumors do nothing but hurt the families of the victims and distract from the truth which will bring the perpetrator to justice.

Campus Safety Update

You will see increased campus security on the Moscow campus for the remainder of the semester. We have contracted with an additional security company to increase this safety presence on campus. We will also have additional and visible Idaho State Police presence for the foreseeable future.

We have long supported the Safe Walk program, whereby students and employees can call for a campus security escort any time of the day, seven days a week. It will continue.

The university now also has a Safe Ride program for the remainder of the semester. From 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., you can call 208-885-SAFE (7233) to request either a campus safety escort or Safe Ride. The Safe Ride will provide on-campus transportation for you to access your vehicle, buildings near your class or office. This shuttle service transports on campus only. Campus security officers will continue to patrol campus 24 hours a day.

For safety assistance, call 208-885-SAFE (7233) or 911 if it is an emergency.

Academic Experience After Thanksgiving

Your response to our students’ needs has been inspirational and we are hearing deep gratitude from both students and parents. Continue to work with all students to help them finish the semester either in person or remotely. This can take a variety of forms, but in the end, our students need us to be flexible and accessible to them. All employees should work with supervisors for any changes in work arrangements. We need to keep offices open and student support top of mind but also strive to provide for our employees in need. Employees can receive as much as two weeks of a flexwork arrangement, with supervisor approval, before additional HR approval is required.

Counseling and Support Services

Drop-in counseling for employees will be available from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, on the ISUB fourth floor. Student drop-in counseling is co-located in this space. You can also get support via the EAP program.

If you are concerned about a colleague or student, file a VandalCARE report and you will receive assistance and support.

Support for the Families

Many are asking for ways to help. If you can, consider a donation to the families of the victims. GoFundMe pages are established for the families of Xana, Ethan, Kaylee and Madison, or donate to a charity of your choice in their name.

• Xana Kernodle
• Ethan Chapin
• Kaylee Goncalves & Madison Mogen (joint GoFundMe page)

Alternatively, some have decided to contribute to the Bruce and Kathy Pitman Memorial Fund. The fund is dedicated to help students in need.

How You Can Help the Investigation

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 208-883-7180 or email tipline@ci.moscow.id.us.

Spring Semester

Decisions have not yet been made on course delivery options for the spring semester. We will continue to follow the investigation closely and communicate details over the coming weeks as the way forward becomes more apparent.

The path ahead is certainly unclear as we await an arrest of the perpetrator of this crime. Many in our community need our help to navigate through this time of emotion and concern. Let’s help each other like only the Vandal Family can.

Scott Green
President

president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president

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