WMU News

University closes in wake of national tragedy

Sept. 11, 2001

KALAMAZOO -- In the wake of today's national tragedy at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center, WMU President Dr. Elson S. Floyd officially closed the University, except for essential services, and canceled all classes effective at noon today. Classes will resume and all University offices will be open during normal hours on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

"This is a time for us to focus on this terrible tragedy and business as usual is simply not appropriate," said Floyd. "All of our students, faculty and staff may want to be with their families and have an opportunity to monitor events as they unfold."

For those members of the University community who wish to gather and reflect on the tragedy, a vigil for victims of the attack will be held at Kanley Chapel on the WMU campus beginning at 7 p.m.

A second candlelight vigil will be held in "Fraternity Village," located on Fraternity Village Drive beginning at 8:30 p.m. That vigil is being sponsored jointly by WMU's Interfraternity Council and National Panhellenic Council.

Computing labs in the Bernhard Center and the University Computing Center will remain open during normal hours Tuesday so that students who communicate with their families primarily via e-mail will have Internet access.

The Tuesday evening performance of the Broadway musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at Miller Auditorium has been canceled. All other public events at WMU today were also expected to be canceled or postponed.

In December 2000, the University established a new policy for University closings (click for related article) and a new telephone number, 616 387-1001, was established to provide information about closings. News regarding closings and the resumption of classes are also announced on the University Web site via WMU News.

Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu


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