Provost DiPaola: 'We are here for you, as you are there for our students.'

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2022) — University of Kentucky Provost Robert S. DiPaola sent the following message to UK faculty this evening.

Dear Colleagues,  

Early this morning, an incident took place in one of our residence halls — captured on video — involving violence, racial slurs and offensive language against some of our students. And as President Capilouto said, “We condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance.” 

First, take care of yourselves and take care of each other. The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) boasts an array of resources and support related to building classrooms that are diverse and inclusive. Addressing this incident — and knowing how to do so well — is crucial to fulfilling our strategic goal of Bringing Together Many People; One Community.  

Additionally, there are many ways to directly support your students as Dr. Kirsten Turner, our Vice President for Student Success, will be communicating directly with students. Please feel free to share some of the following resources with students as well as you engage with them: 

Resources 

• If you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness or uncertainty, or struggling with any aspect of your health and well-being, a range of resources is readily available online or by phone. You can learn more about those resources and access them here. 
• If you need to talk with a mental health clinician after business hours or on the weekend, during holidays or during university closings, you can call 859-257-8701, select option #1 and you will be connected to a clinician. 
• Mental health clinicians will be available through Let’s Talk at the MLK Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Drop-ins are welcome; no appointment needed. 
• Members of the community can report discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct at this link. You may also make a report by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity (IEEO) at 859-257-8927 to speak with a staff member. 
• For a student who is exhibiting behaviors that are of concern in relation to personal, physical, or emotional well-being — of themselves or others — or experiencing circumstances you believe would benefit from increased support, please call 859-21-TRACS.  
• If there is an immediate threat to yourself or others, immediately contact the University of Kentucky Police Department at (859) 257-8573 (#8573 on your cell).  

If you or any of your students have questions, call 218-YouK — our helpline for student questions — no matter how big or small — that is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

As President Capilouto pointed out this morning in his email to the campus, “There is no more important responsibility we have — or commitment we must make — than to treat each person — each person — on this campus as people who have equal intrinsic worth and value.” 

Thank you for all you do for our students. We are here for you, as you are there for our students.  

Robert S. DiPaola, MD  

Provost