Student Council: A Message to Our Community

To
All Students
From
UVA Student Council

Letter from the Executive Board

Dear Students, 

It’s in hard times that we're reminded how relentless this community’s love is. From commemorating the 5th anniversary of August 11th and 12th, standing in solidarity amidst anti-Black hate crimes, to mourning the loss of our friends and classmates, Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry: we have stood together as a community. These are not the circumstances under which we would have wanted to be in community, but these are the circumstances in which we find ourselves. And in these circumstances, we could not be prouder to be here with all of you. 

It’s challenging to think that this time next week, we will be asked to reflect on what we’re thankful for. In this moment, we can say, without a doubt, that we are thankful for you. We are thankful for your kindness to each other, patience with us, and compassion for everyone around you. We are grateful for you checking in with and taking care of each other. We could not serve a more resilient and empathetic student body. We are thankful for you. 

We are also thankful for the Parent’s Fund and their generous donation that funded gatherings for over 200 CIOs this week. We are thankful for the opportunity they helped provide for groups to find comfort in community with each other. 

We found comfort in joining thousands of you on the South Lawn the other night, in student governments across the country who have reached out in solidarity with our student body, in Virginia Universities shining orange and blue on their campuses, and in each other. 

The only thing that feels normal right now is how generously students, faculty, and staff are supporting each other. We encourage everyone to continue giving grace, looking out for each other, and sharing the love that this community has to offer. The coming days, weeks and months will be hard, no one can change that, but we’ll do this together. 

With love and in solidarity, 
The UVA Student Council Executive Board 
Ceci, Jaden, Riley, Gaby, Holly, Tichara, Avneet, Ryan, and Christian 
Donation Links
The UVA Strong Fund, a University-wide effort administered by the UVA Alumni Association, is a way to support victims, survivors, and their families; to provide services for students in the wake of the tragedy; and to honor the lives of those who died on November 13. Our hearts are broken, but together we will mend our spirits.

If you are able to donate, we encourage you to click here for more. 
From UVA Athletics
The Football Media team from the Virginia Department of Athletics is creating a memorial video and are collecting photos, videos, and voice memos of D’Sean, Lavel, and Devin to be featured. If you have content that could be included in, submissions can either be emailed to our Director of Creative Media, Taylor White, at [email protected]

Have Academic Concerns?
We understand that this is a trying time for students. We feel that at a time like this, the priority should be healing and taking care of our community. On Tuesday, November 15, President Ryan and Provost Baucom, in conjunction with School Deans sent out a school wide email where they stated: “we will not require undergraduate students to complete any graded assignments or take exams before Thanksgiving break.” This covers all graded assignments, including attendance. If your professor is in violation of this policy, reach out to your academic Dean, they are here to help you navigate these situations. If you would like the support of other students, please feel free to reach out to Gabriela Hernandez (Chair of the Representative Body) at [email protected]. You can also reach out to Honor to report these violations at [email protected].  

Ongoing Support Services Next Steps Fund
The Next Steps Fund (NSF) is a resource for students with financial need seeking mental health care outside of Counseling and Psychological Services. NSF will cover the costs of up to six sessions with a mental health care provider in the community. In the wake of the recent tragedy, many of us will feel long term effects. Know that NSF is a resource available for anyone with financial need looking to seek treatment, and there is no means-testing or proof of financial status required. Please visit this link to learn how to use NSF and contact CAPS Care Manager Karen Painter at [email protected] with questions.