November 7, 2019 - November 8 Remembrance

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle Hutchinson

Tomorrow, November 8, marks one year since the 2018 Camp Fire started. Our campus will join greater Butte County in observing a remembrance of the loss and devastation, which changed our community forever.
Please remember to be gentle with yourself and others. Honor the varied experiences of those impacted by the Camp Fire by not underestimating difficult experiences or triggers, and recognize we each have our own process and pace of recovery.

At 11:08 a.m., the Trinity Hall bells will chime to begin 85 seconds of silence commemorating the 85 lives lost in the fire, with the bells chiming once again to conclude the remembrance. For those who would like to mark the event in community with others, there are nine designated gathering sites on campus:

• Kendall Lawn at the flagpole (Following the 85 seconds of silence, the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Chris Navarette will play a selection of hymns.)
• Student Services Center courtyard
• Yolo Hall courtyard (behind Shurmer Gym)
• Plumas Hall (south side)
• Alumni Glen
• Creekside Plaza (outside Colusa Hall)
• Modoc Hall lawn (south side)
• Langdon Engineering Center and O’Connell Technology Center (courtyard between buildings)
• Éstom Jámani Hall and Whitney Hall (courtyard between buildings)

For assistance locating these gathering sites, look for event signage upon arrival, or see a campus map: www.csuchico.edu/maps/campus/.

Faculty teaching at that time may choose to observe the silence with their students, delay the start of class, or grant leniency to students who arrive late so they can partake in a communal gathering. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to allow staff reporting to them to participate within the limits of safety and necessary office coverage and service.

I know this day will be difficult for so many in our campus community and beyond. This observance intends to provide an opportunity to express shared grief and mutual support while respecting those for whom any recollection of that day is painful. We appreciate your flexibility in accommodating the various ways people will mark this day.
If you or someone you are close to are having an especially difficult time coping, do not hesitate to reach out. Consider attending one of the many self-care and support activities taking place on campus tomorrow. Pop-up counseling will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in BMU, Room 008. As always, MyLifeMatters is available to employees and students can utilize the Counseling Center. The Faculty/Staff Conference Room in Selvester’s Café-by-the-Creek also will be available after the 85 Seconds of Silence for anyone who needs a quiet, calm space to collect themselves.

I am grateful for your sensitivity around this event and your dedication to the students, staff, and faculty for whom this will be a difficult day. As this past year has shown, we are a compassionate and resilient community. Together, Wildcats rise.