December 20, 2022 - An Update on Campus Security and Next Steps

Dear Campus Community,

As we head into a quieter time on campus this week, I want to continue to provide updates on our response to campus safety. New inquiries are underway into our University responses to Title IX violations and suspected threats, as well as the disciplinary procedures and practices. I invite collaboration from our campus on how we can improve. On December 16, 2022, the Academic Senate took a significant step in that direction when voting members passed a resolution requesting the CSU Board of Trustees authorize an independent review of the University’s handling of the Professor David Stachura personnel matter and threat to campus.

I support this request, and I thank the Academic Senate for taking swift action. As we as a campus move ahead to effectively change policy and culture to provide a safe environment and better support victims, we must rebuild trust.

I pledge to do all that I can with the Chancellor’s Office and the Board of Trustees to expedite the request for independent investigations.

Meanwhile, the University has taken a few other important actions in the last week I want to share:

• The Division of Student Affairs held an online emotional support forum for biology students on December 16, 2022. Students were provided a safe space to share their feelings, thoughts, and personal stories with counselors present to assist with the conversation. Additionally, the College of Natural Sciences held a support forum for biology graduate students.
• The Faculty Recognition and Support (FRAS) Committee on December 14, 2022, recommended Stachura’s Outstanding Professor Award be revoked. I took that action immediately, and the award has been revoked.
• Professor Susan Roll has been named acting chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), replacing Stachura effective immediately.
• Counseling sessions and information sessions have been provided for faculty and staff in the College of Natural Sciences.
• Stachura’s teaching and research projects have been reassigned and alternate advisors have been identified for his students.
• University Police Department (UPD) has been in constant contact with Stachura and worked with him to voluntarily surrender his firearms to UPD.
• Security measures have begun in Holt Hall. Doors are in the process of being rekeyed. and swipe card access is being added.
• Plans are underway for an all-students session on safety to take place at the beginning of the spring semester. We anticipate having a time and date set before the end of this week.

Several other actions are in the works and I will continue to update the campus community. Campus safety remains our highest priority, and we will continue to work with and support students and employees throughout winter break and heading into the spring semester.

In the meantime, employees can obtain mental health support at EAP, and Safe Place. To report misconduct, contact Equal Opportunity and Dispute (the Title IX office). Finally, if you see or hear about any safety concerns, or feel unsafe yourself, please consider reaching out to University Police Department or report a tip anonymously.

Sincerely,

Gayle E. Hutchinson

President