November 16, 2015


Dear colleagues:

I am relieved to relay the news that all of our students, faculty and staff travelling in France have reported to their campuses that they are safe and unharmed in the wake of last week’s tragic terrorist attacks in Paris.

Safety, and student safety in particular, is our paramount concern, both here and abroad. We will continue to monitor world events closely through advisories from the State Department and will be prepared to act swiftly if there are any signs that the welfare of our students is at risk.

Since our founding nearly 150 years ago, this University has been committed to world-class educational opportunities that often take our students and faculty around the world, providing once-in-a-lifetime study and life experiences. We are fully committed to open, inclusive and safe learning environments. These troubled times, however, require extraordinary vigilance. I assure you that safety will be our guide and our foremost commitment.

On behalf of the University of Illinois family, I also send our thoughts and sympathy to the brave people of France and our other neighbors around the world who are grieving for innocent lives lost.


Sincerely,

Tim Killeen
President