Welcoming You Back to Campus With Care

Dear UVU Community,

We are still struggling to make sense of the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. Many of our community are hurting, especially our students, whom we love and care for deeply. This tragedy has shaken us to our core. Charlie Kirk was the victim of a violent targeted attack that claimed his life. We are grieving with his family and with every student, employee, and guest who witnessed or was affected by this horrific act. 

Our first responsibility is to those directly impacted: witnesses of the attack, students and employees secured in classrooms and offices, visitors and community members that fled campus to get to safety. We have mobilized additional counseling and trauma support services for all members of the campus community and urge everyone to seek help.  

The safety of our students, employees, and visitors is our highest priority. Local, state, and federal law enforcement are working closely with us to ensure a safe return to campus. Every day, we are working to restore a sense of safety and security at UVU. We are committed to this long-term effort in the coming months and years.  

This attack was not just on an individual, but on the spirit of free expression, civil discourse, and intellectual inquiry that sits at the very foundation of our university. We remain steadfast in our commitment to learning, dialogue, and the values that unite us, even in times of grief. We ask that you support and care for one another during this difficult time, and together choose hope for the future.  

Vigil for Unity  

Monday, September 15, many of you, our valued employees will return to campus. We are here to support you. On Wednesday, classes will resume.

We have scheduled a Vigil for Unity on Friday, September 19. The time and location will be announced later this week. Together we will mourn. Together we will heal. And together we will move forward to restore a safe and supportive environment for every member of this campus and community. 

Thank you for the outpouring of care that was shown to our students from employees, alumni, donors, parents, law enforcement, and state leaders in the aftermath of the violence on our campus. 

UVU will continue to acknowledge the tragedy, support our students and employees, and take every step necessary to ensure a safe and caring environment for learning and dialogue. 

I welcome you back with open arms to our campus.  

 

With care,

 Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez
President 
Utah Valley University