Our hearts and prayers are with all of those impacted by Russia’s unwarranted and unprovoked attacks, especially our students, faculty, and staff across the National Capital Region from both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the thousands of service members, veterans, and their families we employ and enroll.
Far too many in our community have personally experienced war and conflict. Our campus networks of advisors and counselors stand ready to offer support, as they have supported so many through past travesties and throughout the pandemic. We are so very grateful for their continued and unwavering service.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to the power of education to foster democracy, to increase dialog, and we fervently wish that those tools will somehow prevail over the use of force. As centers for global understanding and learning, we hope that diplomatic efforts may yet prevent this crisis from worsening further.
Andrew Flagel, PhD
President & CEO
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The following statements were formally issued or posted on social media by presidents and administrators of Washington-area institutions of higher education:
Dear Members of the Catholic University of America,
The Catholic University of America, in common with the rest of our country, is shocked and dismayed by the news that Vladimir Putin has violated the sovereignty of Ukraine. This is the most serious military aggression on a peaceful sovereign nation since World War II.
Our prayers are with the people of Ukraine, who face great uncertainty for their own personal safety, as well as their national sovereignty. Russia launched hundreds of attacks on Ukraine’s military infrastructure, which have resulted in over 100 deaths. Millions are fleeing the nation to seek refuge in a foreign country. Others are living in bomb shelters or camping out in subway stations.
Our prayers are also with the Ukrainian Catholic Church, which has strong roots here at Catholic University. The Dean of the School of Theology (TRS) is a Ukrainian Catholic priest, and TRS is home of the Institute for the Study of Eastern Christianity. St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary has been a neighbor since 1941, and its seminarians study at Catholic University. The Ukrainian National Shrine of the Holy Family is our neighbor across Harewood Road.
As a show of solidarity with Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, I invite all members of our community to join Pope Francis in making March 2, Ash Wednesday, “a Day of Fasting for Peace.” He reminded us that prayer and fasting are “the weapons of God,” and the best response to “the diabolical evil of violence.”
Let us also join Pope Francis in his prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace, “to save the world from the madness of war.”
Sincerely,
John Garvey
President
Catholic University of America
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Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
With Russian forces launching an attack on Ukraine, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people and those around the world affected by this unprovoked attack.
We invite all members of the Georgetown community to attend any of our religious services in the days ahead where special prayers will be said for all those impacted by these attacks. You can find a full schedule of services on the Campus Ministry website.
Pope Francis has made an appeal to all “believers and non-believers alike” to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and prayer for peace.
While this news is alarming to all of us, we recognize the impact it has on members of our community with family in Ukraine and our veteran and military-connected community members who have witnessed firsthand the effects of military engagements.
We have reached out directly to our Ukrainian students to offer our support and solidarity. We have several resources available to assist affected community members.
Student Resources
- We encourage students to contact their Dean’s offices or course instructors to make them aware of any academic concerns and impacts.
- If you are in need of spiritual accompaniment, Campus Ministry chaplains and staff are available during regular business hours. For assistance, please call 202-687-4300.
- To connect with a clinician at Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS), students may call (202) 687-6985 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. After-hours support is also available by calling the main CAPS line. To speak to someone urgently both after hours and during business hours, students should call the CAPS main line at (202) 687-6985 and dial 1 to speak immediately with a licensed clinician.
- All degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students have access to 24/7/365 telemental health services through HoyaWell from anywhere in the United States at no cost to you. HoyaWell lets you talk to a mental health professional from your smartphone or any web-enabled device through a video or voice visit. There are three available services: TalkNow (24/7, on-demand access to mental health support to talk about anything at any time), scheduled counseling and psychiatry.
- Student Outreach and Support (SOS) is a non-confidential resource offering support to students experiencing crises, difficult personal circumstances or unexpected transitions that interrupt a student’s course of study. SOS can help students navigate university systems and resources, including connections to academic deans, the Academic Resource Center or other support offices.
Faculty and Staff Resources
- The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides free confidential counseling and referral services to faculty, AAPs and staff. For more information, visit http://hr.georgetown.edu/fsap or call (202) 687-2396.
- Faculty and staff can use the Mindset program to connect with fast, convenient, confidential and free one-on-one mental health help over video appointments through One Medical, a national primary care network.
Our Every Hoya Cares website includes additional information about mental and emotional health and well-being resources for students, faculty and staff.
Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers for safety and peace to all those suffering during this time.
Sincerely,
Fr. Mark Bosco, S.J., Ph.D.
Vice President for Mission & Ministry
Georgetown University
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Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
Like many of you, over these past several weeks I have monitored with deep concern the growing crisis in Ukraine. Today, we have learned of an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine carried out by Russian military. There are reports of explosions, gunfire, and, tragically, lives lost.
I recognize there are members of our university community who are personally impacted by these events, and our entire community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni may be understandably worried and fearful. The loss and pain associated with war and conflict is profound, and it affects us all.
I want you to know that the university is here to support you. I encourage you to seek university resources, such as those available through the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement; Counseling and Psychological Services; Advocacy & Support; Student Affairs; Human Resources; or Faculty Affairs. I also want to reiterate that every member of our university community deserves to feel welcome and safe on our campuses.
While we hope for a resolution that avoids further loss of life, please keep those affected in your thoughts. As an institution of higher education, our university must continue the learning, teaching, research, and service our world needs, focusing on those efforts that may aid others in crisis. And as a community, we must always support one another, especially during these difficult times.
Sincerely yours,
Mark S. Wrighton
President
George Washington University
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Dear Marymount Community,
Over the last few days, the world has witnessed an aggressive and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, sparking a conflict that may result in the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. The Marymount community stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and we join the global call for peace.
Pope Francis has invited all, ‘believers and nonbelievers alike,’ to make Ash Wednesday, falling next week on March 2, a Day of Fasting for Peace. “Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.”
Also, on Monday, February 28, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington will be celebrating a Mass for Peace and Justice in Ukraine and Throughout the World at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. All are invited to attend, and it will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.
A reminder that counseling is available through Student Counseling Services for any Saints who wish to take advantage of these services – click here for contact and appointment information. For employees, we offer free, confidential counseling services through our Employee Assistance Program (click here for more information), as well as professional counseling and therapy services for employees covered by our CareFirst health care plan.
Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to the people of Ukraine and all those affected by the growing crisis in Eastern Europe at this time.
Sincerely,
Irma Becerra, PhD
President
Marymount University
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My thoughts and prayers are with our University of Maryland Global Campus students, faculty, staff, and their loved ones who may face danger and whose lives will be unbelievably complicated by the crisis in Ukraine. To our men and women in uniform especially, be safe, and please reach out if we can help in any way. #usmilitary #umgc #umgceurope
Gregory Fowler, PhD
President
University of Maryland Global Campus