The following official statement was released by University of Pennsylvania officials earlier today.
In response to the tragic episodes in New York and Washington, the university's emergency response group has taken several steps to assist our students, faculty, and staff. We have set up this website and we will shortly be posting updates.
We have activated our emergency operations center, called in extra police officers and security, and our Public Safety office is in regular contact with local, state and federal agencies to stay abreast of new developments.
All day and evening classes have been canceled. We are setting up an information and counseling center in Houston Hall, in which we will provide phone banks, email terminals, and counseling. All members of Penn's community are welcome to make use of these resources.
Calls from concerned parents should be directed to the Public Safety Office at 215-573-3333. The MELT line (215-898-MELT) will also be updated throughout the day.
We urge all members of our community to remain calm, and to avoid immediate travel. We believe that traveling at this time would be more dangerous than helpful.
Penn is an international community, with friends and family throughout the world. This is a time for all of us to be supportive and caring towards each other.
The emergency response group will continue to meet, and we will send periodic updates by email.
Judith Rodin, President Robert Barchi, Provost John Fry, Executive Vice President
