Posted: 10/26/23 at 3:56 PM

To the Thomas College community, 

This afternoon I met with my staff to determine how the institution should move forward over the next 36 hours.  Given the circumstances as they exist this afternoon, we have decided the following: 

• Friday Classes:  All classes will be canceled tomorrow, Friday, October 27, 2023 
• Student-Athletes:  Please contact your coaches for any schedule changes.  Community members may also check athletics.thomas.edu and athletic social media channels for schedule changes and updates
• Campus Access:  Until further notice, Thomas College has secured our buildings and facilities. Buildings are accessible via college ID access or staffed entry. Our Safety and Security office is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that we are following any of the guidelines that are necessary to ensure the safety of our students. The Department of Safety and Security will communicate any updates
• Campus Events:  All Friday, Saturday, and Sunday campus events involving off-campus visitors or partners are postponed.  Any changes to events sponsored by Thomas College residential life will be communicated separately  
• Staff:  President’s Council has been asked to work one-on-one with impacted staff to ensure our campus and our students remain safe and secure and all student support operations continue uninterrupted 

I want to be very clear:  We will take every action necessary to ensure the safety of our campus and our community.  We will continue to work with law enforcement and share relevant updates as we have them.  

In the current circumstances, it is normal and appropriate to feel angry, heart-broken, scared, or confused.  Please take a moment to make sure you are caring for yourself.    The College’s mental health support services are available for those students who need it and if you or someone you care about is in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 911. 

As overwhelming as this changing situation feels, we will get through it.  We will mourn, we will grieve, we will recover, together.  We will continue to stand and support each other, together, and that is something that will never change.  This is what makes our campus the special and caring community it is. 

With my deepest respect,

Laurie G. Lachance

President
180 W River Rd, Waterville, ME 04901