Dear Campus Community,
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone for handling yesterday’s difficult, frightening incident with such grace and professionalism.
I’m happy to share that the Lowell Police Department has identified the person involved, and has recovered the item the juvenile was seen carrying. The object was a non-lethal replica, an airsoft-style gun. These devices are designed to shoot small plastic pellets but often closely resemble real firearms, which understandably causes alarm. This assessment reinforces law enforcement’s confidence that there is no ongoing threat to our campus community.
Thank you to members of the UMass Lowell faculty and staff, and particularly the University Police, for your caring and unwavering commitment to keeping our campus and our students safe.
Thanks also to our UMass Lowell students for the many acts of kindness and compassion you’ve shown throughout this ordeal. This incident understandably caused fear and concern, but throughout it all, you’ve demonstrated the very best of our River Hawk community.
Everyone should know the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff are the top priorities of this university. Our decision to resume a regular schedule today, made in close cooperation with our Emergency Management and law enforcement partners, reflects our belief that our campus is a safe place to learn and work.
We are encouraging students to attend class, as this will help reinforce the connections and support systems that are so important to our university community. Some will understandably be uncomfortable and should raise concerns with their professors, who are a supportive and sympathetic resource.
Members of our faculty and staff may also be uncomfortable returning to work, and we know their managers will extend consideration.
For all students, faculty and staff, please be mindful that people process things differently. Please continue to show compassion and flexibility toward one another.
Also, please note that mental health resources and opportunities are available for all members of the UMass Lowell community. Please look for this message in your UMass Lowell email inbox for further details.
Thank you once again for supporting one another. As difficult as yesterday’s incident was, I am grateful for the way you showed up for one another and encourage you to continue doing so.
With appreciation,
Julie Chen
Chancellor