The events of the past week have deeply affected all of us - students, faculty and staff. It is especially important that we at Zayed University respect each other’s feelings and strive to understand the stress we may all experience as the international situation evolves.

While we do not expect any problems, the events may be especially stressful for some of our students and they may act out their feelings in ways that might disturb you. In the event this occurs, the way you respond will be very important to sustaining the strong sense of community that we currently enjoy at Zayed University. Please follow these guidelines:

• Do not get involved, especially if you are a westerner. Your intervention may exacerbate tension, not resolve it.
• Physically distance yourself from any disturbance. Stay in your office or classroom.
• Respect students’ feelings. Do not attempt to intrude on their activities or take photographs.
• Report any event, however small, to the campus director (Chuck Hewitt --x700-- in Abu Dhabi, David McGlennon -x205 in Dubai) at once.
• In general, keep a low profile and strive for balance in your reactions. Remember that we don’t want to inflame feelings.

We’ve created a strong academic community at Zayed University. I am confident that the common history we share will hold us together as we progress through this difficult time.