A message from Chancellor John Christensen
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
This week, I’ve heard from many members of our university community about their concerns and frustrations over the heightened political discourse surrounding the presidential election. The state’s budget challenges add anxiety as well.
Today, I’m writing to add my voice to the campus conversation and to say: I hear you. Whatever your concern is, please keep in mind we are first and foremost a university community.
UNO is a place for dialogue, debate, and, yes, even ardent disagreements. But, these important conversations should always be respectful. Our campus is exactly where these critical and sometimes difficult topics should be discussed and addressed.
We learn by being challenged, thinking in new ways, and trying to see a perspective from another person’s point of view. After all, Mavericks are independent thinkers. At the same time, how we treat each other matters.
Let me be clear: harassment will not be tolerated. We will maintain a safe and respectful campus community for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This is an essential community standard. Disagreement is expected, but disrespectful and/or hostile behavior is unacceptable.
It takes each of us to protect and grow UNO’s longstanding tradition of inclusion. Our strength has always come from the incredible diversity of our community in age, ethnicity, orientation, origin, geography, income, and beliefs.
Our campus mission of engagement has the powerful ability to connect you to opportunities on campus and in the community that can make a positive difference to an organization or an individual. I encourage you to explore these opportunities.
If you need support for any reason, please know there are specific resources available for you on campus:
It takes each of us to protect and grow UNO’s longstanding tradition of inclusion. Our strength has always come from the incredible diversity of our community in age, ethnicity, orientation, origin, geography, income, and beliefs.
Our campus mission of engagement has the powerful ability to connect you to opportunities on campus and in the community that can make a positive difference to an organization or an individual. I encourage you to explore these opportunities.
If you need support for any reason, please know there are specific resources available for you on campus:
Multicultural Affairs is dedicated to ensuring student success through a variety of programs, services, and direct support.
The Multicultural Affairs Office, located in the Milo Bail Student Center, recently expanded its student support services for the foreseeable future by extending its office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturdays 2 to 5 p.m., and Sundays 5 to 9 p.m.
A student support line has been established to assist students with addressing their concerns and questions. The line is staffed with a Student Affairs Care Team member who can help students resolve problems and support their success. Please call 402.554.4455.
International Programs staff are ready to support UNO students. They are located in Arts and Sciences Hall, room 241. They can also be reached by calling 402.554.2293.
DACA and undocumented students are supported through a dedicated Dreamer’s Coordinator. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to call 402.554.3929 with questions or concerns.
Equity, Access, and Diversity Office: Our Title IX Coordinator responds to all complaints concerning sexual harassment or discrimination. The Bias Assessment and Response Team responds to reports of bias incidents that have been experienced or witnessed. File a report here. The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center fosters equity, access, and inclusion for allgenders and sexualities. Learn about the resources and services here.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides services that can assist students with challenges that have impacted their overall wellbeing. Find a list of those services.
Faculty Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) provides confidential counseling and referral services to benefit-eligible faculty and staff and their eligible dependents.
Public Safety is available to assist our community with any safety needs. You can reach them at 402.554.2648. Find more information about UNO Public Safety.
I am deeply committed to ensuring that UNO remains an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming campus.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen our UNO community. It’s something we can only accomplish together.
John Christensen
Chancellor