By Nina Ansas
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

UH-Clear Lake remained calm Sept. 11, as chaos erupted in New Tork and Washington D.C.

Various university departments mobilized their resources and remained on alert to ensure those on campus were safe and informed.

The University Police Department raised its level of attentiveness and officers made themselves more visible in the parking lots and hallways to make students feel safe, said Michael Herbst, chief of police. Patrolling officers prevented motorists from parking too close to buildings, and Herbst dispatched an officer to the University Forest Apartments to ensure residents felt secure.

"There are a lot of international students living there, and we wanted to make sure they felt safe,"Herbst said. The officer went there at about 9 a.m. and stayed until 5 p.m. the following day.

Officers will continue to make rounds at the complex every 30-40 minutes for as long as they are needed. Herbst confirmed that the campus remained calm, although one incident occurred in the Bayou Building as officers walked through an atrium.

"Two American students voiced their opinions a little loudly, and they were taken aside to be talked to,"Herbst said. "We explained to them that we in America are all one and united. They agreed with us and said they shouldn't have said anything."

In case an evacuation of the university had become necessary, the public announcement system in all campus buildings would have alerted occupants to exit. Herbst added the fire alarm could also be used to clear everyone out. Other than the police department, several university offices and the central campus responded to the Sept. 11 events.

Texas Governor Rick Perry stated that government offices would stay open, and each of the university presidents made individual decisions to continue classes. Around 9 a.m. the UH-Clear Lake hotline, activated by the campus police department, stated classes would be held. This was updated at 4:45 p.m. to say UH-Clear Lake would remain open, but the university would respect the decision of those who chose to stay home. Individual faculty members could excuse absences at their own discretion.

The Crisis Management Team met to discuss the changing situation and address the needs of the faculty, students and employees. The faculty and staff decided to wait to see what people needed as they began facing the reality and the consequences of the events. If individuals or groups request special counseling or support in the future, their needs would be addressed.

University President William Staples wrote several letters to students and staff, encouraging those who needed help to speak with a counselor at the Office of Career and Counseling Services. He also relayed information about locations for donating blood.

According to Chris Wynn, Student Life front office manager, the department posted copies of communications on information boards throughout the Bayou Building and distributed them to campus offices. The Information and Assistance Office also offered this information at its counter at the student entrance of the Bayou Building.

Alfred J. Khan, director of career and counseling services, encouraged the UH-Clear Lake community to seek necessary counseling.

Betty Brown, of the counseling staff, said they made sure students were aware these services were available. The counseling staff asked the faculty to post information in classrooms and to encourage students to seek help.

Brown said no one had specifically requested counseling to discuss the terrorism, although the majority of those in on-going counseling sessions wanted to discuss the Sept. 11 events. While considering the entire UH-Clear Lake community, the counseling staff focused on international students.

"In meetings we have discussed whether international students might feel alienated," Brown said.

Linda Bullock, director of multicultural and international student services, joined Dean of Students Darlene Biggers at the University Forest Apartments to meet with international students to reassure them. Bullock sent an e-mail to Middle Eastern student organizations offering support and urging them to report any threats.

"We want to assure everyone that our first priority is to keep calm and make sure everyone is safe," Bullock said.

Tonia Pedersen, executive vice president of the student Accounting Association, said they were trying to coordinate a campus blood drive with M.D. Anderson Hospital.

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