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LAS embraces UCCS’s core value of Inclusive Diversity. That means that our work is based on mutual respect, engagement and learning for everyone including those from the full spectrum of backgrounds, social identities, abilities, cultures, perspectives and university roles. We cannot accomplish our mission of teaching and research for Colorado and the world without embracing inclusivity. Respect and consideration for only some does not advance an understanding of the human condition and the natural world.

This is only one of many reasons that LAS denounces the recent rise of harassment and violence towards Asian-Americans. As dean, I wish to express my deepest sympathy, not only to the victims in the Atlanta attack, but also to our students, staff and faculty of Asian descent whose deepest fears were confirmed by these horrific acts. The College of Letters, Arts & Sciences stands and mourns with you.

Recognizing that one cannot communicate too much, I repeat here this helpful list of resources shared by the Chancellor:

• The Wellness Center is open with counseling and mental health options available for students.
• The Lane Center is open with counseling and mental health services available for faculty and staff.
• The MOSAIC Center can offer support, solidarity and community in this difficult time.
• If you have experienced an incident of hate or intolerance, please report it immediately to our Office of Institutional Equity.
• If you have experienced anything that has impacted your well-being, please contact our CARE Team through the Office of the Dean of Students.
• If you ever feel unsafe, please contact UCCS Police at 911 in an emergency, or 719-255-3111 to contact dispatch.

Many thanks to these groups, and to all members of the Mountain Lion family who are working hard to support our staff, faculty and students as we face continued challenges. We must continue to work together to fight against hate and to support each other.

L. Lynn Vidler Dean, LAS

Dear LAS Community,

The “spring” term always begins in winter--a period of long nights, cold and darkness. This year, the beginning of the semester also coincides with a dangerous spike in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as political unrest. Many of you have expressed some distraction and anxiety by these events. I feel it as well. Nevertheless, I am also encouraged and optimistic about the future.

Vaccines are currently being distributed across the state. The campus is doing its part to limit the transmission of the virus by beginning the semester remotely. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I believe in the values of our democracy and our Constitution. As John Lewis wrote in a posthumous essay,

“When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”

LAS’s work to advance an understanding of the human condition and the natural world and to communicate this understanding to the people of Colorado and the world at large is an effort at building towards this Beloved Community.

President Norlin, in his 1935 charge to CU graduates, describes the university as an infinite endeavor. We join its family and shine its light towards others. That light, as Norlin reminds us, comes from the lamp in the hands of youth, a symbol on the CU seal, and bears the light of truth and knowledge to the people of the state of Colorado. As current stewards of the university, then, it is our responsibility to meet our students where they are on the first day of class and shepherd them through the pursuit of knowledge for another term.

By the end of the semester, the days will be longer and warmer. More people will have been vaccinated, and perhaps we will be able to more safely celebrate together in person. Until then, I wish you an engaging and meaningful spring term.

L. Lynn Vidler, Ph.D. (they/them/theirs)
Professor and Dean, College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
University of Colorado Colorado Springs