A Letter from Chancellor Woodson

Good morning,

As faculty, staff and students who were directly impacted by the closure of Poe Hall late last year, many of you have said you’re feeling anxious and unsettled as we wait for more answers. It is extraordinarily difficult to be abruptly displaced, to be without some of your personal items from the building and to await a firm timeline of what comes next. 

Adding concerns for your health — and the health of your colleagues and friends — makes this situation even more challenging. 

I’m writing you today not to tell you things you already know, but to reassure you that I understand and hear what many of you are feeling and saying. The testing and evaluation process we’re working through takes time, and the transition out of the building was not perfect. Like you, I want answers, and I understand we’ll receive the initial phase test results and next steps from our environmental consultant very soon. I will ensure this information is made available to you as soon as possible.

Reports of individuals with illnesses and health concerns are unsettling, and I assure you that we are seeking answers about the building with them in mind. In fact, we began investigating and engaging with outside experts and regulatory agencies because of employee concerns. At no point since we began evaluating the building did the university withdraw the Health Hazard Evaluation confidentially requested by employees. We will continue to work with our agency partners as we have always done. Similarly, as we learn more about what we’re dealing with in the building, we will share that with you. 

In the meantime, if you need additional support, I encourage you to seek help and resources. There are also free, confidential resources available to you through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. 

I know that words cannot dispel some of the uncertainty you may feel, but I hope this letter can at least provide you with some comfort and reassurance that we are working very hard to get you answers. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the evaluation process and next steps together.

Thank you,

Randy Woodson
Chancellor