Dear Friends,

The virtue of our tight-knit Rochester community is diversity. We come from all corners of the U.S. and from the far reaches of the globe to receive the Rochester experience. Living and learning in this rich context of diversity is one essence of our Rochester education.

As a consequence of Tuesday?s destruction, our outlooks on not only our nation?s, but also our personal security have been greatly altered. Insuring our nation?s security is an extremely difficult task, but insuring and preserving the safety of members of our UR community is not difficult. It is our responsibility to make sure that our peers, no matter their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or sexual orientation, feel safe and are safe on this campus. No one on this campus caused yesterday?s destruction, and no retributive action taken against any group or individual on campus will resolve what has happened.

We are a community of many, but in times like this we must rise as one. Our unification will exemplify the community support that our nation needs in order to come together and overcome yesterday?s tragedy. I am confident that we can and will work together to accomplish this.

Let?s be supportive of one another through this difficult time.

Meliora,

John J. LaBoda III

Students? Association President



Students' Association President's Statement On Community Commitment

URochester’s 2026-27 Medical Amnesty Policy now includes student organizations seeking medical help on behalf of their members. The policy says that students, and now student organizations, who reach out for help with substance-related medical emergencies will not suffer consequences for the possession or consumption of alcohol and other drugs in violation of University policy. Read More

Students' Association President's Statement On Community Commitment

Warblers are one of my favorite songbird groups for the many reasons I listed above. While there are multiple groups of songbirds called “warblers,” this article focuses on the species in the Americas, including those in the family Parulidae — also called “wood warblers,” — and why they are one of the most remarkable songbirds. Read More

Students' Association President's Statement On Community Commitment

Hutchison Hall experienced a minor leak in their water line during the week of Sept. 29. Read More