Message from President Coley

August 15, 2019

We are a week from the start of the new academic year. As usual, the beginning of the semester is a time of excitement and anticipation, particularly for the newest members of our campus community. In addition to new faculty and staff, we are preparing to welcome roughly 7,400 new students to our Bronco family this fall. 

The enthusiasm that should accompany this time of year however, is tempered by the violent tragedies experienced by multiple communities across our nation. There have been far too many senseless attacks in our country predicated on hatred and discrimination. I am heartbroken for the lives lost, for their families, and for their communities. As I have reflected on what we can do in the face of these acts of violence, I have come to the conclusion that we must strengthen our resolve to live our values and to care even more fiercely for one another.  

We are stronger when we come together to offer support, engage in dialogue, and affirm our shared commitment to our students, to one another, and to the teaching, research, scholarly, and creative activities that remind us of the power of hope and the potential of our collective endeavors.

Amid these tragedies, the great American novelist Toni Morrison passed away last week. I share her apt words on the subject of despair and the necessity of perseverance: “I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge—even wisdom.”

Please know that your safety and wellbeing are Cal Poly Pomona’s highest priorities. If you, or someone you know, is struggling or needs help, I implore you to make full use of campus resources.

Students may reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), located in Building 66, Room 116. The phone number is 909-869-3220. After-hours and weekend crisis support is available by calling the CAPS main line and pressing “2.”

Employees can call 1-800-367-7474 (CPPLifeMatters) or visit https://www.cpp.edu/~employee-assist/.