LETTER FROM DR. MICHAEL L JACKSON

Dear Trojan,

In the Spring of 2008, the Trojan Family lost a young member in a senseless tragedy; a tragedy that may have been avoided if people knew where to go for help or how to get help for another person.  Fueled by this incident, the Division of Student Affairs began to explore ways to avoid this from re-occurring on our campus.  I am very excited to share with you the Division of Student Affairs’ latest initiative, Trojans Care for Trojans.  Building on the long standing tradition of the Trojan Family, Trojans Care for Trojans, is truly about familial relationships and taking care of our own.  Simply put, when a Trojan is in need, a fellow Trojan should help them. 

We understand that this ideal is much easier to say than to actually do. The Trojans Care for Trojans initiative provides assistance to Trojans in need and Trojans looking for ways to assist others. Therefore, the purpose of Trojans Care for Trojans is twofold:  to provide a private and anonymous service for students to express their concerns about members of the Trojan Family and offer connections to institutional support and resources for Trojans coping with personal difficulties. 

The initial phase of Trojans Care for Trojans consists of a set of educational videos emphasizing Trojans helping others.  These videos are intended to empower viewers to take action in tough situations. In addition to the videos, Trojans Care for Trojans consists of a resource website where Trojans can find help at any time of day.  Trojans may also use the anonymous reporting form on the website to inform Student Affairs about an individual in need.  The staff will research each case and take action as needed.  It is our hope that, with your help, we can identify members of our Trojan Family who may need assistance before an issue escalates to an unmanageable degree.

It is important to understand that this initiative is not a crisis response effort, rather it is meant to avert crises by helping a fellow Trojan before their actions become life threatening.  Trojans Care for Trojans is also not a mechanism to be used lightly.  If you believe someone is struggling then let staff in Student Affairs or another office know so they can be helped.  Please understand that Trojans Care for Trojans is not a punitive program.  The intent is to help others, not to get them in trouble.  

Family members take care of each other.  Our Trojan Family is no different.  With your help, we can work to avoid senseless tragedies and keep our family healthy and happy.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Jackson
Vice President for Student Affairs