[Important Information for Employees] Moving Our Campus Community Forward

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,

As final ballot counting turned toward a conclusion this weekend, the
emotional outpouring was stunning to see. Outcomes both nationally and
locally have come into focus.

Your preferred candidates may have won or not won. Either way, accepting
the result and transitioning to the next term is as fundamental as the
election itself.

However, this is just the beginning. I believe we can and need to do more
as we move forward from the election.


*Our Work Together*Our work at SUNY Plattsburgh continues unchanged. The
most important transition we face is not in presidential administrations or
new political players. It is the ongoing and critical work we have ahead to
build an inclusive academy right here at the college, one that is
equitable, just, safe, welcoming for all, and which takes into account the
experiences of our community members in the margins.

That is my first and deepest obligation to students, faculty and staff.

I am appreciative of the conversations led last week by Dr. Kenneth Hardy
with many of you. His insights and approaches helped us identify, vocalize
and process racial trauma among us. He brought forward the need we have,
starting with me, to name and acknowledge painful experiences to promote
healing, elevate dialogue and define the work needed to become truly
student-centered, equity-minded and trauma-informed.

*Supporting Each Other*
I wrote before the election that a willing ear and a friend to lean on is
here. We are a community of Cardinals, and we must stand ready to support
each other. Many individuals over centuries have spoken or written that we
should be kind to one another. Everyone you meet is fighting their own
private battle - just as you are. This is something that is unchanged
throughout history.

Whether personal, emotional, medical or financial, everyone reading this
email is struggling and under pressure of some kind. This should drive us
forward, move us toward each other. Reach out for support if needed and
offer support to fellow Cardinals, even those outside your usual circles.

An inclusive academy is not defined by an election. It is defined by us and
our actions toward each other.

You are a valuable and important part of this community. I am grateful for
each of you.

Dr. Alexander Enyedi
President
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