[Important Information for Employees] National Election and Our Campus Community

[Office of the President]

Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to share some thoughts and information about campus resources
as we approach Election Day next Tuesday.

With COVID-19 and the rise in early and mail-in voting, many experts
predict this year's process will look more like Election Week or Election
Month. Ballots will be counted in some cases over days and weeks. There may
be court challenges and more. The outcome and implications will not likely
be known on November 4. A helpful *summary of what to expect is here*
<https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-the-ap-calls-races-and-what-to-expect-on-election-night>
.

Here's what we do know: Our democratic process is a precious one, as is the
right to express your views. Whether the platform is social media or a wall
in your room, displays of viewpoints are all over.

We also know from those displays and conversations that this is among the
most divisive elections we have seen. Some of you are fearful. Others are
angry. All of us feel tensions and see cracks in relationships.

To heal, to help you process this time, to care for each other, and to
maintain the bonds of this wonderful campus community, we have several
opportunities to join together over the next few weeks.


*Processing Together*The H.U.B. in the Angell College Center will be
hosting a watch party on Election Night. Space is limited and links to
attend and watch the watch party will also be shared. Campus Housing and
Community Living will also be hosting a virtual watch party. Details on
both will be shared soon.

Additionally, the next in the B.R.A.V.E: Free Speech & Responsibility
Series is Hurting Different — Healing Together. It will be held from noon
to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Institute for Ethics in Public Life is also hosting an event at that
time, a post-election colloquia with senior scholar Stu Brody, who will
examine the decline in civil discourse/moral behavior since 2016. Sessions
will continue at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with founding director Tom
Moran and political science chair Dan Lake conducting an analysis of the
election; and on Wednesday, Nov. 18 with professor emeritus Bob Ackland
leading a conversation on the Enlightenment's antidote to Orwell's 1984.


*Self-Care *Each of us will process events differently. As I said in the
recent town hall, reach out to colleagues, to your peers, to those who can
listen and help you process. A willing ear and a friend to lean on is here.
It is particularly important to be supportive of faculty, staff and
students of color, who are bearing an extraordinary load. We all need
friends, and we should all be one. This is the time to practice radical
empathy.

Students can seek support from the Counseling Center at 518-564-3086;
students can also go to the center office to make an appointment. Hours are
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Employees can seek support from
the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 518-564-3277.


*Bound to Our Community*We are a community of Cardinals, and we stand ready
to support each other. SUNY Plattsburgh has been through many elections and
changes in political leadership. However, we prioritize serving students
and we will always be about that regardless of the election results. This
is who we are.

This election is incredibly important. As an immigrant and a naturalized
citizen, I value the American voting process and the opportunity to
participate. I hope you exercise or have already exercised your right to
vote this year.

Reach out for support if needed and offer support to fellow Cardinals. We
will get through this trying time together.

Dr. Alexander Enyedi
President
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