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4/20/2025 (distributed to engineering student listserv)

Dear FAMU-FSU Engineering Students,

We continue to hear from many of you, and I want you to know—we’re listening. Your messages have been thoughtful, respectful, and deeply appreciated. We are with you in these very difficult times, and your well-being remains our highest priority.

As we move through these final two weeks of the semester, please remember that you are not alone. Your instructors are working to provide you with options that reflect both the seriousness of recent events and a commitment to helping you succeed. You should expect to hear from them very soon regarding your options for class instruction for this week, remaining assessments, final exams, and grading policies.

If you have questions, concerns, or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your department chair, Dean Roddenberry, or me directly. We are here for you, and we are committed to doing all we can to support your academic and personal well-being during this time.

With appreciation and care,

Suvranu De, Sc.D.
Google Endowed Dean of Engineering

4/20/2025 (distributed to engineering student listserv)

Dear FAMU-FSU Engineering students,
 
We understand the emotional toll that the shooting at FSU is having on everyone – on students, your families, faculty, and staff.  Communications that students have sent us have been professional and thoughtful, and I thank you for being mindful of the difficulties that we are all facing in this situation.  We want you to know that we are listening to your concerns, and we want to ensure you that we are doing our best to navigate these last two weeks of the semester under these extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing so with your interests at heart.
 
FSU administration provided instructions and guidance to faculty earlier today, and I have echoed FSU’s guidance and provided additional direction to our engineering faculty.  Our engineering dean, associate deans, and department chairs just met to ensure that we are all on the same page and that we are poised to assist faculty and students.  We appreciate your patience, which I know is difficult to have, during this trying time.
 
Your instructors should be working on options for you regarding class instruction for this week, remaining assessments, and final exams.  They should communicate their plans to you by tomorrow evening, or sooner if your class meets on Mondays.  Any adjustments or options that our engineering instructors give will be for all our students, regardless of university affiliation, FAMU or FSU.
 
Note that one of the options for students will be to request an Incomplete grade for the semester.  If your instant reaction is to want an Incomplete grade, please pause that thought and wait a few days before requesting this option from your instructor.  At the moment, this may seem like your only way through, but the other grade options might be just as acceptable and better for you in the long run.  Incomplete grades typically take much longer than anticipated to resolve and can affect subsequent courses because of prerequisite requirements.
 
Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness and understanding.  Please bring any concerns to my or your department chair’s attention.
 
Best regards,
Michelle Rambo-Roddenberry, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

4/219/2025 (distributed to engineering student listserv)

To the Engineering College Community:

It is with profound sadness that we write regarding the tragic shooting on the FSU campus that claimed the lives of members of our FSU community. As we process this devastating event together, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.

Our focus now is on supporting our students, faculty and staff who are trying to make sense of what happened and providing resources to those who are feeling shaken or overwhelmed.

Many in our college community may have known those affected by this tragedy. While we respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time, we acknowledge the impact this event has had on our campus.

We are heartbroken and grieving alongside the entire FSU community. We stand united in supporting everyone who is hurting.

Both universities have counseling services available for students, faculty, and staff. These services can be accessed through the FSU Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255) or https://counseling.fsu.edu/. FAMU services are also available: Office of Counseling Services at (850) 599-3145 or https://www.famu.edu/students/student-resources/health-and-wellbeing/counseling-services/index.php.

Out of respect for the victims and community, we urge people to avoid spreading misinformation and instead focus on grieving and supporting one another. In the wake of this tragedy, we need to prioritize coming together and feeling this grief collectively.

Please know that we are here to support one another through this difficult time. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your department chair, advisor, or the Dean’s office.

With deepest sympathy,

Suvranu De, Sc.D.
Google Endowed Dean of Engineering

 

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