In reaction to Monday's decision by a St. Louis County grand jury not to indict Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson for killing unarmed teen Michael Brown, Southeast Missouri State University is offering support services to students from that area.

University president Kenneth Dobbins posted a letter to the university community on the school's website, noting the greater St. Louis region is home to about 40 percent of the student body of 12,000. About 300 current Southeast students and many employees who grew up in the Ferguson-Florissant vicinity may have family living near the affected neighborhoods.

Dobbins wrote in his letter the university's first concern is for the health and safety of its students. He said many professional staff are available to help students affected by the situation in Ferguson.

"Please contact me at president@semo.edu or the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@semo.edu to be connected to campus support services. Since our residence halls are open during the Thanksgiving break, students are welcome to stay over the break. If students plan to remain on campus during this break period, they should let their resident advisers know as soon as possible," Dobbins wrote.

He added that this week and in weeks to come, he hopes the Southeast students, faculty and staff will "support one another and take the time to talk respectfully about the greater societal issues raised by these events. The diversity of our student community is one of the characteristics that makes Southeast Missouri State University a wonderful place to learn and to freely express personal beliefs."

Director of Residence Life Dr. Kendra Skinner said about 160 students will stay in the residence halls during Thanksgiving recess. Of those, a little more than 30 are from the St. Louis area, with 19 from the Florissant, Ferguson and Webster Groves area.

"We do believe a few stayed due to the protests," Skinner said in an email.

Students are not charged to stay at the university over the break. Skinner said the university has not traditionally charged for this break because it's only one day longer than fall break.

"We do, however, charge for winter break and spring break since they are longer break periods," Skinner wrote.

She said Chartwells Dining Services will provide dinner for students staying on campus from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Towers cafeteria.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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