I am certainly glad that we are having this service, though I cannot
attend.

I am of two minds about holding classes as usual today. I don't like the
idea of giving way to terrorists and permitting them to disrupt the fabric
of American life. On the other hand, I think that there should have been a
day of mourning here.

I just met my 9:00 a.m. class and was prepared to lecture as usual. But I
assumed (and think that I was correct to do so) that they really would not
want to hear about Puritianism in colonial New England. So, instead of
lecturing, I just opened up the class to the students. I asked some
questions. How should we respond to yesterday's horrors? What restrictions
if any should be imposed on foreigners seeking entry into this country?
Students had some interesting answers to those and other questions. One
student in that class is from Bangladesh. It was useful for him to be
there since he was in a position to offer some important insights on
Islam.

In any case, when and where it is appropriate today, some of you might
find it worthwhile to let your students talk.

Mike Russell

On Wed, 12 Sep 2001, Ellen Neufeldt wrote:

> Please remember the Prayer Service today at 10:30 am.  Due to the large
> number of people expected, the service will be held outside Patten Chapel
> in the quadrangle.  Professors are invited to bring their 10:00 am classes.
>
> Members of the UTC Counseling Center and Campus Ministry Association will
> be present to assist anyone in need.  Also, members of the Campus Ministry
> Association will be available in the Chapel throughout today and tomorrow.
>
>
>
> Dr.  Ellen J. Neufeldt
> Dean of Student Life
> Office of Student Development
> University Center Office 215
> University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
> 423-755-4260
>