8:11 p.m.
Dear COEHD Community,
As I shared in a prior communication, Dr. Zaid Haddad was taken into custody by the FBI at
UTSA’s Main Campus earlier this week. UTSA has confirmed that he is under criminal
investigation for charges unrelated to the university. This is a challenging time for all
of us, especially for you, our COEHD community.
We understand the circumstances have been unsettling and want to assure you that COEHD is
working to make resources available to support your needs both academically and
personally. Below is a comprehensive list of assistance available to help you manage the
emotional and mental impact of these events and general updates on ongoing efforts within
the college.
Student Resources Available:
* COEHD arranged walk-in appointments for our students with Wellness 360 in the
Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) 1.500 on Friday May 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Additional group sessions for all students are being scheduled for the coming weeks,
with days/times being communicated via COEHD communications and social media channels.
* If you need assistance at other times of the day or prefer virtual support, please
see the attached flyer on how to access 24/7 Timely
Care<https://utsacloud-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/heather_trepal...;.
* Students should utilize Student Wellbeing
Services<https://www.utsa.edu/students/wellbeing/> to connect with counseling
services and 24/7 assistance.
* Faculty are being encouraged to hold space in class for acknowledgement,
conversations, and open discussions during this difficult time.
Faculty/Staff Resources and information:
* Faculty and staff have access to the Employee Assistance
Program<https://www.utsa.edu/people-excellence/current-employees/benef...
which provides a wide variety of counseling services.
* Dr. Haddad's roles and responsibilities, including his courses, have been
reassigned.
* Wellbeing services have already visited affected classes and will continue to do so
as necessary.
* Wellbeing services is holding group sessions for ILT faculty and staff.
* Additional group sessions for all faculty and staff are being scheduled for the
coming weeks, with days/times being communicated via COEHD communications and social media
channels.
* We are working with campus partners to address the nuance of the unfolding situation
in compliance with university procedures and will provide updates as they become
available.
* We are in communication with our district and community partners and are working to
support their wellbeing during this time.
Additional notes:
* We are sending separate correspondence to COEHD students acknowledging the
situation, emphasizing their wellbeing is our top priority, and providing information
regarding counseling services and future COEHD group sessions.
* A follow-up email will be shared with faculty shortly with tips to navigate a
difficult event. We strongly encourage you take time in your classes to address the
situation openly and authentically. Students will appreciate a space to voice their
feelings and thoughts which may help with their coping and healing.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly for support. We as a community need to
support one another through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mario Torres, Dean, COEHD (mario.torres@utsa.edu<mailto:mario.torres@utsa.edu>)
Emily Bonner, Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Success
(emily.bonner@utsa.edu<mailto:emily.bonner@utsa.edu>)
Heather Trepal, Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Student Success
(heather.trepal@utsa.edu<mailto:heather.trepal@utsa.edu>)
Kristen Lindahl, Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships, Preparation and Growth
(Kristen.lindahl@utsa.edu<mailto:Kristen.lindahl@utsa.edu>)
Leslie Neely, Assistant Dean, Transdisciplinary Research
(Leslie.neely@utsa.edu<mailto:Leslie.neely@utsa.edu>)
--
Mario Torres, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
President's Distinguished Professorship
The University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle, Main Building 3.304
San Antonio, TX 78249
Office: 210.458.5200
Fax: 210.458.4487
Mario.Torres2@utsa.edu<mailto:Mario.Torres2@utsa.edu>