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 2^nd 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.
• Students should utilize Student Wellbeing Services 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 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)

Emily Bonner, Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Success (emily.bonner@utsa.edu)

Heather Trepal, Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Student Success (heather.trepal@utsa.edu)

Kristen Lindahl, Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships, Preparation and Growth (Kristen.lindahl@utsa.edu)

Leslie Neely, Assistant Dean, Transdisciplinary Research (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