University Statements

John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe Systems Inc., selected as 2020 commencement speaker at University of Utah’s general convocation

John Warnock, a computer scientist and visionary co-founder of Adobe Systems Inc., will deliver the commencement address at the University of Utah’s campus-wide convocation, set for Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Warnock, who received three degrees from the U, used his vision, passion and intellect to launch a business that […]


University of Utah selects Rodney Chatman as new chief of police at the Department of Public Safety

The University of Utah has selected Rodney Chatman as the new chief of police of the Department of Public Safety. Chatman, currently executive director of public safety and chief of police at the University of Dayton in Ohio, will assume his role on Feb. 17, 2020. He will report to Marlon C. Lynch, the U’s […]


U remains committed to free speech on campus

As a leading research and teaching institution, the University of Utah is committed to the principle of free speech, as articulated in the First Amendment, because it fuels the advancement of new ideas and new knowledge, which is at the core of our mission. The debates that arise from the exchange of diverse viewpoints are […]


University of Utah Statement on the Death of Dr. Sarah Hawley

The University of Utah mourns the tragic loss of one of our bright young family medicine residents, Sarah Hawley, MD. Dr. Hawley was a first-year resident who was focusing on continuing her studies in Family & Preventive Medicine. “Dr. Hawley came to University of Utah Health from UC San Francisco to continue her passion of […]


Updated University Statement & FAQ on McCluskey Interviews

The parents of Lauren McCluskey have raised important questions and understandable concerns about campus safety and whether the university’s public safety, student housing and other departments did everything they could to prevent the crime that took their daughter’s life. Lauren’s friends, teachers and all members of the university community grieve the loss of this vibrant […]


Audio files in Lauren McCluskey case

On Jan. 17, 2019, the University of Utah released audio recordings from the Department of Public Safety in the Lauren McCluskey case as the investigation has reached a point where these recordings can be made public. Names of dispatchers, private info and telephone numbers, addresses and dates of birth have been redacted. The first nine […]


RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL IN THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE REGARDING CAMPUS SAFETY

In an op-ed article in today’s Salt Lake Tribune, the parents of Lauren McCluskey raised important questions and understandable concerns about campus safety and whether the university’s public safety, student housing and other departments did everything they could to prevent the crime that took their daughter’s life. Lauren’s friends, teachers and all the other members […]


University of Utah announces actions to improve campus safety and security

University of Utah President Ruth Watkins announced Wednesday actions to improve campus safety in response to an independent review team’s findings and recommendations related to the Lauren McCluskey case. The measures focus on training and education, staffing and improved communication processes. To read the university’s response, click here. They include: Adding staff in the University […]


Statement about Title IX proposed regulations

The U.S. Department of Education today issued proposed regulations governing the way universities handle allegations of sexual assault and harassment as outlined under Title IX, the federal law that protects individuals from gender discrimination and ensures equal access in educational programs and activities. The proposal is now open for public comment, and the regulations will […]


A statement from President Watkins

This has been one of the most tragic events in the history of this University and we are so deeply saddened by the death of Lauren McCluskey. I was in China when the horrible incident took place and came back as soon as I was informed of the tragedy. I have spoken with the McCluskey […]