The task force, formed on May 20, 2013, was chaired by Montana State University President Dr. Waded Cruzado and included Bueermann and University of Connecticut President Dr. Susan Herbst. The task force was charged with conducting a wide-ranging review covering emergency planning related to public safety and business continuity, academic and financial policies and procedures related to maintaining “student in good standing” status, and policies and procedures related to international student immigration.
“On behalf of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, I want to convey my sincere appreciation for the Task Force’s thoughtful and careful analysis,” UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman said. “While the effectiveness of our actions has been widely acknowledged since April 19, we look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the task force and implementing them to the best of our ability.”
The Task Force did not find any indication that UMass Dartmouth could have foreseen the alleged actions of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, nor did the Task Force find any indication that students at UMass Dartmouth were in danger prior to, or after, the bombing of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
“The University’s successful full-campus evacuation demonstrated exemplary leadership and collegiality among campus members and community partners,” Bueermann said “Because of UMass Dartmouth’s strong relationship with local law enforcement and other community partners, the response was calm, orderly, and effective.”
Among several recommendations and observations the Task Force made related to emergency planning, “student in good standing” policy and procedures, and international student issues, are the following: