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Good evening Tarleton Families,

We would like to share the following communication that was sent by Dr. Ortega, Vice President for Student Engagement & Success, to all Tarleton State Students. Recently several incidents involving students on social media have been reported and Dr. Ortega wanted everyone of our collective responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful community.

Dear Tarleton State Students,

As we conclude another Presidential election, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions and opinions. This time of transition is significant for our country, and for each of us individually. We understand it may lead to passionate discussions and debates. In the months leading up to this election, we have witnessed thoughtful debates within our community as members exchanged ideas and challenged each other’s beliefs. The vast majority of these conversations have aligned with our values of Respect, Integrity, and Excellence, even in moments of tension or disagreement.

However, with emotions running high, some concerns have been brought to our attention. We are reaching out with the following reminders to ensure that we continue to uphold the values that make Tarleton a welcoming community.

First and foremost, please remember our shared values and be kind to each other, whether online or in person. We are all part of the Tarleton family, and we can show integrity and pursue excellence by building a respectful community.

Before posting online or sending a text, take a moment to stop and think. The immediacy of posting and texting—without face-to-face interaction—makes it easy to say things you might not say in person. This can strain relationships, heighten conflicts, and create issues that are hard to resolve. Pausing before you post can prevent messages you might later regret. Remember that anything posted online can remain indefinitely, even if you later delete it.

Consider taking a break from social media. The virtual environment can be both wonderful and challenging. If you’re feeling strong emotions, taking a break can be very beneficial.

If you receive something alarming from an unknown source, please keep the following in mind:

• If you don’t recognize the sender, avoid assuming you know who it might be. Just as we all receive spam calls and texts, similar technology can send concerning content that could come from anywhere—even another state or country.
• Do not engage with the sender. Responding can escalate issues or invite further unwanted contact.
• If you receive threatening or harassing content, please report it. Our support resources are here for you, and taking action can help us maintain a safe environment.

Seek support if the content is distressing. This is a good time to reach out to friends, family, and community members. You also have access to 24/7 support through our Counseling Services phone number and the TELUS Student Support App. Resource information is provided below.

At Tarleton, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive learning environment where all voices are valued and respected.  We encourage thoughtful discussions and civil dialogue, which allow us to learn from each other’s perspectives. Let us not lose sight of our responsibility to uplift one another and create a campus culture where all students feel welcome and safe.

Thank you for your commitment to fostering a respectful, positive campus environment. If you need support or resources to help navigate this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Student Services team.

Reporting & Student Resources

To report an incident:

Incident Report Form

University PD

Stephenville PD

Student Support Resources:

Student Counseling Services

TELUS Student Support App

Sincerely,

Dr. Diana Ortega

Vice President for Student Engagement and Success