Election Week Campus Access, Prayers

Dear friends,

Over the last week, a number of you have reached out to our Andrews University Office of Campus Safety with the request that we limit access to the campus over the first few days of this U.S. elections week.

We are honoring that request.

While we all hope that in the next few days everyone in our wider community will respect the rights of every other individual to hold their own political viewpoints, and to vote according to their personal conscience, we also want to take steps to better ensure that our campus community is and feels safe.

As a result, we will limit vehicle access to our Andrews University campus beginning this Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 1:30 p.m., and through Thursday morning, Nov. 5, at 5 a.m., when campus access will resume normal operations.

During those time frames, vehicle access to campus will only be available through the main entrance on J.N. Andrews Blvd., off of Old US Highway 31. All other campus entrances will be closed.

Individuals who access the campus will do so through the Gatehouse and will be required to provide ID in one of two ways:

• By swiping their valid University ID card on the card reader, which will automatically open the gate
• For those without a University ID, by presenting a valid driver’s license to the Gatehouse operator

If needed, during peak hours the inbound gates may also be opened to accommodate higher traffic volume.

As Campus Safety expands its coverage of our entrances this week, their main office will be closed for walk-in appointments. but the staff can always be reached 24/7 at 269-471-3321.

As we think about the opportunities we all have to peacefully engage in the political process in the United States this week, we’re also reminded of the centrality and power of prayer.

Today, Monday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m., University Chaplain José Bourget invites you to join him, along with other Andrews University and church leaders, for a time of prayer on our Andrews University Facebook page. In a message last week, Chaplain Bourget wrote:

"What are we praying for? Pursuant to our election year theme of civility and non-partisanship, we will pray for the people in this nation to move through the final moments of the election with dignity and honor and respect for each other and democracy.

"'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior … ' (1 Timothy 2:1–3 ESV).

"A prayer for all people so that we may have peace …"

So, please join us, if you can, for this time of prayer on our Facebook page tonight.

Even if you can’t join us online, and whatever your national citizenship or political views may be, we want to also invite you to join us as we continue to pray for peace, and for God’s blessings, upon the United States of America.

Andrea Luxton
President

Christon Arthur
Provost