An open letter updating the University of California, Davis, campus community on the investigation into the death of student Andrew Wieman is being distributed beginning today. The letter, written by Calvin Handy, chief of the UC Davis police department, and Carol Wall, vice chancellor for student affairs, has been e-mailed today to deans, directors, department chairs, and campus administrative officers. It also will be published tomorrow in the California Aggie, the student newspaper, and Friday in Dateline, the weekly newspaper for faculty and staff. The text of the letter follows: Dear members of the campus community, Last week the campus experienced a tragedy, the death of Andrew Wieman, an undergraduate student from Eureka majoring in managerial economics. We want Andrew's family and friends to know of our deep concern for them at this time of loss. The campus police and staff from the Counseling Center, Student Housing, and Student Programs and Activities Center (SPAC) have been providing support and assistance to members of Andrew's fraternity. All on the campus are deeply touched by the death of a member of our community and share the sense of loss. We want to remind you all of the support services we have available through the Counseling Center and Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP). We also want to share with you the facts as we know them. The campus police responded to a 911 call last Thursday afternoon. A preliminary assessment of the situation, including a note that may have been written by Andrew, suggested the possibility of suicide, something we never publicize in consideration of the family and friends of the deceased. Late Friday afternoon, however, when the coroner's office reported its findings of a "suspicious death" with the cause of death determined to be stab wounds to the neck and chest, the campus issued a press release and distributed information to staff and students in the Russell, La Rue and Orchard Park residential area. Joint investigations by the UC Davis Police Department and the Yolo County Coroner's Office continue, with close coordination between the two agencies. We anticipate that the progress of the investigations will be slow as the offices, assisted by the California Department of Justice, await the results of tests and analyses and as they continue to pursue the facts of the case. We know that you will appreciate the need for the investigations to be thorough and complete. Responsibility for the final determination in the case rests with the Yolo County Coroner's Office. We will commit to updating the campus community as the investigation moves forward. In this situation, as in all cases when the manner of death cannot be unequivocally determined, the police investigation initially focuses upon the possibility of homicide. Our UC Davis Police Department has acted accordingly, dedicating the efforts of its staff to this case and increasing its visibility on campus through increased patrols. We do not believe that there is reason for you to be more concerned for your own safety than you would under ordinary circumstances. We do encourage you, always, to be vigilant, to be aware of your surroundings and mindful of those around you and, if concerned, to call the campus police at 752-1230. Those who wish to remember Andrew may want to join the memorial service celebrating his life that is being planned for sometime next week by his Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers. Again, to his family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Calvin Handy Chief, UC Davis Police Carol Wall Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs