DePaul University has canceled all day and evening classes on all of its campuses Tuesday, Sept. 11, to allow the university community to grieve with friends and family during today's national emergency.

"All DePaul students, faculty and staff are safe, and there have been no reported problems on any of DePaul's campuses," said DePaul spokesperson Denise Mattson.

Communication has been somewhat difficult between students and their loved ones due to the high volume of calls coming into the university, Mattson said. Parents who have been unable to reach their sons and daughters by telephone may try contacting them by e-mail. The university's telephone and Internet connections were delayed by the emergency, but many messages were getting through.

As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, the university expected normal operations on Wednesday. However, DePaul recommends that students and employees monitor the emergency closing system broadcast on many local TV and radio stations Wednesday for the most up-to-date information.

On Tuesday afternoon, residence halls and many student services, such as food service and University Ministry, remained available on the Lincoln Park and Barat Campuses, and quiet spaces for prayer and reflection have been established in several locations. A prayer service was held at the Barat Campus at noon, while a Mass was said at noon in Lincoln Park. Counselors and faculty were available on both of DePaul's residential campuses to talk with students. Plans are underway for various open discussions on both campuses tomorrow. Faculty at Barat will host a discussion at noon Wednesday in the Drake Theatre on its campus in Lake Forest.