Student concerns about mental health and safety after Tuesday’s tragedy were voiced Wednesday evening at an open forum at the Hawthorn Court Community Center.

Terry Mason, director of Iowa State’s Student Counseling Service, set a tone of openness for the meeting, which was attended by about 20 people.

“One of the thoughts we had here at the university was to keep things open,” Mason said. “People during tragedies are all impacted differently. It impacts each and every one of us.”

Dennis Peterson, director of International Education Services, said speaking about the tragedy is the best relief.

“People need to come together and talk it out,” he said.

Mason said he saw the shock of the events on students’ faces yesterday as they watched the events unfold in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

“For a disaster of this magnitude, it is normal for people to be in shock,” he said. “After the shock wears off there may be anger.”

But Mason said he is optimistic about Iowa State’s ability to unite.

“I love ISU and I love Ames, because we are a community that pulls together,” he said. “And I truly believe this will be one of those times.”

Sharon McGuire, director of academic success, said students can come to the Academic Success Center with concerns about discussing the events.

“If you enter into a conversation that is uncomfortable and [you] might not know what to say, we try to help students anticipate those kinds of conversations and have a response ready,” she said.

In addition to discussing the importance of talking about the tragedy, an issue discussed was concern for safety on campus.

With the announcement that the football game this weekend still is a go, students were worried about a combination of alcohol, excitement and stress causing riots after the game.

Public Safety Officer Jeremy Ryal encouraged students not to be concerned.

“There will be officers from the county sheriff’s office, state troopers office, the Ames Police Department and many DPS officers there,” he said.

Ryal said students should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Concerned students should contact Jerry Stewart, interim director of DPS.

Staff members from the Dean of Students Office also will be mingling with tailgaters before the game.