This space will be available for publicizing critical information and resources for students and their families impacted by the Southern California wildfires currently burning in several counties. This information was compiled for October 23 publication.

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October 22, 2007

Dear Student Community:

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that many of you and your families are being affected by the wildfires in Southern California. Many of your families are being displaced in the voluntary and mandatory evacuations; some of you have lost your homes and are now beginning to face the hard work of helping your family members rebuild their lives.

Tragedies such as these cause emotional distress and can disrupt your personal and academic life. I want you to know that we in the UCSB community want to support you with the resources available to us and alert you to other resources that might be helpful during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to contact any of the campus offices listed here.

For those members of our community not directly affected by the fires, we hope that you will be sensitive to the stresses that some of our students, staff, and faculty are experiencing.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Young

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Dear UCSB Community:

Some students may have their academic pursuits interrupted by the fires in Southern California. The academic advisors in the College of Letters and Science are available to discuss your concerns about your fall quarter classes. Please feel free to call 893-3201 or come to 1117 Cheadle Hall. Students may also want to keep their instructors or departmental undergraduate advisors aware of their circumstances.

Sincerely,
Alan J. Wyner
Dean of Undergraduate Studies
College of Letters & Science

Dear Students, Staff, Faculty and Parents:

We are aware of the seriousness of the fires in San Diego. Other fires in additional locations may become more prominent in the next few days. Many of our students, faculty and staff are from the San Diego area or have family and friends there. We at Counseling would like to extend our services to those in need of someone to talk with. Counseling is available if you are worried about loved ones, or your family has experienced property loss or damage, or if your family has been evacuated. Please call us and we will arrange for an appointment. Please remember, that roads are blocked and officials are requesting that you do not try to get to San Diego. Your family and friends will feel better if they know that you are safe here at UCSB. For additional information please visit the UCSB homepage.

Be well and stay safe –
Jeanne Stanford, Ph.D.
Director, Counseling Services

Financial Aid Office:

Emergency Short-Term Loans: The Financial Aid Office wants to remind students who experience a cash flow problem as a result of the fire disasters that emergency short-term loans are available. To meet extraordinary needs related to the fires, we have temporarily raised the short-term loan limit from $500 to $1,000 and opened the program to non-financial aid recipients.

Announcements

• Students who need special assistance as a result of recent events should contact Candace Stevenson at the Office of Student Life at 805-893-4569.
• Authorities urge you to stay away from affected areas and off of highways and roads in order not to interfere with emergency response.
• How to help: monetary donations to aid fire victims and victims' families can be sent to the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/profiles/disaster_profile_CAWildfires.html

Resources

Emotional Support and Medical Intervention:

Support groups and counseling for students who are distressed by recent events and want to talk with someone. Please call for further information.

Administrative and Academic Support:

Spiritual Support:

Faculty and Staff Support:

Relevant Websites: