As you have likely seen in recent media coverage, there have been rising tensions between the federal government of the United States and the government of Iran. As these stories continue to dominate headlines, we acknowledge there are concerns for the impact these events may have on those of Iranian descent, those with ties to other parts of the Middle East, and others, including our veterans and reservists.
The physical and emotional safety and well-being of our students, as well as faculty and staff, is of paramount importance to the university. We are committed to a truly inclusive culture where all can feel safe, respected, and welcome, as reflected in our campus Principles of Community. Students of Iranian descent, those with ties to other parts of the Middle East, and veterans and reservists are invaluable members of our Berkeley community, and should be aware that there are several campus resources should they feel the need for support, including counseling services.
Furthermore, bias, discrimination, and threats harm individuals and our campus community. They are counter to our University values. We remain committed to all communities who may feel the need for support during these times.
At this time, all of our Study Abroad (link is external)sites (including Cyprus, Israel, Jordan and Morocco) are operating normally. Contact the Study Abroad department for questions.
For help navigating these resources, please contact: deanofstudents@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail), or visit deanofstudents.berkeley.edu/well-being(link is external).
- Mental health counseling: Counselors at University Health Services (UHS) at the Tang Center are available on a drop-in basis for urgent concerns: Counseling and Psychological Services website (link is external)or (510) 642-9494 (after-hours counseling line (855) 817-5667). There are mental health professionals trained to provide support to individuals from a wide array of identities, including traditionally marginalized or disenfranchised groups. Additionally, students may use the Muslim Mental Health Initiative (link is external)(MMHI) counseling services, a collaboration between UHS and the Bay Area branch of the Khalil Center.
- Student Legal Services: Advises undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations. (510) 642-3916, sa.berkeley.edu/legal(link is external).
- Berkeley International Office: BIO enhances the academic experiences of international students and scholars by providing expertise in advising, immigration services, advocacy, and programming to the UC Berkeley campus community. internationaloffice.berkeley.edu(link is external).
- Reporting: For information and support on reporting hate crimes or hate-motivated acts: stophate.berkeley.edu(link is external). Student residents can also report incidents in residence halls to their RAs and RD.
- Law Enforcement: Students can and should contact law enforcement directly if you experience physical harm, direct threats or emergency situations.
- University Police Department (UCPD): police.berkeley.edu(link is external), (510) 642 6760.
- Berkeley Police Department: ci.berkeley.ca.us/police(link is external), (510) 981-5900.
- Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement: These centers provide space, programs, and services for Berkeley’s diverse student communities. ejce.berkeley.edu/mcc(link is external), (510) 642-6528.
- Services for veterans and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students: The Cal Veteran Services Center (veteran.berkeley.edu(link is external)) is part of the Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (link is external)(CE3) and expands access and empowers veteran and active duty service member engagement. ROTC program participants may wish to contact their respective programs: Army(link is external), Navy(link is external), Air Force(link is external).
- Student Organizations: our campus has numerous and diverse student organizations that students may wish to get involved in. You can explore at callink.berkeley.edu(link is external).