Vice Chancellor for Equity & Inclusion Dania Matos and Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Sunny Lee shared the following message of support on October 9, 2023:
Dear members of the Berkeley community,
We offer our deepest sympathy to those with friends and family impacted by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake near the city of Herat in Afghanistan. As of latest media reports, there have been more than 2,000 deaths, a number which may climb as the full impact of this humanitarian crisis emerges. We are reaching out to you as our records indicate that you are from or have connections to Afghanistan. You are welcome to share this message with others with connections to Afghanistan.
Please know that your safety and well-being are our top priorities. If you have been impacted by this event, consider exploring academic flexibility as needed with your instructors.
If you feel the need for support, please be aware that the campus has several resources you may wish to explore:
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General Student Support: Visit the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students’ Well Being resource, which provides more information about holistic wellness resources across campus. To discover additional resources and establish connections, reach out to deanofstudents@berkeley.edu
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Mental Health Support:
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Students: Campus counselors at University Health Services at the Tang Center are available on a drop-in basis for urgent concerns. Visit theCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) website or call at (510) 642-9494. When the Tang Center is closed, call the after hours counseling line (855) 817-5667
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Staff and Faculty:Be Well at Work – Employee Assistance provides free, confidential counseling and referrals for staff. To schedule an appointment with an Employee Assistance counselor, please contact (510) 643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu
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Student Financial Support: Learn more about short-term emergency loans, or contactCal to Student Central if you need assistance.
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Academic Accommodations Hub: Should you be grappling with the impacts of this event, we encourage you to explore academic flexibility in consultation with your instructors.
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The South, Southwest Asian, and North African Initiative team has created an online Resource Guide. You may wish to follow them on Instagram and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected as their team provides up-to-date resources.
Be well, and take care of yourselves and each other.
In community,
Sunny Lee
she/her/hers
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
Dania Matos
she/her/ella
Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion