Support for Tsunami-Affected Members of the Rutgers Community

January 4, 2005

Members of the Rutgers Community:

The entire world has been stunned and deeply saddened to bear witness to the terrible devastation and loss of lives caused by the recent tsunamis in south Asia. I would like to reach out to all Rutgers students, faculty, and staff from the affected region, and particularly those whose families and friends have been personally affected, to let you know that our thoughts and wishes are with you and your loved ones.

Many members of the Rutgers community are already participating in relief efforts, and in the coming weeks and months we will look for appropriate ways to contribute to the response as a university. Also, we expect that some of our students from south Asia or with friends and family from this area will find the emotional strain of this post-tsunami period very difficult to handle. Staff members on each of our three campuses are ready and available to meet with students individually or in groups, and to serve as a resource for any needs, concerns, and issues that students affected by the tsunamis may wish to raise. On the New Brunswick/Piscataway campus, students may contact our Center for International Faculty and Student Services (732-932-7015, ext. 0). In Newark, students may contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (973-353-1427) or the Paul Robeson Campus Center (973-353-5568). In Camden, students may contact Dean Danyelle Thurman or Dean Cynthia Riggs in the Student Affairs Office (856-225-6043). In addition, our counseling centers on all campuses will also be open to assist students through this difficult period, and our faculty and administrators will be as flexible as possible in meeting special needs that any students may have as a result of the tsunami tragedy.

We all feel a profound sense of loss as we consider the horrific impact of the tsunamis. I am certain that those at Rutgers who have been personally affected by this tragedy will find much support, comfort, and compassion from others in our community who have not.

  • Tsunami Relief: Information & Resources

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey