October 13, 2017 – Support during Wildfire Events

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

While we have been communicating with you this week about wildfires affecting our local communities such as near Paradise, we are learning that a significant number of our campus community members has also been affected in one way or another as a result of the wildfires burning across Northern California.

Some have family members and close friends who lost their homes and all of their belongings. Others have had to return home to help loved ones manage the many logistics that are necessary for a full recovery to everyday living. If you are one of those affected, our hearts go out to you as we wish you, your friends, and your families much patience and perseverance in the coming days and weeks.

We know that some of our affected students are experiencing immense stress and that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus on classwork and related activities. As such, we have sent a message to our faculty members asking that they afford affected students flexibility in an attempt to be responsive to individual needs. Please note that a determination as to level of flexibility will be made on a case-by-case basis. Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities may be consulted if faculty or students have questions about a particular situation.

Also, we are planning for an information table where affected students can go next week to have their questions answered, whether about classes, advising, housing, or counseling as they pertain to students who have been directly affected. Details about the table’s schedule will be made available as early as Monday morning. Stay tuned.

As in all disasters, many of us feel compelled to help in any way we can. Here locally, you can donate to the Northern California Fire Relief Fund(opens in new window) that has been established by the North Valley Community Foundation, which is led by one of our alums. Another good resource is this Sacramento Bee story that includes a long list of opportunities for people who want to help.

As we’ve done before when catastrophes have occurred, we will pull together as a community and provide each other support. I am grateful for the outpouring of concern and support you have already demonstrated to each other during this difficult time for so many in Northern California.