Dear Santa Clara Community, 

We are all watching with deep concern and sympathy the devastating wildfires in Southern California. We know that among those affected are numerous current and potential students, alumni, as well as faculty and staff who live part-time or have homes and family in the region. We pray for the first responders who are battling these tragic fires and for the well-being of our extended Bronco family and all in the region.  

The widespread loss and challenges impacting the area and the first responders are touching our hearts and spurring many to seek ways to help. Here on campus, the following resources are being offered: 

1. As is our protocol in the case of natural or other disasters, the Office of Student Life has reached out to all undergraduate and graduate students who may be impacted to provide assistance or support such as academic accommodations. Any student needing help can fill out a Student Support Reporting Form, and OSL will respond directly.
    
2. The Undergraduate Admission Office is offering to provide assistance such as fee waivers and extensions to affected applicants. 
   
   
3. Impacted faculty should contact the provost’s office for flexibility in how they offer classes during this time.  All faculty are encouraged to offer flexibility to affected students.  
   
   
4. Human Resources will work with any affected employees to offer resources such as emergency loans or temporary leaves of absence. Employees should contact Shirley Mata at smmata@scu.edu or their HR partner for assistance. Support resources are available via our Employee Assistance program at no cost. 
   
   
5. The Los Angeles region is home to one of the largest Santa Clara University alumni communities. SCU’s Switchboard platform allows students, alumni, faculty, and staff to ask for what they need or offer what they have. SCU community members in the impacted areas, or those who wish to provide help, can use Switchboard to seek or offer local aid, such as supplies or a place to stay. Sign-up is free.

For those looking for ways to help the residents or relief agencies in the area, below is a list of some agencies providing critical aid during this crisis. 

• American Red Cross is accepting donations online.  
• The Los Angeles Archdiocese is accepting donations as some area churches provide food and shelter to impacted residents. The Archdiocese has also provided a spreadsheet of other resources for impacted people. 
• The Salvation Army is accepting donations online and has trained staff mobilizing to provide food, water, shelter, and other needed resources.
• The LA Regional Food Bank is acting as a first responder and is accepting online donations. 

As these weather-related crises occur with greater frequency in our world, we remember how our shared Jesuit values call us together as one community, dependent upon one another for resilience, compassion, and care.  

Please reach out to any of the resources listed below if you need additional help or support. 

Sincerely, 

James M. Glaser 
Executive Vice President and Provost

Matthew E. Carnes, S.J.
Vice President, Mission and Ministry

 

Campus Ministry: Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4372 or 408-551-1930 and campusministry@scu.edu.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Located at Cowell Center, CAPS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is reachable at 408-554-4501. Crisis (drop-in) hours are available daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Additionally, CAPS 24/7 provides after-hours crisis calls or teletherapy appointments available through Uwill, and is available by calling (408) 554-5220. Students will speak with a licensed mental health counselor. 

Office of Student Life: The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4583 or by submitting a CARE Referral.

Residence Hall Support: Students who live on campus may reach out to their Resident Director, Faculty Director, or Spirituality Facilitators for support and assistance.

Campus Safety Services: Students can also contact Campus Safety Services for assistance reaching service providers, especially after hours (408-554-4441).

Faculty and Staff Resources: Information about the confidential Concern Employee Assistance Program is available 24/7.