The recent earthquake in Afghanistan near its border with Pakistan was a devastating event in an area of the world that has seen tremendous upheaval, uncertainty and tragedy. We share your concern and wish to express our sympathy for members of our UC Davis community impacted by this terrible catastrophe.

Those with loved ones in affected areas may find it challenging to get through to them on regular communication channels and may feel helpless, in shock, or even numb to the impact of the natural disaster. We stand by our community and offer support during these trying times. Please utilize these resources to take care of yourself as you cope.

Students

• Make an appointment to speak to someone through Student Health and Counseling Services, which provides services to all registered students in the U.S.
• Students with ties to the area may wish to contact Affaf Waseem, director for Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian Student Resources in the Student Community Center, at awaseem@ucdavis.edu, with any questions or concerns or if you need someone to talk to.

Scholars, faculty and staff

• The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers confidential and cost-free assessment, counseling, consultation and referral services to all UC Davis and UC Davis Health faculty, staff and families. For scholars located in Davis, please call (530) 752-2727 for an appointment. For scholars in Sacramento, please call (916) 734-2727 for an appointment.

UC Davis created a Global Community Emergency Fund to provide direct support to members of the UC Davis community, including visiting scholars, students, faculty and their families, who have urgent and immediate financial needs related to natural disasters, humanitarian crises and other circumstances beyond their control. Please contact A.P. Moore, associate director of development for Global Affairs, for more information.

Additionally, we encourage our contacts in the affected areas to sign up for a virtual backpack through Article 26 Backpack, a joint project between Global Affairs and Human Rights Studies that offers a secure way to store educational documents and other important documents. This cloud-based solution is free to all and administered and protected by the University of California.

We stand in support of the Afghan community.

Sincerely,

Joanna Regulska
Vice Provost and Dean - Global Affairs

Keisha Liggett-Nichols
Chief of Staff and Assistant Vice Provost, Global Affairs

Wesley Young
Director, Services for International Students and Scholars, Global Affairs

Keith David Watenpaugh
Director, Article 26 Backpack and Human Rights Studies