Supporting Spartans impacted by the Turkey Syria Earthquake

9 February 2023

Dear campus community,

As we continue to listen and see accounts on local and national news regarding the awful earthquake that has occurred in Syria and Turkey, we are again reminded of how local and international events impact the San José State University community.   We would imagine that timely communication to and from the region is difficult, creating a worrisome situation as many painstakingly wait to hear from loved ones.  Natural disasters, such as this, only compound the impacts of an already troubled situation, particularly as Syria is engulfed in an ongoing civil war. We will continue to work with staff and programs to outreach to our affected campus communities. As we learn of resources, and coordination of relief efforts, we will share them through our social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

As we are in full swing of the Spring semester, please know the concerns we have for the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are shared by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and by our campus leadership.  It is our hope that we may continue to exercise grace and provide support as we come back to campus. Please reach out if you see someone from our community who may be in need of support during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Patience D. Bryant, Ph.D. 
Interim Deputy Diversity Officer 
Director of Black and African American Equity
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Resources Regarding the Earthquake:

Campus Support

• SJSU International Student and Scholar Services
• College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE)

Community and local Support

• International Rescue Committee
• Bay Area Turkish Society
• Turkish American Society of California
• Empowering the Turkish American Community 

Provide Support for Victims

• UNICEF
• The UN Refugee Agency 
• Red Crescent

Resources For Students: 

If you have a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance please contact Counseling and Psychological Services. There is always a staff member available to assist you. Please call (408) 924-5910. All of our services are being offered either in person or online through confidential video or phone sessions.  For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at (408) 924-2222. You may also call our main number (408) 924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with after-hours crisis service. 

Resources For Employees: 

Visit LifeMatters® for more information. Password: SPARTANS
To speak with someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call (800) 367-7474.

Resources For All: 

You may also call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 9-8-8.  In addition, you may contact the Crisis Text Line by sending a text for help: Text HOME to 741741. Both lines are available 24/7.