Support for Students Impacted by Wildfires

September 9, 2020

Dear Students and Colleagues: 

As Fall Quarter begins, I write to express Seattle U’s support for those impacted by the severe wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington. Our thoughts are with all of those who are currently relocating to safer areas and will soon embark on a long and difficult road to recovery. Smoke from wildfires in Eastern Washington has made its way into the Seattle metro area; those who are in areas impacted by smoke should exercise caution, particularly those who may have increased sensitivity to smoke and poor air quality. The smoke in the Seattle area is currently forecasted to diminish over the next few days. 

For students and their families who are impacted by wildfires, there are several support resources available at Seattle University, including: 

Housing & Residence Life (206-296-6305)
https://www.seattleu.edu/housing/

For those who may need to remain in campus housing over break periods/return early due to displacement, please call Housing & Residence Life to make arrangements. Your building Area Coordinator, Assistant Area Coordinator, and RAs are great resources for additional support and care throughout the year.

Campus Ministry (206-296-6075)
https://www.seattleu.edu/campus-ministry/

Campus Ministry provides an open and hospitable community to gather in friendship, conversation, discernment and understanding of what one’s purpose is in life, regardless of one’s faith background. You can access support through Campus Ministry by calling 206-296-6075.  

Counseling & Psychological Services (206-296-6090)
https://www.seattleu.edu/caps/

CAPS provides group and individual psychotherapy for students and referral services for those requiring specialized longer term care (note that currently Counseling & Psychological Services can currently serve in-state students through telemedicine only. Referrals for out-of-state students to providers in their local areas are also available). These services are provided free of charge to enrolled students. Visit the Counseling & Psychological Services website or call 206-296-6090 for more information. All clinical services are confidential.  

Student Health Center (206-296-6300)
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-health/

The Student Health Center offers several medical services for enrolled students at a low cost. 

Student Success & Outreach (206-296-6333)
https://www.seattleu.edu/student-outreach/

Student Success & Outreach provides resources, spaces, and programs for all students, and especially adult learners, first-generation students, graduate students, students who commute, students who transfer to Seattle U, and veterans. The Outreach Center can also assist in identifying off-campus sources of support for food, transportation, and other basic needs. We acknowledge and affirm our community’s multiple intersecting identities, including low-income, international, undocumented and DACA, and graduate students. Visit the Student Success and Outreach website or call 206-296-6333 for more information. 

Office of the Dean of Students (206-296-6060)
https://www.seattleu.edu/deanofstudents/

The Office of the Dean of Students is available to offer support and to help students identify on- or off-campus resources that may be helpful during this difficult time. Limited financial assistance may be available for those needing to replace basic school supplies, personal care items, identification cards, and other smaller items. For students who may need to miss classes as a result of these events, the Office of the Dean of Students can help to facilitate communication with your college and faculty. Call 206-296-6060 to schedule a meeting.

Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the wildfires and we hope that you and your families are safe. Please let us know how we can help and support you during this difficult time. 

Sincerely,

James Willette, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students