Chancellor

November 17, 2008

Dear Campus Community,

On behalf of our entire University of California, Riverside community, I would like to extend our concern and support to all those affected by the fires that have impacted Southern California over the past several days. While the immediate UCR vicinity has been spared, we are mindful of the fact that campus community members may be commuting from affected areas or may have family or friends in those areas. As a newcomer to this community, I can only imagine the enormous suffering brought about by the devastating fires. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

The University of California, Riverside is committed to providing support to those who have experienced losses as a result of these fires. Available assistance includes the following:

• UCR staff members impacted by the fires should consult their department heads about their individual circumstances and needs. Questions regarding information about leave time, compensation, and related matters may be directed to Heidie Rhodes, Human Resources, at (951) 827-2463 or at heidie.rhodes@ucr.edu
• Faculty and staff members will also find additional support through UC Riverside's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employee Assistance personnel are trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and can provide information and support materials to you and your family. Counseling services obtained through the EAP are free of charge. 24-hour/7-day crisis response is available. Contact Professional Resources EAP at (951) 781-0510 or (800) 266-0510. Additional information is available on the Human Resources web site
• Faculty and staff members with urgent questions concerning available benefits should contact the Benefits staff at (951) 827-4766.
• Students impacted by the fires or who have questions may contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (951) 827-6095. Students may also submit questions to the Dean of Students via the "Ask the Dean" website at http://vcsa-forms.ucr.edu/AVC-DS/AsktheDean. In addition, the Counseling Center encourages students in need of counseling and emotional support services to contact them at 951-UCR-TALK (951-827-8255) or, from campus phones, at 2-TALK (2-8255).

Finally, I ask you to join me in extending our condolences and support to our friends and colleagues at UC Santa Barbara who lost their homes.

Sincerely,
Timothy P. White
Chancellor