Roger Brindley, vice provost for Penn State Global; Andrea Dowhower, interim vice president for Student Affairs; and Renata Engel, vice provost for online education, share resources available for individuals who have been impacted by the catastrophic earthquake in Syria and Turkey, as well as ways to help with the rescue and recovery.
Like the rest of the world, we are deeply saddened by the catastrophic earthquake and aftershocks in Turkey and Syria and the loss of so many lives. Penn State Global has been in touch with students from these areas and our thoughts are with all of those who have family members impacted by this tragedy. As noted in the message that was shared with our students, we understand how a disaster like this and the resulting anxiety and worry can have an effect on your mental health and academic success.
If you need assistance, please take advantage of these resources:
- We encourage impacted international students to reach out to an international student adviser for help. You can submit a question in iStart.gp.powerorigin.net, make an appointment through Starfish, or call 814-865-6348 (option #1).
- Counseling and mental health services are available through Counseling & Psychological Services, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or at each Commonwealth Campus location.
- Student Care and Advocacy, available at 814-863-2020 or [email protected], supports students in crisis and can help connect you to various resources that offer a range of support.
- The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741) are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
For those who wish to help, there are ways to provide assistance to the rescue and recovery efforts. The following is a list of some of the international relief organizations accepting donations:
- CARE
- Doctors Without Borders
- GlobalGiving
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
- Mercy Corps
- OXFAM
- Save the Children
- The Syrian American Medical Society
- The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations
- UNICEF
For everyone in our Penn State community, we ask that we all come together to support and uplift our students, faculty and staff who have been affected by this disaster.
Sincerely,
Roger Brindley
Vice Provost for Penn State Global
Andrea Dowhower
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Renata Engel
Vice Provost for Online Education
