Nov. 12, 2018
Dear CSUCI Community:
This last week has been an extraordinarily stressful time for everyone in our community. The shootings at the Borderline Bar & Grill and the fires that have left many families further devastated have together taken a significant toll on all of us.
The University has been in constant communication with the Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services throughout this event, and they have informed us that the campus is safe to reopen for classes. VCFD has communicated to us that the Woolsey Fire does not pose a threat to the campus. However, for the latest information on road closures visit: www.vcemergency.com. For those who may still be in need of shelter or other assistance, know that you can call 211 from any telephone or visit the 211 website to be connected to Ventura County resources.
Moving forward, we know that you may have questions about how the remainder of the semester will unfold. We are writing now to suggest some resources and offer guidance. Most importantly, students, please know that all of the faculty and staff at CSUCI remain committed to you, and to your being able to finish this semester successfully. Although classes will resume on Tuesday morning, we know that many members of our community continue to face significant challenges as they process the events of the last week and return to campus.
Students, if you have been directly impacted by the Borderline shooting or the fires, and have lost your possessions or have experienced significant hardship or stress as a result of these recent events, please reach out to faculty who teach your classes and arrange with them how best to proceed in order to meet class and course requirements. If you need help negotiating the remainder of your academic schedule, please contact Ernesto Guerrero, Director of Academic Advising, and he or other advisors in the Advising office (805-437-8571) will be happy to assist you.
The library will open on Tuesday and staff are there to assist you in preparing for exams and assignments. The library staff, as well as the Writing & Multiliteracy Center (805-437-8934) and the Learning Resource Center (805-437-8409) are prepared to help you.
Students who may benefit from additional support are encouraged to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (805-437-2088; Bell Tower Room 1867). In addition, students can utilize the Text Help Line by texting “Hello” or “Start” to 741-741. We also have 24-hour telephone support available to students – please dial the main CAPS number and choose Option 2. Lastly, students can also be referred to our CARE Team or our Dean of Students Office (805-437-8512; deanofstudents@csuci.edu) for additional assistance and appropriate referrals.
Faculty who have questions related to accommodating and supporting students as they complete their academic work should contact their Deans or Program Chairs who also stand ready to support our commitment to academic success for all of our students. It is important given all the work students have completed since classes began last August, that they have every opportunity to complete their requirements and receive full credit for the courses they have taken.
Faculty and staff in need of support services can reach out to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP staff will also be on campus in Solano Hall Room 2210 as follows:
- Tuesday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please contact either one of us if you have any additional questions. Thank you.