May 11, 2015

Dear Members of our UC Santa Barbara Community,

Earlier this evening an incident off-campus in Isla Vista caused us to alert our community and secure our residence halls and campus buildings. After a quick and thorough search by the UC Police Department and assurances by the Sheriff’s Office that all the suspects were in custody, we notified our campus community that it was safe to resume normal activities.

We have also been notified that those who were injured are currently receiving medical care. While we await more information from the Sheriff’s Office regarding the incident, given the events that took place in Isla Vista almost a year ago, we want to make sure that every member of our university family knows where to turn for counseling and other support, day or night as needed. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling (805) 893-4411. Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) will be open tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for urgent counseling needs, and counselors will also be available at the Associated Students Pardall Center tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition, our CSO Escort Program provides courtesy escorts for our students and community members traveling on campus and in Isla Vista at any time. To request a CSO safety escort, simply call our Police Dispatch line at 805-893-2000. I encourage every student to enter this number in your cell phone now, so that it will be readily accessible when you need it. Escorts can also be requested through the red emergency phones located all over campus.

We are grateful for the vigilance and quick response of the Sheriff’s Office and the UCPD to keep our campus and our community safe. The safety of our students and campus is our highest priority, and we remain fully committed to continuing to work tirelessly with all partners and stakeholders to address the challenges in Isla Vista and improve the living and learning environment there, for the sake of our students and all Isla Vista residents.

I also want to acknowledge the statement from the UC Santa Barbara Associated Students Executive Officers, encouraging everyone to reach out for assistance and also to come together. Please, continue our UC Santa Barbara community tradition of looking out for each other and reaching out to those who may need your help, support, and friendship.

Sincerely,

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor