October 10, 2023

Dear Members of Our Campus Community,

We are writing today with deep care for our students, staff, and faculty, as well as our broader campus community, who are impacted by the violent attacks on Israel and escalating devastation in the region.

There are few words that can adequately express the horrors of war and terrorism. As a campus community we are deeply disturbed and distressed by the brutality and immense loss of life. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, the countless Israeli and Palestinian civilians who are impacted, and all who are affected near and far.

Many within our university family have deep ties to the region. We join you in mourning the loss of innocent lives, in wishing for the safe delivery of people who are being held captive, and in holding out hope that the region and its people can one day experience lasting peace.  

As the current situation unfolds, some may be experiencing stress, pain, and anxiety. We do not want anyone to bear this grief alone. For members of our campus community who may be in need of support, we strongly encourage you to reach out. The following resources are available to you:

  • Students can go to wellbeing.ucsb.edu for a comprehensive list of resources. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (805) 893-4411 (press 2 to speak with a clinician). Should you be concerned about a student in distress, please call (805) 893-3030 or report concerns at https://studentsindistress.sa.ucsb.edu.
  • Staff and faculty can access the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) for support.

We do not know what the coming days and weeks will hold. There are complex histories behind these conflicts and differing opinions about how to resolve them. Here on campus, in these difficult times, let us come together to sustain a community of dialogue, inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Sincerely,

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor

David Marshall
Executive Vice Chancellor


RELATED LINK: University of California statement on Mideast violence