Dean of Students staff offers advice, help

Members of the University Community,

We are all deeply affected by the recent terrorists attacks on the East Coast. Members of the Dean of Students staff are concerned about the emotional impact of these tragic events. In the aftermath of such tragic events we often feel more vulnerable and as if the world is less safe. As a result we worry about our students’ ability to concentrate on their studies and other activities at UW–Madison. They will likely be sorting through the difficult emotional issues of travel home to grieve a family loss; helping children and/or siblings deal with the events; and/or redefining their sense of self and the world.

If you know of students who have a need for emergency financial assistance, the Dean of Students Crisis Fund was established specifically for this purpose. In response to the tragic events in New York City and Washington, D.C., additional dollars are available to assist students who have lost family members. Please encourage students to call the Dean of Students Office, 75 Bascom Hall, 263-5700, to schedule a brief appointment with a staff member. Staff are also available to assist students with counseling needs or contacting professors concerning the need to be with family members. Students needing assistance related to the East Coast tragedy are considered a top priority for the staff.

If the student is in need of individual or group counseling, please encourage them to call the Counseling and Consultation Services, 905 University Ave., 265-5600 during the day or after hours, 265-6565.

Further, campus faculty, staff and students are organizing many events for the next few days to assist us all in coping with and healing from these national events. We encourage you to keep in touch with the Web site National Tragedy: Responses and Resources that has been set up to keep our community informed throughout the week.

Finally, if students are concerned about safety and transportation needs while on campus, please encourage them to use the Late Night Safe Transportation Services — SAFEride bus, SAFEride cab, or SAFEwalk, 262-5000. Hours of operation: SAFEwalk 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. (daily); SAFEride cab 9 p.m.-3 a.m. (daily); SAFEride bus 6:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sun-Thurs, 6:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri/Sat. (SAFE Information 265-5010).

Thank you,

Dean of Students Staff