Editor’s note: This was emailed to all students, faculty and staff on Feb. 24, 2017.

Dear Campus Community,

This week brought news of flooding in downtown San Jose neighborhoods and surrounding communities, dislocating thousands of residents and causing extensive damage.

SJSU students and employees are among those who have been most severely impacted. Some of you have been in touch with my office offering information and assistance. I wanted to update you briefly on what we are doing to support members of our community and let you know how you can help.

Student Affairs has arranged temporary campus housing for some displaced students while ensuring that many more have access to information about emergency financial and emotional support.

Any student impacted by the floods can visit the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office in the Student Services Center or submit an online request form and learn about other local support services, including evacuation centers and shelters. Students in need of emergency assistance this weekend can contact University Police at (408) 924-2222; dispatchers will be prepared to connect students with on-call Student Affairs staff.

Flooding and other weather impacts also have been felt by our faculty and staff members. Emergency shelter and other services through the City of San Jose and local relief organizations can be found here.  Those needing assistance with the trauma often associated with this kind of event should reach out to the Employee Assistance Plan.

SJU students and employees still displaced from their neighborhoods will be permitted to park their vehicles in the South Campus Garage at 7th and San Salvador this Saturday and Sunday, February 25 – 26. Parking enforcement will resume Monday, February 27. If neighborhoods remain inaccessible into next week, affected SJSU students and employees will be allowed to park in the south campus Park & Ride lot on S. 7th St. between Humboldt and Alma.

We have reached out to city and community leaders to express concern and offer our help. There are numerous ways you can get involved:

  • CommUniverCity is accepting donations on behalf of neighborhoods affected by flooding. You can designate gifts to: CommUniverCity – Flood Relief here or contact executive director Dayana Salazar.
  • If you would like to participate in neighborhood cleanup and recovery efforts, the City of San Jose has launched a volunteer effort that will continue through Saturday. Learn more or sign up here.

I am grateful for the caring, supportive Spartan spirit on display across campus and throughout our community. I hope you will broadly share the information provided here and encourage others to get involved.