Dear campus community,
The humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Afghanistan is unsettling and worrisome for many of us at SJSU. The images we have witnessed from news coverage, combined with the very real fear and anxiety felt by those who remain in the country, are deeply troubling. These emotions are shared by family members and friends abroad, and by concerned people everywhere.
As many of you may know, the largest Afghan population in the United States is based in Fremont, right here in the Bay Area. Our campus community includes some Afghan Americans, as well as some Afghan nationals who are part of our international student population. We stand with them during these heart wrenching times, especially knowing the difficulty that family members are having getting information on the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones and colleagues in Afghanistan.
I would also remind you that we were proud to host on our campus, in late 2019, the Pakistani human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai. Yousafzai’s advocacy on behalf of girl’s and women’s rights to a free, safe, quality education – which earned her the Nobel Peace Prize – is internationally recognized, and we strongly support her efforts and share the concerns about the safety and quality of life for women and girls in Afghanistan.
I also understand that some members of the SJSU military veteran community may be experiencing trauma around our government’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. Such feelings of frustration, coupled with the concerns they have about our Afghan allies and our military personnel who remain in-country as withdrawal operations are carried out, are understandable.
The SJSU Veterans Resource Center is an excellent resource for members of our campus veterans community, and I would encourage them to take advantage of what the center offers.
In addition, we continue to offer a variety of resources and counseling services for all students and employees who may be experiencing emotional distress or trauma. Those who would like confidential support are encouraged to contact SJSU Counseling and Psychological Services at (408) 924-5910. Confidential support is also available to SJSU employees through the Employee Assistance Program by calling (800) 367-7474. Additional details on resource availability can be found below.
As we begin the fall semester, please know that the concerns we have for the well-being of our students, faculty and staff are shared by myself and the campus community. Our best resource during difficult times can often be our fellow Spartans, so please reach out if you see someone from our community who may be in need of support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary A. Papazian
President
Resources for students:
If you have a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance please contact Counseling and Psychological Services. There is always a staff member available to assist you. Please call 408-924-5910 or visit us at sjsu.edu/wellness. All of our services are being offered online through confidential video or phone sessions.
For after-hours emergencies, please call 911. If you live on campus, please call campus police at 408-924-2222. You may also call our main number 408-924-5910 after hours and press 4 to connect with the after-hours crisis service.
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7. In addition, you may send a text for help: Text HOME to 741741. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365.
International students who need assistance regarding restrictions on travel and other issues can find resources from SJSU’s International Students and Scholars Services.
Resources for employees:
Counseling for Faculty and Staff
Visit LifeMatters® online for more information. Password: SPARTANS
To speak to someone from LifeMatters® confidentially, call 800-367-7474.
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Line is also available at 855-278-4204 (Toll-free) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also available 24/7.
In addition, you may send a text for help: Text HOME to 741741. The Crisis Call Center will respond 24/7/365.