We return to the campus in the New Year, profoundly aware that members of our campus community have been touched by the overwhelming devastation of the tsunami and its aftermath as this natural disaster hit Asia, on Sunday, December 26, 2004.

The global concern and response to those affected by the disaster is unprecedented, and our UCSD and San Diego communities will continue research on how to give additional support to those in need.

We will continue to work with the many groups on campus to coordinate our efforts to best help in this time of international crisis. Through our "experts on demand" program, many of our faculty are contributing to the scientific information being shared through the media.

As we return to campus, we are aware that the transition may be understandably difficult for many. If this disaster has affected you in a personal way involving your family or loved ones, we encourage staff to speak to their supervisors and our students to consult with their College staff in order to get the support they need. Please call on our campus community to help you during these difficult times.

There are many places to send your support for relief efforts. As we have heard through the national media, there are national and international programs being formed and groups responding compassionately in coordinating relief efforts for the regions affected. I recommend that you visit the San Diego Union Tribune's website, SignOnSanDiego, for more information about where you can send your personal support. Here is a link to access the list of organizations:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20041228-0845-aidsources.html

In addition, the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) is working to raise funds to help the people in Asia affected by the tsunami tragedy; many UPAC clients come from the affected area. The funds raised in their endeavors will be sent to the International Red Cross.

I would ask that everyone take a moment out of your day to reflect on the challenges faced by survivors of this overwhelming disaster. If you would like, please join me in extending our sincere sympathy to those struggling to recover from this horrific event.

Marye Anne Fox Chancellor