SUBJECT:

Support for Campus Community Members Affected by Police Shootings

Many of our campus and community members, here in San Diego and across the nation, are affected by the police shootings of Black Americans. The most recent shooting occurred in our local neighborhood of El Cajon. Each is a devastating loss and we share in the grief felt on our campus, in the local community, and across our nation.

We join the call for comprehensive, effective solutions. We have grappled with the complexity of these issues. Over the past year, in partnership with key administrators including UC San Diego Police, we have committed to pursuing cultural shifts that need to take place to increase understanding, accountability, and maintain a healthy campus community.

We urge students and all members of our campus community to care for each other as a united Triton family, and to reach out to faculty, advisors and counselors to talk and express sentiments and needs. We encourage self-care, dialogue and support of one another. We have several resources available for students, faculty and staff, including one-on-one counseling sessions and dialogue groups.

For students, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will be holding dialogue sessions connected with the campus community centers. For more information please go to their web page http://caps.ucsd.edu/. Students can contact CAPS at 858-534-3755 to connect with a mental health provider.

For campus staff and faculty, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is planning a short series of dialogue groups facilitated by professional mental health counselors. The groups will focus on creating a safe, supportive space for often overwhelming emotions attached to these local and nationwide events. The first group will be held on Monday, Oct. 3 from 2-3 pm at University Center 401. For one-on-one sessions, campus staff and faculty can contact FSAP at 858-534-5523. Health Systems staff and faculty are encouraged to call Optum Behavioral Health at 1-866-6205 for individual assistance.

Let us look out for one another and support each other in these challenging times. We will get through this together.

Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Peter F. Cowhey Executive Vice Chancellor Juan C. González Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs Becky Petitt Vice Chancellor – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion