Helping Those Impacted by the Fires

California is currently battling two very large and dangerous wildfires, one, the most destructive in our history, in the north, the other nearer us in the Malibu-Thousand Oaks area. The fires continue to threaten many neighborhoods, and our thoughts and well-wishes go out to all those who have lost family members or homes, or who are threatened by one of these fires.

While UCI is not affected by the fires and will remain open, we understand that some individuals within the Anteater family are being impacted. More than 200 students come from or have family members in the fire areas, and for those who are feeling distress the UCI Counseling Center is available. Faculty are encouraged to be as flexible as possible with all students – and fellow colleagues – who are impacted by the fires. Supervisors should make every effort to accommodate the needs of affected staff.

Many members of our campus community want to help out in times of need. Financial donations to grantmaking organizations and nonprofit disaster response organizations are considered the best way to help individuals and families affected by disasters. The major providers include:

• The Salvation Army
• American Red Cross
• Ventura County Community Foundation
• United Way of Ventura County
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles
• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund

For up-to-date information and more resources, please click here.

Fiat Lux,

Chancellor Howard Gillman