January 6, 2005

To the Boston University Community:

The tragic and terrible recent earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean have shocked and saddened the entire Boston University community.

We are closely monitoring the situation as it develops, and we are in contact with students, faculty, staff and alumni who may have been directly affected by this disaster. To date, we have not been notified that any of our students has fallen victim to this tragedy, although we will be fortunate if no one within our community has been directly affected. Approximately 600 of our students come from this region of the world. We are eager to have them back at the University and to provide whatever assistance they may need to resume their studies.

The University's medical, counseling, spiritual and other student support services will remain available to serve affected students who may need them. In addition, students, faculty and staff who have particular concerns, questions or other issues related to the tragedy are encouraged to contact either my office or the Offices of the Dean of Students or the Provost. The support network for students includes the following:

1. The Mental Health and Counseling Clinic at Student Health Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, for professional help;
2. Marsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue, for students who wish to speak with a pastoral counselor, gather in fellowship or spend time in private prayer; and
3. Resident assistants, who are available each business day and on-call in each residence hall and residence area beginning at 5 p.m. and continuously on the weekend to assist students and to refer them to the on-campus support services.

I know that many of you have made contributions to world-wide relief efforts or are looking for ways to make a contribution. The University has established a relief fund to assist victims of the devastating tsunamis. Individuals and groups who wish to make cash contributions to the Boston University Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund may deliver or send checks to:

Boston University
Office of the Dean of Students
Attn: BUTDRF
775 Commonwealth Avenue, 4th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02215

or

Boston University Medical Campus
Office of Business Affairs
Attn: BUTDRF
c/o BUMC Mail Services, L-107
715 Albany Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02118

Checks may be made payable to Boston University, and donors should clearly designate on the memo line that the donation is for the "Boston University Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund." All funds collected, unless otherwise designated, will go to the American Red Cross to assist victims of disaster in the affected areas.

A new national bipartisan effort, led by former Presidents Bush and Clinton, has been established to raise additional funds for the relief efforts. The United States government recommends that individuals who wish to provide assistance make cash contributions to major humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. For further information, please review the material that may be found on the USAID web site. This site contains information regarding the scope of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamis, as well as a listing of organizations accepting donations for assistance they are providing to those affected by the disaster.

I am confident I speak for all of Boston University in expressing our deepest sympathies to the victims and families affected by this great disaster.

Sincerely,
Aram V. Chobanian, M.D.
President ad interim