In the aftermath of the enormous earthquake that struck Haiti yesterday, Florida Atlantic University is joining the international relief effort as well as doing everything possible to help FAU’s 370 Haitian students deal with the impact the disaster is having on them. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, leveling major buildings, killing hundreds of thousands of people and leaving thousands more injured. “This is a human tragedy of unprecedented proportions,” FAU President John Pritchett said. “We extend our sincere sympathy and concern to students, faculty and staff who have relatives and friends in Haiti.” The University is assisting those affected by the disaster by providing counseling services and by collecting donations for the people of Haiti.

The Division of Student Affairs is doing the following:

· Counselors are available in the FAU Counseling Center to meet with students who are impacted in any way. Students seeking counseling should contact one of the following offices:
Boca Raton 561-297-3540
Broward Campus 954-236-1210
Northern Campuses 561-799-8621

· The Dean of Students Office will share information regarding resources available to students affected by the disaster. Contact the Dean of Students Office at the following numbers:
Boca Raton 561-297-3542
Broward Campus 954-236-1236
Northern Campuses 561-799-8521

· A unified effort is under way to work with student organizations, such as Konbit Kreyol and the Caribbean Student Association, with support from Student Government, to collect donations for relief efforts. Donations of canned food, non-perishable items and clothing may be made on the Breezeway of the Boca Raton campus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the remainder of this week. All donations will go directly to Haiti for disaster relief.

· A “Reflection Banner Wall” has been created on the second floor of the Student Union for members of the University community to express their support of and concern for those affected by the natural disaster.

The Department of Human Resources reminds faculty and staff that free counseling services are available through FAU’s Employee Assistance Program provider, Horizon Health. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this service should call 1-800-865-3200 or log onto www.horizoncarelink.com; the user ID is Florida Atlantic University and the password is EAP. Click on “My Benefits”and then on “EAP Services.”

Related Resources/Links
1. Federal Response Number: 1-888-407-4747

2. Department of State: http://www.state.gov — main page includes contact number and donation information
3. US Embassy in Haiti: http://haiti.usembassy.gov
4. Embassy of Haiti in the US: http://www.haiti.org
5. Haiti Consular Section in Miami: Phone: (305) 859-2003; Fax: (305) 854-7441

This message has been distributed on behalf of the Office of the President.