University officials hope to account this week for about 300 students who are residents of countries affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster in South Asia.
The International Studies Office contacted students with residences and families in the affected region during winter break through a mass e-mail extending condolences and offering help to students in need.
International Studies Office Director Rebecca Brown said the office has received little response, but expects to account for most students when they register for classes this week. She added that the University's students from South Asia likely would not have experienced the disaster first-hand.
"Most of the students would not have been from the affected areas," Brown said. "They are mostly from the capital cities or the regional capitals."
University spokesperson Carol Wood said that while the effect among the larger student community may not be immediately visible, it will gradually emerge.
"If you think about how things changed after 9/11, which was certainly different, there was a change in focus," Wood said. "Students start becoming aware of the world beyond their small community. Anything like this raises awareness and probably brings students into classrooms asking questions."
Several University offices are coordinating efforts to alleviate student stress related to the disaster, said Lenny Carter, assistant director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
Although the area hit by the tsunami might seem "half a world away" psychologically, Carter said, some University students likely will feel personally affected.
"Experiencing a trauma, even watching it on TV, is something that can be destabilizing to people," Carter said.
Several student and community groups are coordinating relief efforts. Dina Hardy, organizer of a new student group named Students Helping Asian Relief Efforts, said she found students well-informed about the tsunami disaster and is optimistic about potential contributions from the community.
"The positive response we've gotten from so many people willing to devote their time and energy is just amazing," Hardy said. "A lot of students do care and want to do what they can to help."
Student Council President Noah Sullivan agreed that there will be a significant response from the community.
"U.Va. students are very generous," he said.
Read More
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 5 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
Letter from 12 deans to Board of Visitors goes unanswered for almost two weeks
By Naima Sawaya | YesterdayAt the time of publication, the academic deans had received no response from the Board regarding their offer to meet with the Board “as soon as possible.”
