University of Arizona Supports Students Affected by Wildfires

As wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, the University of Arizona (U of A) is taking crucial steps to assist students impacted by the disaster. The dean office will provide support regarding academic and wellness concerns.

Counseling and Psych office of the University of Arizona will also provide mental health services. Approximately 1500 affected students, the university is striving to support its students. The faculty members are also instructed to be flexible with the students.

Academic Flexibility and Support

With the spring semester beginning, U of A faculty members have been instructed to be flexible and understanding toward affected students. Chrissy Lieberman, Interim Dean of Students, emphasized that professors are encouraged to work individually with students facing challenges, whether they are on campus in Tucson or still in California.

“The provost has asked instructors to pay attention to students who are reaching out, letting them know they’re experiencing challenges,” Lieberman stated. “We want to ensure they get the academic support they need.”

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

The emotional toll of natural disasters can be overwhelming. Aaron Barnes, Director of Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS), highlighted the importance of mental health support for students processing the trauma.

“What they are experiencing—the symptoms, the emotions, the thoughts—those are all valid, and it will take time to process,” Barnes said. “But we’re here and ready to support them when they’re ready to seek help.”

The university is also encouraging students to stay connected with loved ones and utilize available support systems. “No one has to go through this alone,” Lieberman noted. “We have many great resources and experts on campus ready to help.”

Personal Accounts: Facing the Wildfires

Lana Bogdanoff, a U of A student from Los Angeles, shared her terrifying experience as wildfires spread around her home.

“It felt like an apocalypse—just so many things happening at once,” she said. Her family narrowly escaped evacuation, and she witnessed her elementary school burn down. As she packed for her return to school, she also had to prepare for the possibility of never returning home.

For students like Bogdanoff, the university is offering long-term assistance. “We have processes and rules, but when these large-scale events happen, we provide flexibility and collaboration across campus,” Lieberman said.

Key Resources for Affected Students of University of Arizona

U of A is providing essential services to support affected students:

• Dean of Students Office: Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering assistance with academic and wellness concerns. Students can visit in person or call 520-621-7057.
• Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS): Provides mental health support, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students can reach CAPS at 520-621-3334.

A Community of Support

As the wildfires continue to affect countless families, the university is committed to ongoing relief efforts. Lieberman encourages students and faculty to support one another and urges anyone willing to contribute to relief efforts to reach out.

“A lot of people are in pain right now,” Bogdanoff added. “Not just me, but so many others who have lost so much.”

The University of Arizona remains dedicated to ensuring that students receive the help they need, whether academically, emotionally, or socially, as they navigate this crisis.