USC Rossier is committed to providing care and compassion during this difficult time

Dear Friends,

The past several weeks have been incredibly difficult for many members of our community.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni have all been profoundly impacted by the violence taking place in Israel and Gaza. Some of us have family and friends in the region and feel the suffering even more intensely. For many of us, the pain this causes can feel isolating and emotionally overwhelming. Our hearts are with everyone who is struggling at this time, and USC Rossier is committed to providing care and compassion during this difficult time.

The safety and support of every community member is our utmost concern. With that in mind, we wanted to recirculate the resources that are available to every Trojan who is struggling.

Just as students navigate the difficulties of this moment in their classes, faculty and staff sometimes are faced with difficult conversations in classrooms and offices. We acknowledge how sensitive and challenging this moment is for you and invite you to contact USC Rossier leadership and consult the resources highlighted below if you need any help. The entire USC Rossier community appreciates everything you do to make your classrooms safe environments for all, and we will do anything possible to assist you in that effort.

The university offers comprehensive counseling and support services for all students, faculty and staff. This includes a variety of mental health and wellness resources that are provided around-the-clock at no cost to you.

Additionally, a network of informational and support resources for times of conflict has been compiled and shared on the Provost’s website. This material is regularly updated and enhanced. It includes resources and information about:

• Safety
• Academic Accommodations
• Mental Health Support
• Reporting Concerns
• Preventing Antisemitism, Islamophobia and Discrimination of Any Kind
• Free Speech Resources

The LiveSafe Mobile Safety App is also available. Through this, mobile users can initiate contact with emergency responders around the University Park and Health Science campuses.

Moreover, USC Office of Religious and Spiritual Life offers confidential spiritual care and counseling to all Trojans. They work closely with USC Student Health and Campus Support & Intervention to offer holistic approaches to counseling.

The care and support for all members of the USC Rossier community is front of mind, especially during difficult moments like the ones we have experienced over the past several weeks. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments or requests.

I wish you all a safe and comfortable end to the semester.

Sincerely,

Pedro A. Noguera, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Education
Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean
USC Rossier School of Education