Recent events in Ukraine have generated great concern around the world and on our campus, especially for those in our community with personal ties to the region. We are writing to express our condemnation of the violence in Ukraine and our solidarity with those who are suffering as a result of the incursion. This is an uncertain situation, and we do not know how events will unfold over the coming weeks and months, but we urge community members to seek out the support resources you may need during this time.
Members of Penn’s community have already begun outreach to students who may be impacted by the conflict overseas. Please know that there are a plethora of resources for students who are seeking support. Penn is a caring community and we are here for each other through challenging situations.
Penn Global’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services is available for international students and scholars who have questions about their immigration status because of recent developments. It will sponsor a webinar on Tuesday, March 1, at 4:30 p.m., to provide guidance on the domestic refugee and asylum process. For those who would like additional context about the unfolding situation in Ukraine, Perry World House will hold an expert briefing on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., for which you can register on the website.
We encourage you to use these additional resources if you need support.
- Student Intervention Services (vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu) supports students in crises, helps students access resources, and responds to concerns about students’ well-being.
- Student Counseling (215-898-7021) provides access to a trained clinician by phone, day or night, as well as virtual appointments and a Caring for Yourself and Others page for additional emotional health support.
- The Office of the Chaplain (215-898-8456) provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students of all faiths in need of care and comfort.