Dear University Community:
This is a sad day for Southern California and for our nation. This morning, many of us awoke to the tragic news of a mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. Media outlets have reported that the victims include college students. A sheriff’s sergeant who rushed in to assist was also killed. Our thoughts are with the families of the people who were killed last night and with the survivors.
The survivors include two students who attend our sister campus, Cal State Channel Islands. Staff from our Counseling and Psychological Services are on standby, ready to assist our colleagues as they help students process the tragedy and all they may have witnessed.
The shooting in Thousand Oaks comes just two weeks after shootings in Pittsburgh and Kentucky. As we watch, read, and listen to news reports, these incidents can impact us profoundly. We may experience anguish, grief, sadness, and empathy with the victims and their families. These feelings may cause changes in our behavior and in our overall sense of well-being.
Any student who may wish to speak with someone should visit our Student Health Center. Today counselors are available to students who drop in. The staff of the Cross Cultural Centers are also available to speak with students. Faculty and staff can access support through the Employee Assistance Program. If someone you know is experiencing difficulty, please share this information with them.
During times like these, we can rely on our community for support. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other.
Sincerely,
Bill
11/08/2018